2008-11-10

WHITNEY: "I DIDN`T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH"

Songwriter Diane Warren told Billboard magazine: "I have a great song Whitney Houston`s doing that I think she`s going to sing as her comeback song. It`s called "I Didn`t Know My Own Strength" and I really wrote it for her and I don`t really write songs for people a lot of times, but I wrote that for her. She sounds great from what I heard. I`m also working with Tokio Hotel. I just did a song that Akon did, I did something that Sean Kingston`s doing and I`ll be working with Leona Lewis and Chris Brown on their upcoming albums." (BILLBOARD)

2008-11-10

DAVID FOSTER WILL ALWAYS LOVE WHITNEY

David Foster, the great Canadian song-enabler, has worked with 'em all, but he retains a special place in his heart for one Whitney Houston. When he collaborated with the superstar songbird way back when on the soundtrack of "The Bodyguard", Foster enjoyed that rare kind of success. "In the months and years that followed", Foster writes in his new memoir, "Hitman" (Simon & Schuster), he often heard "I Will Always Love You" described as 'the love song of the century' and I`m not going to argue with that." Whether you loved or hated it, the producer goes on, "the song made you feel and at the end of the day that`s what it`s all about." When the Grammys came around in 1994, all hell broke loose. "Record Of The Year", "Album Of The Year", "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" and "Producer Of The Year". David and Whitney. Whitney and David. Together, they cleaned up. It`s fascinating to read - especially in the light of all the Whitney drama that was to follow - Foster`s take now on the then-nascent performer. "A revelation", he says she was in the studio. Also, a challenge. And get this: "You could feel she was in the room before you saw her and you knew she was gone even if you hadn`t seen her leave." (NATIONAL POST)

2008-10-18

DEE DEE WARWICK HAS PASSED AWAY AT 63

Dee Dee Warwick, a soul singer who won recognition for both her solo work and her performances with her older sister Dionne Warwick, has died. She was 63. Warwick died Saturday at a nursing home in Essex County, said Kevin Sasaki, a family spokesman. She had been in failing health in recent months, he said and her sister was with her when she died. Warwick had several hits on the soul and R&B charts in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Foolish Fool", "She Didn`t Know (She Kept On Talking)" and a version of "I`m Gonna Make You Love Me" that was later covered by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Warwick also was a two-time Grammy Award nominee and sang backup for Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and others before starting her solo career. Warwick was the niece of gospel singer Cissy Houston and a cousin of Whitney Houston. Born in Newark, Warwick was a teenager when she began singing with her older sister in the late 1950s. The two performed as "The Gospelaires" and also collaborated and sang with the "Drinkard Singers", a long-running gospel group that also featured some of the Warwicks' aunts and uncles and was managed by their mother. Most recently, Warwick provided background vocals for her sister's recent one-woman autobiographical show, "My Music & Me," which played to sold-out crowds in Europe this year. She also performed on the title song from Dionne Warwick`s gospel album, "Why We Sing", released January 2008. (BILLBOARD)

2008-09-23

JENNIFER HUDSON CLAIMS WHITNEY SAVED HER CAREER

The actress-and-singer - who was a contestant on US TV talent show "American Idol" in 2004 - insists Whitney`s ongoing support and advice has been crucial to her success. She said: "I sang a Whitney song on "American Idol" and we have been in contact ever since. I wouldn`t be here without her. There has been nothing better than having her support." When Jennifer performed Whitney`s powerful ballad "I Have Nothing" on the series, judge Simon Cowell - who had been critical of her performances - praised her as "sensational". Despite the initial platform "American Idol" provided for her, Jennifer has cut all ties with the music mogul. She explained to Britain`s Daily Star newspaper: "Simon is firmly in my past. What he said on the show had no impact on my career afterwards. I feel I am one of the few artists to have escaped the "American Idol" tag." After her exit from the programme, Jennifer concentrated on breaking into acting and incredibly won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in 2007`s "Dreamgirls". The 27-year-old star has now turned her attention back to music and has surrounded herself with some of the industry's hottest songwriters to achieve chart success. She added: "I took my time to find the right songs. I have been blessed by being able to work with great songwriters on my album like Diane Warren, Robin Thicke and Ne-Yo. "I don`t write the music myself but these people listened to my stories and wrote some incredible music specifically for me to sing." Jennifer`s self-titled album is due to be released later this month. (ALL HEADLINE NEWS)

2008-08-05

WHITNEY IS TRYING TO FIND HER PLACE

R&B star Ne-Yo has said that Whitney Houston is trying to "find her place" in today`s music industry. The pop diva has been absent from the charts for nearly six years, but is planning to release her comeback album later this year. Ne-Yo, who has been working on songs for the album, insisted that Houston is committed to regaining her place at the top of the charts. "I think this record`s about her trying to find her place in all this", he said. "She's been gone for quite some time, but the voice is still very much a factor so it`s just a matter of her finding her place in this new industry." He also praised Houston`s work ethic, saying: "She's definitely being hands on with this project." (DIGITAL SPY)

2008-07-31

AKON TALKS ABOUT WORKING WITH WHITNEY

Besides Nelly and Ashanti on "Body on Me" and DJ Khaled on "Out Here Grindin'", Akon`s other big guest appearance is Whitney Houston on "Like I Never Left". "I really enjoyed working with Whitney", Akon said. "She was mad cool. Down to earth, yet conservative, polite. She felt like a high school friend. She felt mad approachable, cool as hell. We had a great time working. The chemistry was right on point. The record shows it, because we came up with a smash." The duo sing about losing love and trying to rekindle a flame like the good old days. "I want you to hold on", Houston sings on the chorus. Akon chimes in: "Like I never left". I realize I been foolish, I never should have turned my back", Houston sings. "Cause it`s a cold world when you`re out there all alone. So many times I wanted to pick up the phone and tell you, Ooh baby, baby, I miss your loving so. Do you think we can pick up where we left off before the day. That I told you it was over, packed my things and moved away?" Akon asks later. "Without you, my world is just an empty place." "She`s not singing about nobody", Akon insisted, knocking down any thoughts that Houston might be singing about her ex Bobby Brown or her rumored current man, Ray J. "She really ain`t. Actually, we switched some words around so people don`t think she was singing about Bobby. This record is more of a record that anyone going through that situation would be able to relate to. It`s just the fact that she got out of a situation is what made it more relevant. I`m doing two records for her album." (MTV)

2008-07-26

WHITNEY FEAT. AKON - "LIKE I NEVER LEFT"

The legendary Whitney Houston returns with the appropriately titled "Like I Never Left" produced by and featuring hitmaker Akon. There is no official confirmation whether the mid-tempo song is the first single or if it even will appear on her seventh studio album due out this fall on Arista Records.

2008-07-22

CHAKA KHAN SAYS "GIVE WHITNEY SOME TIME"

Grammy Award-winning singer Chaka Khan, says "give Whitney some time" of the R&B diva who has fallen on hard times in recent years. Khan who picked up two Grammy Awards this year goes on to say, "I think we have to let her do her thing of Houston`s highly anticipated "comeback" album due later this year. We need to give people more space. We have all walked difficult paths in our lives. It is necessary for some people to experience intense lows so they know what not to do." The chart topping singer who released "Funk This", her latest studio album this year knows first hand what it is like to overcome an addiction. In a recent interview with the UK`s BBC, Khan says she got through her low points by appreciating what is good in her life. "I received guidance from a close set of family and friends who helped me through it. I now spend a lot more time with my family and keep myself busy and focused with projects such as my new album." Khan who is currently on tour in Europe, believes Whitney can reclaim her thrown and looks forward to a possible collaboration with the diva. Khan says, "performing is better than any drug!" (SINGERS ROOM)

2008-07-18

WHO NEEDS MOVIES ON A PLANE WHEN WHITNEY HOUSTON`S SITTING NEARBY?

"I Will Always Love You" songstress was on a New York to L.A. flight earlier this week with daughter Bobbi Kristina when they gave an impromptu concert to at least one passenger within earshot. "Whitney and Bobbi Kristina are singing the new Ne-Yo song", the passenger emailed from the plane (they hadn`t taken off yet). "I am dieing!" And I`m happy to report Houston was looking healthy and well rested. She also enjoyed some Ben & Jerry`s ice cream. "She looks fab", my source wrote. "She`s in a white top, black pants and dark shades and a great bob wig!" Whitney is currently in the studio working on her much-anticipated comeback album. Sounds like she`s off to a good start. (E!ONLINE)

2008-07-17

NE-YO TALKS ABOUT WHITNEY`S NEW PROJECT

"They`re takin' their time getting everything right", Ne-Yo says, explaining why the songs he`s written for Whitney Houston haven`t yet seen the light of day. "All the pieces have to be in place for something like that, because if [her comeback album] comes out and goes badly, that could be the end of Whitney Houston. And nobody wants that. A good song is not good enough: every song has to be a great song. Same with Michael Jackson: he`s takin' his time because if this goes bad, it`s just added to the list of things that`s been goin' bad lately for Mike, and he doesn`t want the music to become one of those things. I understand that." (THE GUARDIAN UK)

2008-07-07

WHITNEY HAS SUNG FOR NAZARBAYEV IN KAZAKHSTAN

Whitney Houston has sung outside the impressive Presidential Palace, to mark the tenth birthday of the city and the 68th of the president, Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev, who was elected in 1991 when Kazakhstan achieved independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. (DAILY MAIL)

2008-07-02

WHITNEY IN STUDIO WITH PRODUCER CLAUDE KELLY

2008-06-21

CONNIE TALBOT IS SET TO PERFORM WITH WHITNEY

STREETLY`S singing starlet Connie Talbot is set to perform a duet with troubled pop diva Whitney Houston. The seven-year-old who captured the country`s hearts when she starred on Britain`s Got Talent, will sing with the American superstar at a German charity event. Connie will sing "I Will Always Love You" with Whitney at the November event after covering the hit on her debut album. Connie`s mother, Sharon Talbot, said: "It is so exciting for all of us, we can`t believe it. Connie likes all the singers with the big voices like Mariah Carey and Leona Lewis but she thinks Whitney is the best singer in the world." She added: "I will be the one who will be star struck but Connie treats absolutely everyone the same, she does not think she is any better or more special than anyone she meets." Whitney shot to fame in the 1980s and then went on to star in Hollywood films in the 1990s. But her troubled marriage to Bobby Brown led to drug addiction and personal problems. (BIRMINGHAM MAIL)

2008-06-12

'ENTOURAGE' STAR WANTS WHITNEY ON THE SHOW

Don`t be surprised if Whitney Houston suddenly pops up on HBO`s "Entourage" next season. Jeremy Piven, who plays ruthless Hollywood agent Ari Gold on the hit series, took some cues from his frenzied character when he happened upon the singer on a recent flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. According to gossip blogger Janet Charlton, "they were seated next to each other aboard Planet Hollywood`s private jet when they started chatting about 'Entourage' and Jeremy suggested that it would be fun to have Whitney make an appearance on the show. Whitney liked the idea. Piven then reportedly went into Ari mode to close the deal. Jeremy was overheard calling a producer and telling him about Whitney as soon as the plane touched down in LA," Charlton wrote. (EURWEB)

2008-05-29

HOUSTON TO GET CAREER BOOST FROM LEWIS?

Legendary diva Whitney Houston is planning to duet with British singer Leona Lewis in a bid to boost her comeback, according to reports. Houston is back on stage this year (08) after a lengthy break to battle alleged drug addictions and a new album is being planned for release later in 2008. Now her mentor, music mogul Clive Davis, wants to give her a helping hand - by teaming her with "Bleeding Love" pop sensation Lewis, reports the New York Post. Since winning British talent show "The X Factor" in 2006, Lewis has stormed the charts in both Britain and the U.S. and drawn numerous comparisons to Houston and Mariah Carey. But the 23-year-old will have to overcome her nervous disposition if she wants to perform with her idol - she suffers from stress-related chronic throat problems, which doctors have confirmed can only be cured permanently by surgery.

(CONTACT MUSIC)

2008-05-25

SHORT REVIEW FROM HER CONCERT IN RABAT

"OMG! Let me tell u something Whitney is back on track. She came on stage around 10.20 pm and she started to sing "INRBIO". After the song she said that she arrived in morroco a few days ago and she loved it. She kept saying "shokran" to the audience which means "thank you" in arabic and then she kept singing for about 45 minutes without taking any break between the songs. She was amazing believe me, i had chills all over my body. She sang following songs "IWDWS", "SAMLFY", "ILTL", "IGTTR", "AAO", "YGGL", "GLOA", "EXHALE", "SBS", "HWIK", "IWALY" and "IEW". Her brother sang a song while she was taking a break. She wore a beautiful jelabah when she came back on stage. All I can say; Whitney is back, her voice is still there and i was amazed. I was standing in the front of the stage and she was beautiful. The concert lasted approx. 1hour45. I still cannot believe that i was there last night and believe me this was the most amazing night that i had since a long time. She also said that she had some ups and downs in her life but everything was fine for her now she stared to pray and believe me that moment was so emotional. I love her so much." (FAN REVIEW)

2008-05-15

WHITNEY AT RABAT MAWAZINE FESTIVAL 2008

Musicians from across the globe will come together in Rabat once again in May for the 2008 Mawazine World Rhythms Festival. Jazz and gypsy music will be this year`s focus, but listeners will hear music from many other genres over the course of event. For eight days this spring (May 16th-24th), the Moroccan capital of Rabat will host the seventh annual Mawazine World Rhythms Festival, organised by the Maroc-Cultures Association (AMC). The current edition will welcome artists from forty countries in more than 100 musical performances. Jazz music, and the music of "les tsiganes" (gypsies) will be featured prominently in order to encourage other musical genres classified as music of minorities or ethnic music, with special respect to African and South American rhythms. Renowned American singer Whitney Houston is expected to sing at the closing ceremony (May 24th) of this year`s festival. The opening ceremony of the event will feature performances from US guitarist and jazz singer George Benson. In addition, there will be dozens of performances by musicians from Europe, Latin America, the Maghreb and the Middle East. Some of the artists include US jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ziggy Marley, son of Bob Marley from Jamaica; Cheb Belal from Algeria, Amr Diab, Nancy Ajram, Asala Nasry, Saber al-Rubai, Diana Haddad, Fadl Shaker and Natacha Atlas from the Middle East, as well as famous Moroccan singers such as Hayat Al Idrissi, Saeeda Fekri, Fatima Tihihite, Latifa Raafat, Nass El Ghiwane, Jil Jilala, Lemchaheb and hip hop groups such as Darga, Fnaire, H-Kayne and Hoba Hoba Spirit, as well as a number of artists from Latin America. (FESTIVAL MAWAZINE)

2008-05-09

WHITNEY AT THE CAUDWELL CHILDREN LEGENDS BALL

Whitney Houston has taken another step in her comeback. The diva wowed the crowd when she performed Thursday at the Caudwell Children Legends Ball, at Battersea Park in London. During her hour-long set, Houston "both looked and sounded amazing", a guest tells PEOPLE. "She was fantastic." Houston, who is working on a new album with her old friend Clive Davis, sang hits, including, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody", "I Will Always Love You", "The Greatest Love Of All" and "Saving All My Love For You". "It was like her greatest hits, only live", adds the guest. Houston, who has had a tumultuous custody battle with her ex-husband Bobby Brown, brought daughter Bobbi Kristina, 15, on stage and introduced her as "the love of my life". The pair performed a duet of "My Love Is Your Love". Among the evening`s guests was singer Kelly Rowland, who said before the show began, "I`m jumping through my skin to see [Whitney] again." As for Houston`s troubled past, the Destiny`s Child singer said, "People should not judge her. She`s done more than prove herself." (PEOPLE)

COMEBACK QUEEN WHITNEY ON TOP FORM AT CHARITY
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When Whitney Houston treated a celeb-packed audience to a rendition of her greatest hits on Thursday night, it was clear the "I Will Always Love You" chanteuse was back to her show-stopping best. Proving she`s put her troubles well and truly behind her the diva sparkled on stage at a London charity gala in a full length gown accessorised with glittering Chopard diamonds. Whitney, whose new album - her first since 2003 - is out in November, follows in the footsteps of Tina Turner by performing at the annual ball for the charity Caudwell`s Children. And, as at last year`s event, a star-studded crowd turned out to support the cause. Nineties pin-ups Boyzone, who kick off their comeback tour in Belfast later this month, joined newly-engaged Cheeky Girl Gabriella and her twin sister Monica, Joan Collins and Sugababes stars Heidi Range and Keisha Buchanan at the appropriately titled Legends Ball. (HELLO MAGAZINE)

WHITNEY STUNNED HER CRITICS LAST NIGHT

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Whitney Houston stunned her critics last night by delivering a spectacular performance in aid of the Caudwell Children charity. Dressed to kill, Whitney wore Chopard diamond earrings and a diamond ring from the luxury jewellers and was paid £100,000. But the real surprise came when the diva brought daughter, Bobbi Kristina, 15, on stage to join her for a rendition of "My Love is Your Love". But Whitney told the crowd, which included Joan Collins and Buzz Aldrin: "This is the love of my life." Despite attempts to keep media out, theBuzz sneaked a peek at Whitney`s one hour set at Battersea Evolution. Donning a tight dress by British designers Bodyamr, Whitney, 44, performed several hits including "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", "Saving All My Love For You" and, of course, "I Will Always Love You". Whitney, whose career was halted by drug abuse and who in 2006 ended a turbulent relationship with Bobby Brown, told the audience: "I`m back in the studio and working on new tracks. It`s an honour to be here. I`ve had ups and downs, but it`s all good." Sandi Thom, an opening act for the American star, confided in theBuzz: "This is probably the most nerve-racking moment of my life." The event raised £1.5m and a dinner date with Joan Collins was auctioned off for £200,000. (THE LONDON PAPER)

WHITNEY DAZZLED THE CROWD

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Whitney Houston dazzled the crowd with a rare live performance at a star-studded charity ball in London. A host of celeb guests, including Elton John`s partner David Furnish, turned out for the Caudwell Children Legends Ball in Battersea Park, where Whitney was singing to raise money for the children`s charity. David said: "I have seen Whitney sing live in New York about 10 years ago or 11 years ago at Sting and Trudie`s Rainforest Party, which is ironically happening in New York tonight, and she was fantastic. She hasn`t been doing much live performing since then so I think this is a real coupe to get her out and performing live again." And David does not believe the singer needs to prove anything to relaunch her career. He said: "I think relaunch is the wrong word, I think when you have someone like Whitney who is spectacularly talented, I think they can take as much time off as they want and if they get the right songs they can come back and sell lots of records." (VIRGIN MEDIA)

WHITNEY`S BELLE OF THE BALL
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Whitney Houston stole the show and got paid handsomely for doing so at the star-studded Legends Ball in London. Houston sang for a reported six-figure fee at the glamourous event to raise money for Caudwell Children, which helps children with disabilities. "She`s a real talent, you can`t knock her on it" - Ronan Keating, Mickey Rooney, Jane Russell, Buzz Aldrin and Joan Collins were among the icons in attendence. But all eyes were on Houston, who is said to be making a comeback with an album set to be released around Christmas. After years of making headlines with reports of drug abuse and a tumultuous relationship with former husband Bobby Brown, her celebrity fans rooted for her return to form. "She`s got an incredible catalogue of songs and she`s a real talent, she`s got a great voice, what a voice. She`s a real talent, you can`t knock her on it", said Ronan Keating of Boyzone. Heidi Range of the Sugababes said: "Me and the girls agree that she`s one of the reasons every girl wants to be a singer. We got close to her before at Fashion Rocks and we were all just staring so I can`t wait to see her perform." When asked how he got Houston to perform, John Caudwell, the founder of the charity said: "With great effort and great dedication. It`s always difficult getting a headline act. Last year we had Tina Turner, this year we had Whitney." (ITN)

WHITNEY WAS THE STAR ATTRACTION AT LAST NIGHT

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Whitney Houston was the star attraction at last night’s Legend`s Ball in aid of the Caudwell children`s charity. The event – held to raise money for children with special needs - was jammed full of celebrities, from Hollywood luminaries Mickey Rooney and Jane Russell to girl group the Sugababes and Boyzone. Support for the troubled singer, who was reportedly paid anywhere in the region of £100,000 to £2.5 million to appear at the ball, was high following her much-publicised battle with drugs and her tempestuous marriage to rapper Bobby Brown. Kelli Young, formerly of reality TV group Liberty X, revealed Whitney`s sound check was pitch-perfect, Keisha from the Sugababes gave a little rendition of her favourite Whitney track, "Run To You", while Jason Donovan discussed the merits of a mullet haircut versus frizzy hair - as inspired by her eighties’ hit "I Wanna Dance With Somebody". PR guru Max Clifford doubted her performance would be up to scratch after seeing her at the Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago the previous week, where she seemed "somewhere else". The star, rumoured to be releasing a new album at the end of the year, follows in the footsteps of Tina Turner by performing at the glamorous event, which next year will see Elton John grace the stage. (THE MIRROR)

2008-04-30

SHORT REVIEW FROM HER CONCERT IN TOBAGO

"First of all, i feel very privileged to have seen the woman that i grew up listening to and admired live. But i was a bit disappointed, because she only sang 7 songs. While she sounded good, not great, her voice still needs a lot of work, she sang no falsetto notes. She came on about 5 mins to 7 with "INRBIO". On this one she sang a bit higher than the recorded version on the intro to the song. Then she went done into a toned down version of "SAMLFY", no falsetto youuuuuuuuuuus here. After that she sang either "IITYT" and "MLIYL", but she sang both and sounded great on those, just like the recordings. She also sang "SBS" and "IWALY" with a lil encore of "IEW". The majority of persons came that night to see Whitney because of the response when the MC asked, "are u all ready for the lady who is saving all her love for you?" The response from the crowd was astounding as from those for Rod Stewart. When Whitney finished her set she did her diva bow, blowed kisses to the audience and to the band." (FAN REVIEW)

2008-04-22

WHITNEY IS THE MAIN ATTRACTION

Festival Director Maharaj told the Trinidad Express that at least 10,000 patrons are expected to attend the three-day event at Plymouth Jazz Festival which boasts of a star-studded line-up which includes Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Smokey Robinson, En Vogue and Colombian sensation Shakira. Maharaj said the figure is expected to increase to about 15,000 by the time the festival ends on Sunday. She said with the success of the Festival, hosted by CL Financial and now in its fourth year, the issue of accommodation was something which the organisers have some concern about. "There are just a few villas left. What Caribbean Airlines has done to facilitate those from Trinidad who were unable to secure accommodation, is put on additional flights on the Saturday and Sunday after the shows. So you could just fly in for the show and fly back out since you would be able to get a flight at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m." Many people, according to Maharaj, are anticipating the appearance of Whitney Houston whose attempt at a comeback, following years of drug abuse and marital problems, is being viewed with keen interest by entertainment gurus worldwide. "I don`t think she has done anything (performances) in the western world (within recent times). So we have a lot of the international media coming in such as Ebony and Billboard coming in to capture this moment. Whitney is definitely a main ingredient in this Festival and Tobago will get a lot of international attention because of it."

(TRINIDAD  EXPRESS)

2008-04-19

WHITNEY, BOBBI KRISTINA & RAY J AT BOXING EVENT IN LAS VEGAS

2008-04-05

WHITNEY IS STANDING STRONG

With a new album in the works, Whitney Houston is standing strong against allegations from ex-husband Bobby Brown, says Houston`s cousin, soul singer Dionne Warwick. "Whitney Houston is back!" Warwick told PEOPLE before taking the stage to perform some of her own songs at Muhammad Ali`s Celebrity Fight Night XIV event in Phoenix on Friday night. "I`m thrilled that she`s in the studio and working on her new album", Warwick, 67, said of her cousin. "No doubt she`s overcoming everything that has been put in front of her even this week." Last week, Brown, 39, dished on their marriage – making allegations of her drug use – as he promoted his autobiography due out next month. But rumors are nothing new to Houston, 44, who was working on her new album when she heard the news, according to music mogul Clive Davis. "She was just in the studio this week working on a song called "Nothing But Love" when she heard of all this mess in the papers", Davis says. Davis adds, "I`m sure that this week has been traumatic but she`s committed and looking forward to her new life." (PEOPLE)

2008-03-20

KEITH HARRIS IS CO-PRODUCING WHITNEY`S ALBUM

Producer, writer and musician Keith Harris was a featured speaker at last week`s Canadian Music Week in Toronto. Harris was selected to participate for his incredible resume which includes his work with music power-players Mary J Blige, Chris Brown and Mariah Carey to name a few. Currently Harris is co-producing upcoming albums for Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. (ANDPOP)

2008-03-10

SEAN GARRETT WORKING WITH WHITNEY

Sean Garrett is still applying his penmanship for the greats of today and the stars of tomorrow. "I`m in the studio with Usher right now. I`m doing something for Jennifer Hudson and a couple joints for Whitney`s new album." (BET)

2008-03-06

NEW WHITNEY HOUSTON ON TARGET FOR HOLIDAY RELEASE

Whitney Houston`s first album of original material since 2002 will be out this year, according to BMG Label Group chairman/CEO Clive Davis. Speaking during Billboard`s Music & Money Symposium this morning (March 6) at New York`s St. Regis Hotel, Davis said four songs have been completed for the as-yet-untitled project and four more will be put to tape later this month. "We`re on track for a holiday release", he said. "We`re not going to compromise who she is to fit into today`s hip-hop radio market. The public wants Whitney material." Tracks earmarked for the album have been produced or written by Will I Am, Sean Garrett and Akon, who told Billboard.com last year, "The voice is there; I don`t think anyone could ever take that from her. As long as we apply that voice to hit records, she`ll be right back where she left off." Houston has been dogged in recent years by drug and health issues, including rehab stints in 2004 and 2005 -- a legal dispute with her father, John Houston, rumored financial problems and a troubled marriage to fellow singer Bobby Brown that ended in divorce. (BILLBOARD)

2008-02-11

WHITNEY`S TRIUMPHANT RETURN

At last year`s Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy gala, Whitney Houston barely left her seat and didn`t even rise to meet Al Gore. She was tentative and fragile. But last night at the Beverly Hilton, it was a fully restored, fun-loving Whitney who moved around the ballroom with grace. She spent a chunk of the evening away from her table with Davis' family and hung out with Alicia Keys' gang, including collaborator Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and manager Jeff Robinson down near the stage. "Write some good things about me", Whitney said and we talked about her upcoming album. She`s healthy and focused and clearly engaged. She watched clips on the video screens of her past performances at Davis extravaganzas, I thought, with a little yearing. Maybe next year, she`ll be back up there. Houston`s presence brought over a lot of stars. She and Usher exchanged waves from their tables. At one point, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas - who was closely tailed by a bodyguard larger than New York Giants' Michael Strahan, also there - bopped over from her table and shared a chair with Houston so the three songbirds could chat away. The bodyguard, however, would have nothing of it, and brought Fergie her own seat. (FOX NEWS)

2008-02-05

WHITNEY HOUSTON - THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

"The Ultimate Collection" reaches sales total in excess of 1.200.000 units (European Markets only). Whitney Houston`s album sales has surpassed 120 million units. Earning 12 Diamond Awards and is currently the only female artist with a 4 x Diamond album: The Bodyguard (42 million units worldwide). (WHITNEY-WORLD)

2008-01-16

PRODUCER ON THE RISE: ERIC LEE HUDSON

Even with a bevy of big-name producers at their disposal, proven hit-makers like Kanye West, 50 Cent, Usher, Mary J Blige and Whitney Houston have turned to this virtually unknown producer for their high-stakes releases (such as West`s awesomely futuristic and catchy track, "Flashing Lights"). From the looks of things, he won`t be unknown for long. And Hudson says he`s keeping his fingers crossed for a possible first single from Whitney Houston`s new album. He admits that working with the R&B superstar was a little daunting. "It was hard, but she was really nice and she wanted me to produce her", he says enthusiastically.

(REMIX MAG)

2007-12-05

WHITNEY`S COMEBACK IN FULL GEAR

Some good news for a change about Whitney Houston. She made a tremendous comeback last Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, performing several of her hits as if little time had passed. Were we worried that drugs and alcohol had killed her voice? Yes, indeed. But video and audio from the concert, thanks to fans at the Live & Loud KL 07 show, who posted on YouTube, reveal a cheery-looking, healthy Whitney hitting high notes and striking the right chord every time. Among the songs posted are two difficult ones to sing: "I Will Always Love You" and "I Believe in You and Me". Each time, Whitney is singing with little musical accompaniment. She`s out there on her own and finding her way. On the latter number in particular she sounds like her old self. It`s a brave performance and to be commended. Whitney also taped some promotional spots for Live & Loud which can be seen on YouTube. Again, she looks clear-eyed and sounds extremely coherent. How refreshing to think that 2008 will be the year that the best singer of her generation will make a sterling comeback after a decade in the wilderness.

(FOX NEWS)

2007-12-01

SHORT REVIEW FROM HER CONCERT IN KUALA LUMPUR

She looks stunned. Her voice was pretty good especially on "IWALY". So the concert starts at 12.30 am and she sang during more than 1 hour. She looks really amazing. Black pants, panther shoes, a shirt with pearls and a long silver coat. SO BEAUTIFUL! Her voice was not Whitney in 1993 but it was very correct! It`s imcomparable with the last concert she did, i mean Torino (Italy) in 2006."

(FAN REVIEW)

Playlist :

If I Told You That
Medley:

Saving All My Love For You

You Give Good Love

Greatest Love Of All

All At Once

Heartbreak Hotel
It`s Not Right But It`s Okay
Step By Step
My Love is Your Love (Duet with daughter Bobbi Kristina) !!! AMAZING !!!
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
How Will I Know
I Go To The Rock
I Believe In You And Me
I Will Always Love You
I`m Every Woman

2007-11-28

CLIVE DAVIS BACKS HOUSTON COMEBACK

Music mogul Clive Davis has endorsed superstar Whitney Houston`s comeback - insisting she really has overcome her demons. After years battling drug abuse, Houston will return to the stage on Saturday (07-12-01) in a spectacular show in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur and RCA Records boss Davis is convinced the 44-year-old is ready to make a return. He says, "She looks radiant and is clearly together." (CONTACT MUSIC)

2007-11-04

WHITNEY HOUSTON - THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

For the first time ever in a single CD version Sony BMG Music Entertainment is pleased to announce the 29th October 2007 U.K. release of Whitney Houston "The Ultimate Collection". Enjoy 18 of the greatest tracks from the original diva of R&B; "I Will Always Love You", The Bodyguard`s signature song which spent 10 weeks at Number 1 in the U.K. charts creating Houston`s longest run at the top spot, the uplifting "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", unforgettable ballads such as "One Moment In Time" and "Run To You", plus magical duets with other music luminaries including MARIAH CAREY and GEORGE MICHAEL. (Sony/BMG)

Tracklisting:
01. I Will Always Love You
02. Saving All My Love For You
03. Greatest Love Of All
04. One Moment In Time
05. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
06. How Will I Know
07. So Emotional
08. When You Believe (Duet with Mariah Carey)
09. Where Do Broken Hearts Go
10. I`m Your Baby Tonight
11. Didn`t We Almost Have It All
12. Run To You
13. Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
14. If I Told You That (Duet with George Michael)
15. I Have Nothing
16. I`m Every Woman
17. It`s Not Right But It`s Okay
18. My Love Is Your Love

Whitney at # 3 in UK album charts (2007-11-11):
1 Westlife "Back Home"
2 The Eagles "Long Road Out Of Eden"
3 Whitney Houston "The Ultimate Collection"
4 Mc. Fly "Greatest Hits"
5 Robert Plant & Alison Krauss "Raising Sand"

Here are a few chart positions from other countries:
Denmark = # 4
Ireland = # 6
New Zealand = # 9
Italy = # 30

2007-10-26

JOHN LEGEND - PART OF THE NEW WHITNEY PROJECT?

The R&B hitmaker John Legend has been enlisted to salvage the fit-again diva`s first album in five years after industry bigwigs voiced disappointment with her early efforts. John explained: "I`m so happy to be part of the Whitney project. She is one of the all-time great voices and I hope my ideas can help put her back where she belongs." Following her successful recovery from alleged drug problems, Whitney has been working on her seventh studio album for over a year. Artists as varied as Will I Am, Ne-Yo and Akon had been enlisted to help. Now John, who has worked with everyone from Kanye West to Mary J Blige has been brought in to get Whit­ney`s record on track. "A lot of cool people are working on the record", he said. (MTV NEWS)

2007-10-18

WHITNEY`S AMAZING RETURN IN LONDON

Whitney Houston made a sensational surprise return at Swarovski Fashion Rocks in London last night in one of the industry`s most closely guarded secrets. There were gasps in London`s Royal Albert Hall auditorium when the singer stepped on to the stage in a dazzling white Valentino dress. The 44-year-old introduced the final catwalk show of the night by Swarovski - with Patti La Belle and Sugababes performing Lady Marmalade. The superstar had secretly flown in from New York and had been in hiding in a London hotel to avoid the surprise being ruined. Whitney has had her fair share of problems over the years with her tempestuous marriage to rapper Bobby Brown and a well documented battle with crack, pills, booze and marijuana. But since then she`s checked herself into rehab, divorced her bad boy husband and got back custody of her daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Not only that but she`s ready to reclaim her crown as the Queen of Soul with a $100 million record deal. The star - who`s been keeping a low profile since completing her last stint in rehab in 2005 - was a picture of health and a far cry from the days when she looked frail and vacant. A guest at the starstudded show said: "Everyone in the audience was amazed - even the big stars like Kate Moss, Lily Allen and Naomi Campbell started whooping with delight. It was all that anyone could talk about the rest of the night. It was just such a well-kept secret, no one had an inkling that she might be there." It seems Whitney was not only sporting a new cleaner, leaner, healthier figure, she also appears to have abandoned her former diva-ish ways. Gone are the outrageous demands - although she didn`t sing the new humble Whitney only wanted a glass of water for her voice before she made her grand entrance. (THE MIRROR)