Ryan Seacrest is sending his condolences to former American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson, whose mother, brother, and 7-year-old nephew were murdered during a shooting in the family’s Chicago home last Friday.

“We’re praying for her,” the Idol host told People Magazine Thursday. “We’re just thinking about her.”

“I sent her an email to share my sorrow for what she went through and asked her if there was anything we could do,” Ryan adds.

“It’s horrible.”

“I know Jennifer and I always liked her spirit, her strength, her charm, her charisma. She’s a strong and a special girl.”