Jennifer Hudson, David Otunga and their son, David. (photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images)

Jennifer Hudson was the first witness to take the stand Monday during the murder trial of William Balfour, her former brother-in-law, who is being charged for the 2008 slayings of Hudson's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

According to the Associated Press, Hudson said her family was against her sister Julia marrying Balfour because they did not like the way he treated her. Hudson identified Balfour in the courtroom, but chose to be excused before graphic photos of the bloodied bodies of her family members were shown to the jurors.

Dick Clark

This year has been tough on the music industry. A number of iconic figures have died and this week took on a few massive losses.

Dick Clark wasn't a musician, but his impact on the record business was significant. Pop, rock, country, R&B stars and fans mourn the loss of the entertainment giant who died of a heart attack Wednesday at the age of 82.

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Clarence Clemons, Bruce Springsteen (photo: Getty Images/Scott Boehm)

This week, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's album, "Wrecking Ball," debuted at No. 1 on the charts, knocking Adele's "21" out of the top position it has held for more than 20 weeks.

Unfortunately, former group saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died of a stroke last June, isn't here to celebrate with his bandmates.

Bruce Springsteen Aids Search for Missing Boston College Student

But Springsteen is determined to keep alive the legacy of his good friend of 40 years. When playing Austin City Limits Live at the South By Southwest Music Conference and Festival Thursday, Springsteen paid homage to Clemons via a special new member of the touring band, Clemon's nephew, Jake Clemons, who is also a famed sax player who has been a member of Swell Season and performed with the likes of Eddie Vedder and Will Smith.

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Oprah, Bobbi KristinaMusic industry insiders and anonymous family friends have made speculations about Whitney Houston's last days since her death on February 11, but those closest to Houston share their perspectives in an interview with Oprah Winfrey airing Sunday.

Whitney Houston leaves everything to her daughter

Houston's only child, Bobbi Kristina, 19, brother, Gary, and sister-in-law, Patricia, respond to questions about Houston's troubles, marriage to Bobby Brown, road to recovery and legacy.

[Photo: Tibrina Hobson/WireImage]

Bobbi Kristina - the daughter of the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown - turns 19 on Match 4.

Celebrating this year will undoubtedly be difficult: On Feb. 11, her beloved mother was found dead in a Beverly Hilton Hotel bathroom (a cause of death has yet to be determined). The next day, Bobbi Kristina was rushed to the hospital after reportedly having an emotional breakdown (she was released the same day).

She is now being comforted by her grandmother Cissy Houston, Uncle Gary and Aunt Pat.

"She's doing okay," a source close to the family recently told People magazine. "She's still obviously got a lot to deal with but she's doing a little better each day, and being back home in Atlanta seems to be a good thing."

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Heidi Klum, Seal. Getty Images, Jerold HarrisWe didn't want to believe initial reports that favorite celebrity couple Seal and Heidi Klum would be calling it quits after a seven-year marriage that included annual vow renewals. But they released a statement Monday confirming the news.

"While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate," they said.

The announcement was a surprise because the pair didn't appear to have the typical Hollywood union marred by tabloid reports of extramarital affairs.

PHOTOS Heidi out with the kids

Beyonce serenades Etta James and Live Fashion Rocks 2008. Wire Image, Kevin Mazur

After battling various ailments — dementia, kidney problems, and leukemia — for the last several years, legendary blues singer Etta James died at 73 Friday.

James's fans conveyed their regards in online posts and Beyoncé was among them. "This is a huge loss," the singer said in a statement posted on her website. "Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime."

Etta James obituary

Beyoncé had a special connection to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, having performed a number of tributes to the "At Last" singer over the years.

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Rihanna, WireImage, Carlos R. Alvarez

Rihanna's New Year just got better. The "We Found Love" pop star was named this week as the top ranking artist on Nielsen SoundScan's Top Ten Selling Digital Artists list.

WATCH Rihanna's music videos "You Are The One," "We Found More" and more

On the chart that tracks digital sales from July 4, 2004 to January 1, 2012, Rihanna is credited with selling 47.5 million units. A part of Rihanna's success can be attributed to her volume of works. She has released six albums, beginning with 2005's "Music of the Sun," over the course of the tracking period.