Chaka Khan Pulls Out of Whitney Houston Tribute, J Hud Sings I Will Always Love You

February 13th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

The majority of people who were tuned into the Grammy’s last night simply wanted to see how the award’s show would honor the life of legacy of Whitney Houston who passed away just a day before. Shortly after news broke of the singer’s death, Jennifer Hudson was confirmed to be at least one of the artists who would pay tribute to the singer, and there were also rumors circulating that Chaka Khan would perform her hit “I’m Every Woman,” which Whitney took to a new level when she remade the song in 1993.

But during the ceremony, Chaka Khan sent out a tweet letting followers know she’d pulled out of the performance, writing:

 ”As I grieve the loss of my friend and ‘little sister,’ I don’t feel it appropriate to perform at this time. Continue to pray for the family.”

Still, the show went on, and after much anticipation, Jennifer Hudson humbly took the stage in attire reminiscent of the iconic singer but with an air of reverence as she sang one of Whitney’s biggest hits, “I will always love you.” The pressure on her was enormous and while many on my Twitter timeline felt the tribute was unexpectedly short, I think the show did just enough to pay respect without running the risk of ruining classics that no one in our generation has the voice to touch anyway.

In case you missed it, check out the clip of J Hud’s tribute below. How do you think she did? Should more have been done to honor Whitney at the Grammy’s?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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  • Sherri

    Jennifer Hudson has nowhere near the talent of Whitney Houston.  She did that song a great disservice.  It would have been much better to play a video of Whitney singing it rather than having it “sung” by talentless Miss Weight Watchers Jennifer Hudson.

    May you rest in peace, Whitney.  You are gone waaaay too soon.  We love you and will never forget.

    • Laravla

      Are you serious ???? Talentless? What planet are you living on? I think she was a GREAT choice and there is no reason to compare two people who are phenomenal singers.

    • neka

      Wow you sound extremely jealous. Talentless and Jennifer Hudson should never be used in the same sentence. She did an amazing job with her tribute, even though it was short it was beautiful and very touching.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_32RIW3WOPTAPYF7LMIA67I562U Leisa H

    Your friend and little sister, in your own words you talked about your addictions and God. But you would have talked to your sister and friend in seven months. Everyone is saying the same thing. Not many have personal stories about her. I have heard maybe three personal stories. One believe it or not was Bobby Brown’s lawyer Phadera Parks.  She spoke about their praying and her true love for Bobby Brown. Her sense of humor. She had personal side to her that even the greats in the music seem not to be able to share. She didn’t seem to get close to people. Maybe Bobby Brown and her already had the problem and that is why she married him.

    • Llen

      I think that the ones who knew Whitney best, are not saying much to the public due of a deep sense of grief and respect. Those who are speaking probably did not know her well but still thought favorably of her, e.g. Phaedra.

      • Llen

        *due to*

  • CMcmusic

    What A SHOCKER!!!  Why do we lose the super talents?  My sincere prayers for God’s comforting arms, to hold Bobbi Kristina; she is the one who is going thru it and this kind of grief will not leave for a long time.  Only one Whitney Houston…….. in this world!

  • decembersfit

    R.I.P. Whitney Houston

  • Love_Sexy

    Whitney was a true and great entertainer…….A class act…….No other entertainer come anywhere near her level today because most are mediocre or a joke……I am still in disbelief she is gone……RIP

  • Earthspirit

    I thought Jennifer Hudson did a excellent job!  I really don’t know how she she kept it together, personally I would have broke down right there on the stage. I was hoping more artists would have signed up to pay tribute, Whitney had SO many hits besides the signature “I Will Always …” but nonetheless, great J-Hud! RIP Icon Whitney!

  • Kimer33333iiiii3

    My friend just met a chocolate man on Black’whitemeet.COMit’s where for men and women looking for interracial’ship for a fabulous lifestyle
    It’s a nice place for black white sing’les, to interact with each other…no bounds or extremes in front of true love.

    • Love_Sexy

      Your pathetic.

      • Llen

        So is your spelling. It’s “you’re” not “your.” 

        • Love_Sexy

          I didn’t know I was being judge for grammar, spelling etc…on a blog…..It ain’t that deep….Oops did I make an error?….Have a good day.