Jennifer Hudson Returns to Chicago for Christmas Special

Motherhood may have kept R&B singer Jennifer Hudson from the spotlight this year, but the holidays will bring her front and center. The former 'American Idol' star will return to her hometown of Chicago for the ABC special, 'Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas.'

The hour-long prime-time event will showcase the 28-year-old Grammy and Oscar winner performing at such Chicago locations as the local church she grew up singing in and the music academy where she studied. One of the more emotional stops will be her visit with family and "childhood friends and others whose influences have been instrumental in her rise from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom," ABC revealed in a statement.

"I am thrilled that Jennifer chose ABC to be the home for her very first holiday special," said Vicki Dummer, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment Group. "I can't wait to hear her take on Christmas classics as we discover what she loves about her hometown of Chicago." The network says a date and time for the Christmas special has yet to be scheduled.

Hudson, whose mother, brother and nephew were slain last year, has kept a low profile as of late. Her most recent appearance was performing on the set of 'VH1 Divas,' a concert that brought together some of music's most powerful female entertainers.