The world lost an awe-inspiringly talented woman when Whitney Houston passed away on the eve of the Grammy Awards in February 2012. Not afforded much time to respectfully put together a fitting tribute, the Grammy producers scrambled to put together a piece for the ceremony’s live airing. They did the best they could with Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson’s performances, but the chance to cook up truly stellar tribute came back around when the Grammy committee hosted “We Will Always Love You: A GRAMMY Salute to Whitney Houston” that aired this past Friday on CBS (Nov. 16).
Filmed in October 2012, Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater was packed with those ready to celebrate Houston’s life and talent. Her mentor Clive Davis, daughter Bobbi-Kristina and boyfriend Nick Gordon, and brother Gary and his wife Pat Houston were all present in the audience.
Jennifer Hudson had the crowd up and on their feet when she opened the show dressed like Whitney circa 1986 and belted a medley of Houston’s dance hits “I’m Every Woman,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” Usher sounded better than ever during his rendition of “I Believe in You and Me” from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack. Gospel powerhouses CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams dueted on “Count on Me,” and holding her own as a powerhouse in her own right, Celine Dion came out of seclusion to pay homage by singing “The Greatest Love of All.”
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The 2020 Grammy Awards paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston with a series of performances honoring her iconic music. Fans around the world tuned in, captivated by some of today’s biggest stars as they sang their own interpretations of her beloved songs. It was an emotional evening that celebrated Houston’s legacy and influence on pop culture and beyond.
The incredible lineup included Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, John Legend, H.E.R., Gary Clark Jr., Lang Lang and more! Each singer brought their unique style to classic hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “Higher Love”, delivering powerful renditions that left viewers mesmerized. While it wasn’t possible for all artists to be there in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, special tributes from Bruno Mars and others were shared throughout the night via video clips.
This recap will take you through each memorable performance from the Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston — a fitting celebration of one of our greatest musical icons!
Overview Of The Event
It was an evening of tribute and remembrance as some of the biggest names in music came together to honor Whitney Houston at a special one-night-only event. The “Grammy Salute To Whitney Houston” featured performances by Celine Dion, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and many more.
The show began with a heartfelt introduction from Clive Davis who shared stories about his time working with Whitney and recounted her enduring legacy. He spoke of her remarkable achievements both musically and personally while remembering her ability to make every room she entered feel like home. This set the tone for what would be an emotional night that celebrated not only Whitney’s incredible talent but also her life story.
Artists took turns performing beloved songs throughout the night, bringing their own unique style to each song they sang in fond memory of their friend. From powerful ballads to upbeat dance tunes, it was clear everyone wanted this night to be something truly special – a moment where we could all come together and remember how much laughter and joy Whitney brought us during her lifetime.
Highlights Of The Night
The evening was filled with performances that brought to life the legacy of Whitney Houston. Celine Dion opened the show with a powerful rendition of “I Will Always Love You”, bringing tears and cheers from the audience. Jennifer Hudson followed shortly after, delivering an emotional performance of “Run To You” which sent chills down everyone’s spines. Usher also put on a stunning show as he sang “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” while Alicia Keys closed out the night with her beautiful take on “Greatest Love Of All”.
Throughout the event there were many touching moments when artists shared stories about how much Whitney meant to them personally or their favorite memories of working together in the studio. Fans even had a chance to hear some never-before-heard recordings from Whitney herself as she introduced her songs in between acts. It was clear that these voices had been missed by so many and it felt like having her back for one more night.
It was an incredibly moving tribute that celebrated not only the incredible talent of Whitney Houston, but also what made her unique – her spirit, joy, and passion for music that will live on forever.
Conclusion
The Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston was an emotional and powerful tribute that paid homage to the Queen of Pop. From her iconic ballads, to her remarkable voice, it’s no surprise why she is remembered as one of music’s greatest stars.
As we watched all the performances throughout the night, I think it’s safe to say that each artist did justice in commemorating such a beloved icon. It was truly amazing how they were able to bring back some of our favorite Whitney hits while still making them sound fresh and new. From Yolanda Adams’ soulful rendition of “I Will Always Love You” to Celine Dion’s heartfelt performance of “Miracle” – every song brought about its own unique emotion for everyone watching at home.
It goes without saying that this will be a night none of us will forget anytime soon; especially considering so many of us grew up listening to Whitney and being inspired by her talent. She may not be with us physically anymore but through these unforgettable tributes from fellow artists, it’s clear that her legacy lives on forever.