In honor of Whitney Houston, who passed away suddenly on the eve of the Grammy Awards Saturday February 11th at the age of 48, Jennifer Hudson is scheduled to perform a special tribute for her during the awards show.
Though some of the Grammy plans had to be altered to pay tribute to Whitney, there was some that went on as planned in remembrance of her. Her longtime mentor Clive Davis went ahead with his annual concert at the same hotel where her body was found. He dedicated the evening to her and asked for a moment of silence as a photo of the singer, hands wide open, looking to the sky, appeared on the screen.
Houston had been at rehearsals for the show Thursday, coaching singers Brandy and Monica, according to a person who was at the event but was not authorized to speak publicly about it. Two days ago, she performed at a pre-Grammy party with singer Kelly Price.
In a statement, Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said Houston “was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades.”
“Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs,” Portnow said. “A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.”
