Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jennifer Hudson’s new single, “Where You At,” wasn’t even available as a single until Tuesday, and it’s already roaring up the Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B chart.

The song debuted at 53 last week, jumps to 37 this week and will almost assuredly soar again next week.

Jennifer appeared on Oprah Thursday afternoon in what turned out to be a tearful interview.

For those of you who missed it because your station broke in with breaking news from Egypt, Jennifer said she still tries to make her slain mother proud and that striving to do so helps keep her going.

Her mother and two other family members were slain in Chicago in October 2008.  The estranged husband of Jennifer’s sister, Julia, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killings.

Said Jennifer:  “I try to do everything to say, ’OK, will my mother like this? Will she be pleased? Will she be proud of that? How do I know she’s happy and she’s smiling down at me from heaven?’ And that’s what I try to go by and walk by.“

A spokeswoman for Weight Watchers, Jennifer also revealed that she has shed 80 pounds. Here’s a link to the complete AP story on the interview.

Now, other highlights from the music charts:

* Crystal Bowersox’s album dropped from 59 to 94 on the Billboard 200, but still checked in highest among albums from former Idol contestants. It’s been on the charts eight weeks. Three weeks more, and it will match the staying power of the Lee DeWyze debut. That album, “Live It Up” set a record for quickest exit from the Billboard 200 for debut album from and Idol winner.

* Kelly Clarkson’s duet with Jason Aldean, “Don’t You Want to Stay,” climbed to number eight on the country singles chart, up from 10 last week. The song peaked at number 35 on the Hot 100 last week, then slipped back to 36 this week.

* Daughtry’s “September” has seemingly been on the adult contemporary singles chart forever (26 weeks, actually). It’s now at number two. The only obstacle to number one: Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are.”

And now, the complete rundown …