Whitney Houston died?

[Moz]

Is this for real or one of those stupid "oops, we posted a living person's obituary" thing?

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBIT_WHITNEY_HOUSTON?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[ButterCookie]

It's on BBC News 24's Aston Strap right now. How sad :(

[markolas]

CNN and MSNBC are both reporting it.

[poetinmyheart]

So sad for her daughter and family.

[Nico]

Oh geez. :distress: I'm really sorry to hear this. I loved Whitney for years. I know she'd had a tough past decade or so. My gosh...

[WildHearted]

So sad. She was so young - only 48. Terrible news, really. I think I read that she had just performed at a club somewhere last night.

RIP Whitney. Thoughts going out to her family and friends. She was a superstar.

[Macfanforever]

I just heard the sad news on the radio.I always liked her tunes.

[bluefox4000]

This was a shocker. She was a great talent. It's sad how far she fell. RIP.....sad day indeed:distress:

Mick

[Jondalar]

Is this a hoax? There have been lots of hoax about celebrity deaths lately.

[Macfanforever]

Is this a hoax? There have been lots of hoax about celebrity deaths lately.

Sad to say no.

[BombaySapphire3]

I had just come home from 5 o'clock Mass turned on CNN and saw this..so tragic .God rest her soul.

[vivfox]

I feel so sad for Whitney's loved ones, and her fans. She was a superstar and beloved by many. Her death at such a young age is so tragic.

[BigStevieFan66]

So very sad. A tragic loss on so many levels. Voice of an angel and such talent. Sigh...

[HejiraNYC]

Ugh, what an utter sh*tshow... :distress: Whitney's body is still in the hotel- the same hotel where they are still holding a Grammy-related party thrown by Clive Davis. I mean, how utterly morbid and tasteless is that? Show some f***ing respect!!

[jbrownsjr]

Ugh, what an utter sh*tshow... :distress: Whitney's body is still in the hotel- the same hotel where they are still holding a Grammy-related party thrown by Clive Davis. I mean, how utterly morbid and tasteless is that? Show some f***ing respect!!

That's not far from where I live, and I feel the same way.. :distress:

[jbrownsjr]

My favorite Whitney tune was, "Why Does It Hurt So Bad"

[Macfanforever]

Heres some videos of Whitney.A tribute to her.RIP Whitney......


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wupsPg5H6aE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IdcKLuRjIX0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eH3giaIzONA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tYFHAvULvJ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Kfs37zmBNRw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

My all tme Whitney classic.Dolly Parton cover .


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8QaI-M9sxW4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IQBO_oKkc0E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Macfanforever]

Ugh, what an utter sh*tshow... :distress: Whitney's body is still in the hotel- the same hotel where they are still holding a Grammy-related party thrown by Clive Davis. I mean, how utterly morbid and tasteless is that? Show some f***ing respect!!

I agree ,What poor taste in respect of her.I heard the news from WCBS 880 about her.I have to tune in tomorrow night to see what they say about her.

[mylittledemon]

Shame she never really got to get over her addictions and make a stellar comeback...

I was always partial to "How Will I Know"... her vocals during the chorus were golden

[GoldDustBoy]

Just a couple of days ago I stumbled upon her interview with Diane Sawyer and watched it for the first time. Poor Whitney couldn't beat the addiction. :( RIP

[Jondalar]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5Pze_mdbOK8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Her last album was not bad at all.

[PolishStevieFan]

This is one of the saddest news I've heard lately. I became Whitney's fan twenty years ago, when I was like 8 or 9 years old. I remember going to the music shop in the neighbourhood to buy her album "The Bodyguard" which of course was omniprestent in 1992/1993. I remember "I Will Always Love You" being played constantly in every possible radio station in my country. I remember how I used to collect articles about Whitney. I remember her smile beaming from cover of magazines. I remember dancing to "I Wanna dance With Somebody" on school party. I remember singing her songs on karaoke party with my girlfriend. I remember buying her albums and cassettes. I remember kissing her poster :) I remember how I reacted to her voice for the first time...(I thought it was Cher, because Cher was the only female artist that I knew then:)). I remember how I couldn't choose what to listen to in 1993: Janet Jackson or Whitney. I remember lending albums my friends. I remember how we used to listen to her music collectively. I remember her concert in Poland in 1998...I remember reminiscing the passing of my grandmother right along with Whitney's ballads. I remember praying for her during her "drug days". I remember buying her latest album "I Look To You". I remember how it made me glad to hear her new songs. I remember being saddened by the fact that her tour got so many bad reviews. I remember joyu in my heart each time I heard that young artists saying how influential Whitney was for them. I remember so many beautiful things connected to her music. She was one of my first Idols. I know that her private life has been a constant fight with addictions lately but it is her voice that will stay with us forever. There will be never another Whitney Houston...

And I will remember...

Rest in Peace,
I Will Always Love You Whitney!

[Silver Springs]

I can't say it's a massive shock. She ran herself into the ground with drugs and a terrible relationship. RIP and all that. Just not massively surprised.

[Jondalar]

I can't say it's a massive shock. She ran herself into the ground with drugs and a terrible relationship. RIP and all that. Just not massively surprised.

A very honest statement. I feel the same way. I also sorta fealt that Michael Jackson wanted to die. These deaths are sad but not a shock. My heart goes out to the kids.

[wild-heart]

I feel so so sad. I've grew up with her, her music and her films. I know it's evident that she had her demons and we shouldn't ever be shocked when an addiction like she had takes a life but for some reason I am shocked. I saw her live a few years back and it was clear foreveryone to see she still had problems. That shouldn't really take away from the incredible talent she had though. RIP Whitney, you will be missed. <3

[ironman_01701]

I Will Always Love You" singer died. She was 48. The timing of her death, the eve of the Grammys, the biggest music event of the year, makes the horrible news even more tragic. According to CNN, Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. PT at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

At the time of my posting her body is still at the Hilton Hotel, police, fans, and Paparazzi are surrounding the Hotel. Fame has a toll on a person, and drugs was an excape for her as it was for Fleetwood Mac band.

Show business is an insecure business, fame is always fleeting, old age, a fan base that may not stay with you. You have a major responsibilty to others in your support group. People depend upon you; one is riddled with insecurities, the pressues are enormous!

With a God given talent, Whitney is now with God and more so in the souls of those who heard her voice and know her talent.

[Jondalar]

I wonder if her version of Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You will ever surface.

[Sanne2]

This is so sad, I was a huge Whitney Houston fan in the 90's
I saw some new pics of her yesterday and she looked like a mess :(
R.i.p Whitney, your beautiful voice lives on....

[McTrouble]

What Silver Springs and Jondalar said.

[gypsy4life]

This is devestating! I was constantly pulling for her in my heart. The world has lost probably the best voice that ever was. She coud sing anything.....just a true God given talent. I'll never forget crying during her version of The National Anthem...

God bless her family....this is a pain they will never fully recover from.

I am so tired of drugs stealing the greats from us.....
RIP Whitney.

[CADreaming]

I am really sad about her death. She was so young and it is horrible to see what addiction can do - it steals everything.

I can't help but find the irony in a couple of things about her death - it's been reported that Whitney was found dead in the bathroom and her mother Cissy, was a backup vocalist for Elvis - who also died in his bathroom. Also, Cissy Houston was a gospel singer and the last song Whitney performed live was "Jesus Loves Me".

I hope Whitney is at peace now.

[Macfanforever]

I'm not finger pointing .but I think she made a big mastake when she got involve with Bobby Brown.Meantime my local FM radio station started to play Whitney's music non-stop.My question Why radio dont play the artist tunes while they are alive.

[Villavic]

So sad..
Also sad her voice was not as good as in the past, drugs takes its toll.

Did she finally released Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You? Is it available somewhere?

http://nickslive.blogspot.com/2009/07/whitney-houston-covers-stevie-nicks.html

[GypsySorcerer]

She was an amazing talent. Not only did she have a powerful, beautiful voice, but she was able to convey such joy with it. RIP Whitney.

[Artemis]

It's such a sad loss. I was at a club last night and the DJ announced her death and everyone was just speechless. It's such a shame, I thought Whitney was getting better. :(

[tilthefirefades]

I am very suspicious of her death, because like everyone said, I also thought she was getting better. Either way, it's a tragedy and I don't think we will ever forget what great talent she once had.

[gldstwmn]

Ugh, what an utter sh*tshow... :distress: Whitney's body is still in the hotel- the same hotel where they are still holding a Grammy-related party thrown by Clive Davis. I mean, how utterly morbid and tasteless is that? Show some f***ing respect!!
I couldn't get over that.

[gldstwmn]

I wonder if her version of Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You will ever surface.

Oh that's right. I forgot about that.

[gldstwmn]

Shame she never really got to get over her addictions and make a stellar comeback...

I was always partial to "How Will I Know"... her vocals during the chorus were golden

Then you'll love this:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TCwa0mymt-U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[vivfox]

Ugh, what an utter sh*tshow... :distress: Whitney's body is still in the hotel- the same hotel where they are still holding a Grammy-related party thrown by Clive Davis. I mean, how utterly morbid and tasteless is that? Show some f***ing respect!!


I read they used the party to pay tribute to Whitney. Clive cared about her very much.

[PenguinHead]

A very honest statement. I feel the same way. I also sorta fealt that Michael Jackson wanted to die. These deaths are sad but not a shock. My heart goes out to the kids.

I felt the same way. Sad, but not surprising.

[Villavic]

I am very suspicious of her death, because like everyone said, I also thought she was getting better..

Sometimes people replace one drug with another (remember who replaced cocaine with klonopin, forutnately she is clean now). TMZ said (not confirmed) she mixed Xanax with alcohol. Butlet's see what the final report says.

[tilthefirefades]

Sometimes people replace one drug with another (remember who replaced cocaine with klonopin, forutnately she is clean now). TMZ said (not confirmed) she mixed Xanax with alcohol. Butlet's see what the final report says.

Good point, and I did not think of that :distress:

[Macfanforever]

She was so young.They just did a tribute to her on the Grammys .Heres some info from her updated Wikipedia page.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitney_Houston

I did not know she won about 415 career awards .Yikes. thats alot of awards.

[TrueFaith77]

My favorite Whitney tune was, "Why Does It Hurt So Bad"

Yes! I listened to Waiting to Exhale this weekend. It is her masterpiece. And how many people on Earth get to have a masterpiece?

[jbrownsjr]

Yes! I listened to Waiting to Exhale this weekend. It is her masterpiece. And how many people on Earth get to have a masterpiece?

Agreed,.................

[TrueFaith77]

Here is Armond White's review of the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack and movie, written at the time:

http://idontwanttoseethat.blogspot.com/2012/02/armond-white-reviews-waiting-to-exhale.html

[KarmaContestant]

Wow, what a sleazy move on the part of Sony:

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10394035-sony-hikes-whitney-houston-album-prices-online?chromedomain=digitallife

Sony hikes Whitney Houston album prices online

By Athima Chansanchai

It's easy to get so emotional about a singer after they've passed prematurely, as Whitney Houston did Saturday at the age of 48. But fans seeking to buy her albums in remembrance weren't too happy at sudden price hikes so soon after her death.

The Brits picked up on it quickly, with London-based Next Web writer Matt Brian and The Guardian's Josh Halliday both finding the price increases, which raised Houston's "The Ultimate Collection" 2007 album from £5 (about $7.89) to £8 (about $12.63). In the United States, the cost is even steeper: $15 for the "Greatest Hits" collection at both Amazon and iTunes.

Halliday found out that Sony Music increased the price of "The Ultimate Collection" at about 4 a.m. Sunday, not even 12 hours after news broke of Houston's death. Fans were quick to point fingers at Apple for the anti-sale, but it turned out that when Sony bumped up the wholesale price of "The Ultimate Collection," iTunes and other retailers automatically upped their pricing.

We've reached out to Sony for comment and will update if/when we hear from them.

Digital Spy found consumers who said the price change happened even more quickly: 30 minutes for it to jump from $4.74 to $12.62, which prompted one buyer to fume, "The album itself is great so please don't be put off purchasing it, just [realize] that you will merely be lining some fatcat's pocket before Whitney's lifeless body is cold."

Houston's "iTunes Essentials" album is even more expensive at $18.45 for 15 songs (vs. 36 songs for $14.99 on the "Greatest Hits" album, which was originally released in 2000).

Over at Google Music, you can't find those albums, but there are a smattering of free singles, including "Greatest Love of All" and "So Emotional."

Meanwhile, at Walmart, things are just plain fishy. Though the retail giant has exited the music download business, it is still a massive CD retailer. While the pricing of Whitney's CDs hasn't changed, every single one is listed as 'out of stock online.' Could that really be because of a surge in buying? Or is there a price change afoot?

As of this morning, three of Houston's singles were in the top 10 singles chart at iTunes, including the No. 1 "I Will Always Love You," which was also sung in tribute by Jennifer Hudson at last night's Grammy awards. Houston's "Greatest Hits" album was No. 2 on the iTunes albums chart, runner-up to only Adele, who swept the Grammy awards with hits from her "21" album.

By the end of the week, Houston's sales could even surpass her.

Take our poll and let us know if you bought Houston's music, despite the price hikes.

[PolishStevieFan]

I won't buy any of those overpriced albums-simply because I already own them all. I used to buy her albums regularly, even some compilations. I don't think she will sell more albums and singles than Michael Jackson after his passing but definately there will be some resurgence in her catalog's sales. I hope her 1987's album "Whitney" will be finally certified Diamond, since its last certification (9 x platinum) came in 1995. Must admit that her music is a soundtrack to the Valentine's Day this year:

I Will Always Love You
Run To You
I Have Nothing
Greatest Love of All
You'll Never Stand Alone
I Believe In You And Me

So many beautiful songs... Her talent went to waste too early really...

[MacMan]

Wow, what a sleazy move on the part of Sony:

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/13/10394035-sony-hikes-whitney-houston-album-prices-online?chromedomain=digitallife

Sony hikes Whitney Houston album prices online

By Athima Chansanchai

It's easy to get so emotional about a singer after they've passed prematurely, as Whitney Houston did Saturday at the age of 48. But fans seeking to buy her albums in remembrance weren't too happy at sudden price hikes so soon after her death.

The Brits picked up on it quickly, with London-based Next Web writer Matt Brian and The Guardian's Josh Halliday both finding the price increases, which raised Houston's "The Ultimate Collection" 2007 album from £5 (about $7.89) to £8 (about $12.63). In the United States, the cost is even steeper: $15 for the "Greatest Hits" collection at both Amazon and iTunes.

Halliday found out that Sony Music increased the price of "The Ultimate Collection" at about 4 a.m. Sunday, not even 12 hours after news broke of Houston's death. Fans were quick to point fingers at Apple for the anti-sale, but it turned out that when Sony bumped up the wholesale price of "The Ultimate Collection," iTunes and other retailers automatically upped their pricing.

We've reached out to Sony for comment and will update if/when we hear from them.

Digital Spy found consumers who said the price change happened even more quickly: 30 minutes for it to jump from $4.74 to $12.62, which prompted one buyer to fume, "The album itself is great so please don't be put off purchasing it, just [realize] that you will merely be lining some fatcat's pocket before Whitney's lifeless body is cold."

Houston's "iTunes Essentials" album is even more expensive at $18.45 for 15 songs (vs. 36 songs for $14.99 on the "Greatest Hits" album, which was originally released in 2000).

Over at Google Music, you can't find those albums, but there are a smattering of free singles, including "Greatest Love of All" and "So Emotional."

Meanwhile, at Walmart, things are just plain fishy. Though the retail giant has exited the music download business, it is still a massive CD retailer. While the pricing of Whitney's CDs hasn't changed, every single one is listed as 'out of stock online.' Could that really be because of a surge in buying? Or is there a price change afoot?

As of this morning, three of Houston's singles were in the top 10 singles chart at iTunes, including the No. 1 "I Will Always Love You," which was also sung in tribute by Jennifer Hudson at last night's Grammy awards. Houston's "Greatest Hits" album was No. 2 on the iTunes albums chart, runner-up to only Adele, who swept the Grammy awards with hits from her "21" album.

By the end of the week, Houston's sales could even surpass her.

Take our poll and let us know if you bought Houston's music, despite the price hikes.

Sony apologized... Likely only because they were called out on it:

Sony says it’s sorry it raised prices on two Whitney Houston albums at Apple’s U.K. iTunes store the day after the singer’s death.

On Sunday, Sony pushed through wholesale price changes that moved the retail price of Houston’s “The Ultimate Collection” from 4.99 pounds to 7.99, and “Whitney: The Greatest Hits” from 7.99 pounds to 9.99. The label moved the prices back to their original level later that day.

The story flared up throughout the Web yesterday, and Sony wouldn’t comment on the matter until this afternoon.

Here’s the apology statement: “Whitney Houston product was mistakenly mispriced on the UK iTunes store on Sunday. When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected. We apologize for any offense caused.”

[Macfanforever]

Thats BS.Freeloaders will be online downloading it.

[TrueFaith77]

Amazing.

If there were any doubts about Whitney Houston's greatness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eGIo_SCrN8

[Travis]

RIP Whitney

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36808532?byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="400" height="220" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

~~~~~~~~~~

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2914/whitneyflier.jpg

[olive]

where was all this love for her last when she was alive... all FU@Ked up crawling out of a club bleeding with the guy who pissed on kim kardashian in her sex tape??

[TrueFaith77]

where was all this love for her last when she was alive... all FU@Ked up crawling out of a club bleeding with the guy who pissed on kim kardashian in her sex tape??

I think you're confusing sex tapes?!

[olive]

no i am confused by the out pour of media and cash no one cared last week except to make fun of ..when Whitney was with ray j ( the pee guy) bleeding and wasted coming out of a club, She unfortunately passed away a few days later and all this love for her comes forward from her celeb "friends" and people who have forgotten her and her music .

[TrueFaith77]

ray j peed on kim kardashian in the sex tape??!!

[KarmaContestant]

no i am confused by the out pour of media and cash no one cared last week except to make fun of ..when Whitney was with ray j ( the pee guy) bleeding and wasted coming out of a club, She unfortunately passed away a few days later and all this love for her comes forward from her celeb "friends" and people who have forgotten her and her music .

I see your point, and agree with you - the same thing happened to Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse. While they were still living they were pretty much jokes and media fodder, but after dying people realize what they've lost. The tributes, the outpouring of grief and appreciation, it all seems a bit phony to say the least. But in truth, each death serves as a reminder for us to appreciate the ones we love - celebrities or not - while they are ALIVE, no matter what. People fall, but are still worthy of love, respect and appreciation.

It's just an unfortunate example of typical human behavior. There's a reason for that expression "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." So very true.

[TrueFaith77]

But in truth, each death serves as a reminder for us to appreciate the ones we love - celebrities or not - while they are ALIVE, no matter what.

That's true. One of my closest friends in the whole world is also a person who had been my hero since I was in high school. Seriously, it's as if someone on this board could pick up the phone and have a convo, or go to lunch, or go to a recording session, or WORK on a song/album with Lindsey, Stevie, or Christine. Like I was a die-hard fan before I was a friend. Yet, I wonder how many times I count my blessings or cherish those moments--or how often I just take it for granted. Lots of people would claim their mom or their friends as heroes--which is awesome!--but how many people are lucky enough to be friends with their hero?

Thank you, God, for this blessing!!! :angel:

[olive]

ray j peed on kim kardashian in the sex tape??!!

how do you think she got famous(cuz her mom leaked the tape) and the idol of so many little girls?

[bluefox4000]

Happens all the time......we damn them when they're alive. and they're Geniuses when they die. A bit sickening.

Mick

[HejiraNYC]

Happens all the time......we damn them when they're alive. and they're Geniuses when they die. A bit sickening.

Mick

I don't see anything wrong with honoring someone posthumously after ridiculing him/her in life. I mean, what's the point in ridiculing someone who has died? Does anyone deserve to die because of their personal shortcomings? Death allows people to gain a new perspective on life and puts a purifying filter onto the past. In all of the video tributes to Whitney, we see her as she was at her glorious peak, not the erratic performer she had become. And this is as it should be. All is forgiven in death.

[KarmaContestant]

I don't see anything wrong with honoring someone posthumously after ridiculing him/her in life. I mean, what's the point in ridiculing someone who has died? Does anyone deserve to die because of their personal shortcomings? Death allows people to gain a new perspective on life and puts a purifying filter onto the past. In all of the video tributes to Whitney, we see her as she was at her glorious peak, not the erratic performer she had become. And this is as it should be. All is forgiven in death.

Even so, in many cases, death might be prevented if that forgiveness were granted in life. Perhaps this is not the case with Whitney, since she was so embraced after her supposed rehabs...but...well, there's this thing called the Golden Rule...

Hard to live by, but definitely worth striving for. :nod:

[TrueFaith77]

how do you think she got famous(cuz her mom leaked the tape) and the idol of so many little girls?

I knew there was a sex tape (that I thought emphasized her butt) but NOT that he PEED on her in the tape! How is THAT not the punchline in jokes about it but her butt is??

[olive]

it is on the soup .. Joel even mentions that the mother complains to E every time he does it ..funny how the who idea was hers.

[Silver Springs]

Am I the only person in the world who's bloody appalled by the idea of Whitney having a televised funeral? It couldn't be more lacking in taste and respect.

[olive]

it's not , and they are not doing the3 ring circus in an arena it is at their church , it will be steaming on line ... which a lot of funeral now do for people who are shut in or can't get there , we did it for my father in law his sisters were unable to fly and we also had a snow storm that morning .

[Silver Springs]

it's not , and they are not doing the3 ring circus in an arena it is at their church , it will be steaming on line ... which a lot of funeral now do for people who are shut in or can't get there , we did it for my father in law his sisters were unable to fly and we also had a snow storm that morning .

In your opinion. It's one thing to allow those who knew her to pay their final respects however they can. In my opinion it's just exploitative to garner entertainment from such an occasion. Because that's what it is. It isn't about paying respects. The sheer fact that it's being shown on television proves that. Because money will be exchanged for the "privelidge" of showing it. People are earning from this event and it's disgusting.

[TrueFaith77]

it is on the soup .. Joel even mentions that the mother complains to E every time he does it ..funny how the who idea was hers.

I watch The Soup and I've seen the jokes about Kim and Ray sex tape, but never a reference to peeing. I hope you are not confusing Ray for R Kelly...

[TrueFaith77]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eGIo_SCrN8&feature=fvst

That's amazing.

Here's Armond White on that performance--as showmanship and noblesse oblige--and on reclaiming Whitney's legacy:

http://cityarts.info/2012/02/15/the-whitney-houston-dream-broadway-lessons-from-a-pop-diva/

[PolishStevieFan]

I don't care about Whitney's later problems. For me she's always been beautiful and talented singer. That's how I will remember her. For worse or for better she paved the way for most of contemporary R&B and Pop singers. I know that she lost her voice circa 1996/1997 but her material from the 80's and early 90's is perfect and will serve as a foundation for all time legacy. I hope that people will remember her positively as a immensely talented singer, great performer and beautiful woman. Definately I won't judge her. I've never done so. Some win and some lose their battles with addictions...Stevie is an example that you can overcome your personal demons and even turn it into memorable and timeless art. Whitney didn't have much luck or character to fight her demons that's why ended up in a very sad way. But I will remember forever her beautiful smile on "Whitney" cover!

[KarmaContestant]

Am I the only person in the world who's bloody appalled by the idea of Whitney having a televised funeral? It couldn't be more lacking in taste and respect.

You might be the only one. :laugh:

Her funeral will be private, and closed to the public. There will be no public memorial. Her family is only agreeing to this in hopes of avoiding the debacle of thouands of fans hanging out in front of the church. It's being done out of respect for her fans, since they will not be permitted to participate in person.

[Silver Springs]

You might be the only one. :laugh:

Her funeral will be private, and closed to the public. There will be no public memorial. Her family is only agreeing to this in hopes of avoiding the debacle of thouands of fans hanging out in front of the church. It's being done out of respect for her fans, since they will not be permitted to participate in person.

I can't believe I'm the only one who finds it sick. Surely not. I mean.... money is being exchanged for the privilege of covering what should be a private, intimate event. Nobody should be earning from a tragedy, no matter how it's dressed up as a "gift to the fans".

[Tango]

I don't know that it's sick. I think it gives the family a bit of closure in the way that they best know how. There's a number of them that are entertainers and a number of them that are in the church choir, and they take church to another level. Check out this song from the BET Gospel Awards, featuring Kim and Whitney:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tymN9T6EfBA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Whitney's best friend happens to be a minister. She also happens to have an amazing voice. Her name is Kim Burrell, and her heart is broken-- she was on her way to see Whitney the day she died to be her escort to the party.

[KarmaContestant]

I can't believe I'm the only one who finds it sick. Surely not. I mean.... money is being exchanged for the privilege of covering what should be a private, intimate event. Nobody should be earning from a tragedy, no matter how it's dressed up as a "gift to the fans".

Just curious, where are you hearing that someone is making money off of this? From the articles I read on the matter, it's a free web stream that can be viewed online. Not pay-per-view.

[Silver Springs]

Just curious, where are you hearing that someone is making money off of this? From the articles I read on the matter, it's a free web stream that can be viewed online. Not pay-per-view.

I read that it's also going to be shown on television. Which of course would suggest that they're paying for the privilege.

[KarmaContestant]

I read that it's also going to be shown on television. Which of course would suggest that they're paying for the privilege.

Hmm. Yeah, that's kind of morbid and weird.

[HejiraNYC]

I can't believe I'm the only one who finds it sick. Surely not. I mean.... money is being exchanged for the privilege of covering what should be a private, intimate event. Nobody should be earning from a tragedy, no matter how it's dressed up as a "gift to the fans".

It's not any more or less "sick" than any other funeral for a high profile individual. Whenever heads of state have died (or royalty), their funerals have been broadcast. Their coffins are even dragged along on horse-drawn carriages. Although I think it is a little bit tacky to have a funeral in a sports arena (like Michael Jackson), I think it's rather touching that Whitney will be memorialized in the very church where she came of age. And the fans will want the closure that comes with attending a funeral, even if it's in the virtual sense. If the Houson family is making any money off the broadcast (I don't know if they are), then good for them. I'm sure the funeral will be costly, and from what I've read, Whitney was just about broke and was borrowing money from her record company towards the end of her life.

[Silver Springs]

It's not any more or less "sick" than any other funeral for a high profile individual. Whenever heads of state have died (or royalty), their funerals have been broadcast. Their coffins are even dragged along on horse-drawn carriages. Although I think it is a little bit tacky to have a funeral in a sports arena (like Michael Jackson),

I'm not saying that I don't find those examples sick. It disgusts me how they parade tragedy and make it into a spectacle for other people's entertainment. Death is nothing to be entertained by.

[Jondalar]

Whitney's mom and daughter are devastated. I totally feel for them. I sorta think that Whitney got railroaded. She was too successful for the black community who thought she was catering to whites. Hence, she hooked up with Boddy Brown who she thought had street cred. I think Whitney should of just laughed at her critics. I thin Boddy led her into deeper things. I wish she had more confidence to NOT go down that road.

[iamnotafraid]

So sad. She threw her life and talent away.
Looks like she had help in doing that too.
I hope all the enablers feel good about their
roll in this.

[Macfanforever]

This reminds me of my best friend the same age as me.He's been in and out of AA plus the clinics for years now.He just hang around with the wrong people."Mr Brown" I just talked to him on the phone last night.He said he's doing ok.

[olive]

I'm not saying that I don't find those examples sick. It disgusts me how they parade tragedy and make it into a spectacle for other people's entertainment. Death is nothing to be entertained by.

the "public " demands it .I for the life of me ,will never understand it

with this bizarre obsession of celebrity worship , they need closure .... they have spent their lives idolizing them , dressing like them , shopping for jewelry, make up and clothing like them , collecting cheap and over priced memorabilia,and personal items , pilgrimages to their homes , they spend hours on the interweb searching for that "rare picture , or odd news clip , fantasizing about work they want to see them do , looking to them and their (pick one ) Movies recordings , writings to get them through all the difficult times in their lives , all this and more .... for someone who could care less about them .

they need to grieve the loss because in their minds this person was real to them and so was their relationship with them .

[TrueFaith77]

the "public " demands it .I for the life of me ,will never understand it

with this bizarre obsession of celebrity worship , they need closure .... they have spent their lives idolizing them , dressing like them , shopping for jewelry, make up and clothing like them , collecting cheap and over priced memorabilia,and personal items , pilgrimages to their homes , they spend hours on the interweb searching for that "rare picture , or odd news clip , fantasizing about work they want to see them do , looking to them and their (pick one ) Movies recordings , writings to get them through all the difficult times in their lives , all this and more .... for someone who could care less about them .

they need to grieve the loss because in their minds this person was real to them and so was their relationship with them .

^^^I hope you are not talking about any chiffonheads. :mad:

Whitney Houston is part of how I understand the world, part of my consciousness. I wasn't a fan. I admired her talent, was moved by some of her music, and informed and then inspired by her negotiations of race and sex pressures in the entertainment business. I witnessed her hounded by a lynch mob media. She and MJ were the most influential (and probably greatest) singers of my lifetime. I, for one, appreciate the opportunity to have closure and to share it with others in the culture who recognize our shared experience of Whitney as something that binds us.

[Tango]

By Curt Wagner RedEye
5:21 p.m. CST, February 16, 2012
BET will air live coverage of Whitney Houston's funeral Saturday from New Jersey.

Correspondents April Woodard and Lola Oguinake will broadcast "Live: The Homegoing of Whitney Houston" from the funeral, which will be at Houston's childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18. Another special, "BET Remembers Whitney," will follow.

Houston, who had a very public struggle with substance abuse, died at the age of 48 Saturday after being found submerged in the tub of her Beverly Hilton hotel room by a member of her personal staff.

Here's BET's press release:

The woman, the wonder, the legend ... BET and CENTRIC honor the memory of Whitney Houston with a BET News special LIVE: THE HOMEGOING OF WHITNEY HOUSTON premiering this Saturday, February 18, followed by BET REMEMBERS WHITNEY, a one-hour special commemorating the woman best known as "The Voice."

Beginning at 11:30AM ET/8:30AM PT, BET News and CENTRIC, along with on-air correspondents April Woodard and Lola Oguinake will bring viewers complete live, in-depth coverage of the legendary pop singer's funeral from her childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey. Later that evening at 7:00 PM*, BET News correspondent Bevy Smith sits down with confidants and colleagues of the Queen of Pop including Kim Burrell, Kelley Price, Faith Evans, Ledisi, India.Arie, Tisha Martin Campbell and Tichina Arnold to share tender memories of the superstar's greatest qualities as a vocalist, mentor, mother and friend. BET REMEMBERS WHITNEY takes a deeply personal and heartfelt look at one of music's most beloved and renowned artists and recalls the amazing force behind her meteoric rise to superstardom and her uncanny ability to inspire others in a powerful way—whether in the spotlight or far away from the cameras.

Additionally, LIVE: THE HOMEGOING OF WHITNEY HOUSTON will air internationally on Saturday, February 18 at 4:30pm GMT / 6:30pm CAT and BET REMEMBERS WHITNEY will air internationally on Sunday, February 19 at 7:00 PMG MT / 9:00 PM CAT.


Copyright © 2012, RedEye
redeye-bet-to-air-live-coverage-from-whitney-houstons-funeral-20120216

[PolishStevieFan]

The funeral of Whitney Houston was just like it should be. Not overblown in a Michael Jackson's mode.

[Jondalar]

The funeral of Whitney Houston was just like it should be. Not overblown in a Michael Jackson's mode.

I think you are right. I watched it. Somehow it was star-studded but intimate. It made me really sad. She had her good points. I think Whitney was just caught between who she really was and what the world wanted her to be. She didn't enjoy the spotlight and made bad decisions. She had plenty of enablers.

[WildHearted]

The funeral service was beautiful. I missed the very beginning but I watched most of it and I was very moved. The speeches everyone made were lovely, the performances were touching, and I felt it was a very classy affair. It was definitely a celebration of her life.

By the end of it, I was sitting criss-cross on the floor in front of the TV crying while they lifted her body away as "I Will Always Love You" played...

Gone too soon. Rest In Peace Whitney.

[vivfox]

Did anyone notice Vivica A. Fox was at the funeral?

[WildHearted]

Did anyone notice Vivica A. Fox was at the funeral?

Yep, as were Mariah, Oprah, Mary J Blige, as well as all those who spoke/performed.

[TrueFaith77]

The funeral service was beautiful. I missed the very beginning but I watched most of it and I was very moved. The speeches everyone made were lovely, the performances were touching, and I felt it was a very classy affair. It was definitely a celebration of her life.

By the end of it, I was sitting criss-cross on the floor in front of the TV crying while they lifted her body away as "I Will Always Love You" played...

Gone too soon. Rest In Peace Whitney.

Very well put. Thank you. Your experience of it very much reflects mine.

[desertangel]

She sure had a God-given talent. She inspired and brought happiness to many people. Sad when people like that get lost and are short-lived. She was honored, rightfully so, in a way that was respectful of who she was as a person. That she ended up where she started out, completed the circle of her life. I too am glad her family saw to it that she be sent off with dignity and not with a public spectacle sports arena-type-thing... that was kind of sad, but MJ just kinda was a spectacle anyway... all due respect.

[CADreaming]

By the end of it, I was sitting criss-cross on the floor in front of the TV crying while they lifted her body away as "I Will Always Love You" played...



That was so moving, with her mother being led out behind the casket.

By the way, I kept thinking it was Carole King sitting in the choir loft but it was a lady named Bette Sussman who played keyboard on The Bodyguard tour and Carlos Rios played guitar on that tour. I had no idea.

[Macfanforever]

I missed the coverage.But ist probably be online or youtube already.I'll watch it later.