Jennifer Hudson almost turned her back on her singing career altogether after the murders of her mother, brother and nephew last October (08), according to her close pal Fantasia+Barrino">Fantasia Barrino.

Hudson's mum Darnell Donerson and her brother Jason were found shot dead at their home in Chicago, Illinois on 24 October (08). The singer/actress' seven-year-old nephew, Julian King - son of sister Julia - was also killed. His body was found in an abandoned car three days later.

The Grammy winner went into hiding after the tragedy, and was so distraught by her loss, she nearly quit music.

Barrino tells Essence magazine, "What happened to her was such a tragic thing. I remember her telling me that she didn't even feel like singing. (She had) a hot song (Spotlight) and a fresh video but none of that really mattered."

Hudson returned to the limelight in February (09) - and Barrino is delighted to see her friend in good spirits once again.

She adds: "I know she can't forget about what happened, but a lot of people were praying for her and it worked. She's up now; she's up. She's moving. I'm just happy she's back on the mic."

And Hudson credits her faith in God with helping to pull her through her tough times - and encouraging her to go back to her music roots: "The thing that keeps me going is knowing that God is in control. It's like, if He placed me here then I must be prepared.

"When you're in a room full of people who love you, all that energy in the room comes to you. The feeling just takes over. Music is who I am."