Daily News Feed 11.14.08

Jennifer Hudson Moves Forward With Ad Campaign
Jennifer Hudson continues to mourn her family tragedy. Still, the Gap has just launched its new holiday ad campaign, which features a cheery photo of Hudson smiling and wearing a bright red sweater. While the timing may seem inappropriate, a rep for the clothing-store giant assures us that Hudson has given her blessing to use the image. Hudson was given the option to back out, according to Gap spokesperson Olive Doyne. “She said she wanted to be a part of it and that we should move forward,” Doyne says. Hudson was photographed for the ad by Michael Thompson back in July in New York City. (Continue Reading…)

Kanye West says he’s ‘voice of this generation’
Kanye West is to music what Michael Jordan was to basketball — at least that’s what West thinks, in his humble estimation. “I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice,” he said in an interview on Wednesday. “It’s me settling into that position of just really accepting that it’s one thing to say you want to do it and it’s another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan.” The Grammy-winning rapper-producer said Justin Timberlake had a chance to be music’s MVP, but hasn’t put out enough material. (Timberlake’s last album was in 2006, while West released a CD last year and is releasing his latest — “808s and Heartbreak” — on Nov. 24.) “There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin went on vacation I made albums,” he said. “And it just came out to be that.” West, 31, said life has been difficult since his mother’s death. Donda West died last November after having plastic surgery. (Continue Reading…)

Crowd of 1 Million Could Attend Obama Inauguration
President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration is expected to draw 1 million-plus to the capital, and already some lawmakers have stopped taking ticket requests and hotels have booked up. Some people are bartering on Craigslist for places to stay for the Jan. 20 ceremony when the Illinois senator takes the oath of office. They are offering cash or even help with dishes for residents willing to open up their homes. The National Park Service, which is planning for an inaugural crowd of at least 1 million, will clear more viewing space along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route. Jumbo TV screens will line the National Mall so people can watch the inauguration and parade, park service spokesman David Barna said Thursday. (Continue Reading…)