News

Irish Ferries Save Whitney Houston’s European Tour from Volcanic Ash Delays

Where: Ireland

April 20, 2010 at 8:30 AM | by JetSetCD

While the deadly ash clouds from Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull continue to inconvenience millions of airline passengers and cripple certain industries that rely on frequent air deliveries, we can’t forget about the real martyrs in this situation: the marooned celebrities.

Without first class lounges, direct flights and the ability to buy their way across the Atlantic, celebs have taken to inventing creative solutions for their travel problems. First there was actor John Cleese, who hired a taxi to drive him through several countries for $5,100, and now we’ve got the harrowing story of what singer Whitney Houston endured to keep her European tour schedule.

The songstress was apparently due in Dublin for a concert to follow one she finished in Birmingham, but with UK air space closed, she had no way from England over to Ireland…until she discovered the Irish Ferries.

According to the Irish Ferries company, Houston “drove to north Wales, boarded the Ulysses at Holyhead and enjoyed the facilities of the Club Class lounge during the three hour, 15 minute crossing.” For those curious, the Ulysses just happens to be the largest passenger car ferry afloat, capable of transporting 1,850 people and 1,300 vehicles in one sailing, and it sails twice a day! That should be enough room for Whitney’s ego and entourage.

Whitney Houston joins thousands on Stena Line who just wanna sail with somebody

04 May 2010

Stena Line didn’t need to provide a bodyguard for Whitney Houston as she set sail onboard the 11:45 HSS Stena Voyager from Belfast to Stranraer following her three concerts in Dublin, and tried to avoid the chaos caused by Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud.

In the comfort of the Stena Plus lounge, Whitney was just one of a staggering 45,000 additional passengers that have sailed with the leading ferry company over the last week, as Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud wreaked havoc with travellers’ flight plans. The eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland sent vast amounts of ash into the atmosphere, halting flights and leaving thousands of Britons stranded across the world.

Stena Line Communications Manager Nigel Tilson said: “We’ve certainly had a busy week and estimate that we have carried twice the amount of passengers that we would normally expect at this time of year.

“Whitney was the most famous but not the only celebrity to travel with us at this time as we also carried rising golf star Rory McIlroy the Ulster Rugby and Ospreys Rugby teams and millionaire businessman and racehorse owner JP McManus.

“It has been a terrible time for those who have faced disruption but we have done everything we can to accommodate people wishing to travel. In the past week, we have brought in extra staff, increased our capacity by working closely with transport partners and installing extra server space on our website.”

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May 4, 2010

Whitney Houston in D.C. this weekend to dance, not sing

May 4, 2010, 10:31 am by Christina Wilkie

Whitney Houston will take a break from her troubled concert tour this weekend to swing by the nation’s capital. But the diva will likely be doing more dancing than singing. Houston plans attend the annual Ball on the Mall Saturday night, a black tie dance that benefits the Trust for the National Mall. The Trust works works to restore the health of plants and grassy spaces on the National Mall, which take a beating under the feet of the tens of thousands of visitors to the park every year. According to organizers, Houston won’t be showing up stag: She’ll be the date of jazz legend Ski Johnson, who is her longtime friend. The low-key visit should be a welcome change for the singer, whose international Nothing but Love tour has been beset by vocal problems, lateness, and mangled lip synching. The Ball on the Mall is held under a tent on the National Mall and guests dance to a swinging orchestra after dinner.

Concert in Milan

May 3rd 2010

Singers around the world love to sing Whitney’s songs

This 24 year old Taiwan singer hits all the right notes.  His name is Lin Yu-chun. He has the disparaging nickname of “Little Fatty.”

As a younger man, Lin Yu-chun sang for hours on end, trying to get his mind off the fact that he had a “fat” figure.

The round-faced soprano with the bowl haircut never imagined his voice would one day transform him into an international sensation.

Latest news about Whitney

Whitney Houston To Play Russian Shows

November 04, 2009

By Andre Paine, London

Whitney Houston will headline two concerts in Russia, at Moscow Olympisky Stadium on Dec. 9 and at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg on Dec. 12.

The promoter for the two shows is Andrey Agapov, general director, Russian Entertainment Academy.

“Whitney Houston is a legendary singer and performer, much loved by Russian audiences and fans worldwide,” said Agapov. “I’m thrilled to bring Ms. Houston back to her fans in Moscow and St. Petersburg.”

The deal was negotiated on behalf of Russian Entertainment Academy by Nicole Goesseringer of Kultura PR International and Dream Factory Entertainment/Alenikov.

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For Sale: Whitney Houston’s New Jersey Mansion

November 03, 2009

Whitney Houston has already said bye bye to her ex-husband Bobby Brown with a divorce in 2007, and now the singer is trying to part ways with the house the two got married at in 1992.

According to the Associated Press, the singer is putting up her Menham, New Jersey home for sale with an asking price of $2.5 million, although it’s valued at $5.6 million.

Whoever buys the modern-styled mansion will be in for a beautiful home. The property is five-bedrooms, 12,561-sq.-ft. and the real estate website where it’s listed describes other perks including “circular-themed interior spaces,” as well as a four-car garage, three fireplaces, walk-in closets, a bar and skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows.

During the end of her marriage to Bobby, Whitney moved to Atlanta. She and her daughter, Bobbi, currently reside in Los Angeles. Selling the old house isn’t the only fresh start that Whitney has made recently. Her comeback album, “I Look to You,” was the first album she recorded in seven years and it debuted at  No. 1 on the Billboard charts when it dropped at the end of August. It seems like the songbird is  trying to pick up the pieces of her rocky past and move on in general.  Go Whitney!

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Houston’s comeback on X Factor marred by wardrobe malfunction

October 19th, 2009

By Ani

LONDON -  Pop diva Whitney Houston’s comeback appearance on The X Factor was marred by a wardrobe malfunction with her dress.

Houston, 46, was clearly annoyed as she struggled with a loose strap on the long silvery dress she wore during the live performance of her new single ‘Million Dollar Bill’.

The six-time Grammy winner, backed by a troupe of male dancers,                        

pulled a face when she realised the strap was sticking out.

She later joked about the malfunction in an interview with host Dermot O’Leary.

“I sang my song out of my dress,” the Sun quoted her as saying.   

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See Whitney at X Factor in the UK.

October 17th, 2009.

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She’s back !!!!  Or did she never leave?  See her performance in Central Park on Good Morning America, september 2nd 2009.

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The Observer, Sunday 19 July 2009

Houston, I’m back from space

The Voice, as she is also known, makes an exclusive London appearance to premiere her comeback album. Tim Adams sneaks past the limo to get a listen.

On Tuesday evening in a chandeliered conference room at the Mandarin Oriental hotel on Knightsbridge in London, a gathering from the music industry was packed in, sipping champagne, waiting to hear The Voice. The Voice had been silent for five years and the crowd was here for a reason: could The Voice, after all it had been through, still do its thing?

I was outside on the pavement, late, having failed to gain entry because The Voice was due to arrive “imminently”. A different crowd had gathered around a rug-sized red carpet. There were doormen with earpieces. Everyone looked down the street, alert for signs of The Voice’s approach. When it appeared it was in a limo with blacked-out windows, and it was hustled quickly inside amid bodyguards. A few among the small crowd shouted out to The Voice, but The Voice just smiled, and said nothing.

Inside, the man who discovered The Voice, took to the stage. This was Clive Davis the former boss of Arista Records. Mr Davis was not slow to tell the room that he had discovered many other voices in his time, including those of Janis Joplin and Bruce Springsteen, but none of those voices were The Voice. The Voice was something different. He had first heard it in a nightclub, when Whitney Houston, the owner of The Voice, was only 17. After that he had nurtured The Voice, chosen songs for it, placed it in a pantheon of voices that included those of Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, The Voices of earlier times.

As Mr Davis spoke, some images of The Voice in action appeared on TV screens set up around the room. Words accompanied the images: “She will always love you,” the words said, and “She’s every woman”. When the words appeared everyone in the room could hear The Voice inside their heads.

For a long time it had appeared that was where The Voice was going to stay, Davis suggested. But three or four years ago, he had phoned and told The Voice what it secretly wanted to hear: that people really wanted to listen to it again. Whitney Houston took some persuading, though; she had gone through a lot of “what life can bring”, sometimes she had not looked after The Voice as well as she might have done. She had thought perhaps it was time for her and her daughter to forget about The Voice, “and open a fruit stall on some island”. But eventually she agreed.

After a while, Clive Davis played a track from the album they had made, written by Alicia Keys, who had been inspired by The Voice. It was a poppy song called “Million Dollar Bill”, and The Voice, though recognisable, sounded unremarkable. Other tracks followed, an “island” song, in which The Voice is swamped by the voice of the rapper Akon, a “God” song written by R Kelly, “I Look To You”. The more tracks Davis played, the more The Voice seemed slowly to come to life again. In The Voice’s finest hour Houston was singing, we learn, to her unborn child: “I will always love you … “. For her new track “I Don’t Know My Own Strength” she had in mind facing up to life “as a single mum for the first time”: “I crashed out and stumbled/But I didn’t crumble … “.

To a standing ovation Whitney then appeared on the stage, looking buffed and polished, like a statuette on her stork legs. She air-kissed Clive, she did an arms outstretched seal clap to London, and London (or at least the part of it that was in this ballroom) clapped back. “I couldn’t be more honoured and more humbled,” she said, in a voice that so excruciatingly sincere that it suggested she was neither. Nobody minded. The Voice was making a comeback.

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guardian.co.uk, Friday 5 June 2009 10.03 BST

Whitney Houston comeback album announced

The troubled diva’s first album in six years is rumoured to be titled Undefeated and will feature contributions from Will.I.Am, Sean Garrett, R Kelly and Swizz Beatz

Whitney Houston’s long-awaited comeback album will be released this September, her label has announced. Six years since her last record, it seems the troubled singer will at last find out whether her audience aaaaaa-a-always loves her.

With more than 140m albums sold worldwide, Houston is one of the bestselling artists of all time – just not recently. Her last album was 2003’s One Wish: The Holiday Album, preceded by the not-so-Yuletide 2002 release Just Whitney. She has spent the past five years chased by drug and domestic abuse allegations, culminating in a divorce from Bobby Brown in 2007. Houston received custody of daughter Bobbi Kristina.

If the rumours are to be believed, Houston’s comeback album will have the appropriately tenacious title Undefeated. And it will feature songwriting credits by artists like Will.I.Am, Sean Garrett, R Kelly and Swizz Beatz. But not even Houston’s duet with Akon, which leaked to the internet last year, has been confirmed for this release. In other words – details remain scarce.

“[Whitney's] voice is there,” Akon promised in 2007. “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.”

The singer’s last performance was at mogul Clive Davis’s Grammys party in February – where she apparently blew the roof off. “You don’t [make a comeback album] by going into a computer,” Davis said in his introduction. “You wait for the material to justify a new album.”

The album will be released by Arista on 1 September.

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New paparazzi video of Whitney At LAX Airport on 3-24-09 ! Watch !

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Last updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2009

HOUSTON URGES RIHANNA NOT TO TAKE BROWN BACK

Whitney Houston has urged Rihanna not to take Chris Brown back.

The legendary singer reportedly warned Rihanna to cut all ties with Chris after the “Run It” star was arrested for allegedly beating her up.

Whitney – who had a violent relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown – is believed to have spoken to Rihanna, telling her: “Don’t make the same mistakes I did.”

A source told the National Enquirer magazine: “When Whitney heard what had happened to Rihanna, she was close to tears.”

“Right then she knew she had to contact her and urge her to get out of the relationship while she can. She made it clear that Rihanna should dump Chris.”

“Whitney told her, ‘Whenever you let your heart rule your head, you are bound to run into trouble.’”

Despite Whitney’s advice, 21-year-old Rihanna has reportedly forgiven Chris and the pair have been in constant contact via phone calls and text messages.

The source added: “Even after what Chris did to her, Rihanna is crazy about him.”

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2009 is the Year of Whitney.

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WonderWall, February 10, 2009

Did Whitney and Ray J Hook-up Post-Grammys?

New Grammy Couple Alert: Is Ray J to become Whitney Houston’s greatest love of all? The odd couple was snapped leaving a Grammy after party together last night. Uh-oh.

According to TheyBF.com, Ray J’s big sister Brandy says her brother and the hopeful comeback queen are “just friends.” Meanwhile, a source at the party claims Whitney, 45, was talking in a weird whisper all night and clearly had too much to drink. She hung out with Ray J, 27, and another couple at the party, but the May-December duo left together.

Does Whitney just want to dance with somebody or is she determined to be every woman to Kim Kardashian’s former boyfriend/sex tape co-star? We know she once believed the children are the future, but this isn’t what we had in mind.

Despite Whitney’s stunning performance at Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy party, we’re worried about her hooking up with another bad boy … even if he is 18 years younger than her. We understand wanting to one-up Bobby Brown’s new baby mama, and yes, the “Hollywood Cougar” thing is all the rage right now – but still, Whitney can do better. Hasn’t Bobbi Kristina suffered enough?

The comeback’s just getting started, Whitney. Cool it down.

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Last updated: Monday, February 9, 2009

HOUSTON MAKES COMEBACK AT PRE-GRAMMY PARTY

Whitney Houston made her stage comeback at a pre-Grammys party on Saturday (Feb 7, 2009).

The 45-year-old singer looked in good health as she performed in a figure-hugging animal print dress at the 2009 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons show, in honor of record industry boss Clive Davis.

Her return to the stage has been hailed a triumph, with Whitney – who has publicly battled addition to crack-cocaine and endured a bitter break-up from singer Bobby Brown – told the crowd “I got it! I got it!” before launching into her hits “I’m Every Woman” and “I Will Always Love You.”

Actor-and-singer Jamie Foxx praised Whitney’s singing, saying: “We all crossed our fingers that her beautiful story would end happily. This is a new beginning.”

The show also featured performances from Rod Stewart, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson – who only recently returned to performing after the tragic murder of her mother, brother and nephew last year.

Whitney previously confessed to having substance abuse problems, telling US broadcaster Diane Sawyer: “I don’t like to think of myself addicted. I had a bad habit which can be broken.”

“I’m not going to tell you I’m somebody’s junkie. My business is sex, drugs, rock and roll. Trust me. I partied my tail off.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Whitney Houston made a successful return to the stage during a pre-Grammy party honoring her mega mogul mentor Clive Davis. Actor and musician Jamie Foxx was present at the gig and told a reporter “We all crossed our fingers that her beautiful story would end (happily). This is a new beginning.” Whitney even did a bit of an adlib when she sang her hit ‘I’m Every Woman’. She adjusted the lyrics and sang “I’ve got it, I’ve got it!” If Jamie’s comment was worth anything, it looks like Whitney does have it again. Congratulations to her! I can’t wait for it to be official!

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Last updated: Thursday, December 18, 2008

WHITNEY HOUSTON SUED BY STEPMOM

Whitney Houston is being sued by her stepmother for allegedly ignoring the wishes of her late father.

In the lawsuit filed in a federal court in Newark, the 45-year-old singer is accused of improperly keeping the proceeds of her dad John Houston’s $1million insurance policy.

Whitney’s stepmother Barbara Houston claims the money was meant to pay off the $723,000 mortgage on John’s Fort Lee condominium, in New Jersey, where she still lives. Whitney holds the mortgage on the property.

Barbara also claims her late husband wanted the remaining insurance money to go to her.

Lawyers for Whitney and her stepmother declined to comment on the lawsuit. John died from cardiac arrest in 2003, aged 82.

Whitney is believed to be currently working on her seventh studio album.

She divorced R’n'B singer Bobby Brown in 2007 after 14 years of marriage and has custody of their daughter Bobbie Kristina, 15.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Thursday, November 27, 2008

HOUSTON & BROWN BACK TOGETHER?

Whitney Houston and ex-husband Bobby Brown are reportedly getting back together.

The former couple – who married in 1992 and divorced in 2007 – are said to have rekindled their romance after being encouraged to remarry by their 15-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina.

A report from the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper claims Whitney, 45, and Bobby, 39, were “looking very romantic while dining together in Georgia recently.”

However, a representative for the singer insists: “They are just good friends whose primary interest is the wellbeing of their daughter.”

Earlier this year, Bobby revealed he believes his marriage to Whitney – who has battled an addiction to crack-cocaine – was destined to fail from the start.

He said: “I think it was doomed from the very beginning. Within the first year we separated, with several more to follow. I think we got married for all the wrong reasons.”

“Now, I realize Whitney had a different agenda than I did when we got married. I believe her agenda was to clean up her image, while mine was to be loved and have children.”

“Whitney was under a lot of pressure. The media was accusing her of having a bisexual relationship with her assistant, Robin Crawford.”

“In Whitney’s situation, the only solution was to get married and have kids. That would kill all speculation, whether it was true or not.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2008

DRUGS ALMOST DESTROYED HOUSTON’S VOICE

Whitney Houston’s voice was almost destroyed by drugs.

Following years of heavy smoking and drug abuse, Whitney’s singing was reportedly “unrecognizable” when she began recording her new album.

A source told Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “She was smoking a lot and taking a lot of drugs. Her voice was almost unrecognizable.”

Whitney – once dubbed “The Voice” for her five octave range – was sent for singing lessons by industry executive Clive Davis and is now back to her high-note best.

The source added: “Thousands have been shelled out to train her back up to the original. But now she sounds terrific – she is going to blow everybody away.”

Whitney’s new, as yet untitled comeback album, is set for a November release.

In 2006, Tina Brown – the sister of Whitney’s now ex-husband Bobby Brown – claimed Whitney was living in squalor, and hopelessly addicted to crack cocaine.

She released photographs to a US magazine showing the star’s bathroom littered with drug paraphernalia, including a crack pipe.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Friday, May 9, 2008

BRITNEY VS WHITNEY AT CHRISTMAS

Britney Spears is set to go head-to-head with Whitney Houston in a Christmas battle.

The “Toxic” singer – who is currently trying to get herself back on track following her public breakdown which saw her admitted to a psychiatric hospital earlier this year – has impressed bosses with her new material and now they want her to take on equally-troubled Whitney in an end of the year album war.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “Britney has been on fire in the studio of late.”

“During recording sessions for her last album ‘Blackout’ she was consumed by her private life.”

“But she is determined to make a triumphant comeback. Her bosses have been amazed by the quality of tracks they’ve heard.”

“Whitney is set for another relaunch at the same time later in the year. They are determined Britney will come out on top.”

Whitney – who has previously battled drink and drug addiction and recently divorced husband Bobby Brown – is set to work with some of the biggest music stars in the world on her new album.

She will collaborate with will.i.am, R. Kelly and John Legend and teams up with Akon on her next single.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Friday, April 11, 2008

HOUSTON’S SEX LIFE PUT TO MUSIC

Whitney Houston’s toyboy lover has written an X-rated song about their sex life.

R’n'B singer Ray J – who, at 27, is 17 years younger than Whitney – also slates her ex-husband Bobby Brown in new song “Boyfriend.”

Lyrics include: “Is that your wife, is that your shorty, well I’m her boyfriend. I think the problem is you don’t beat it right. Making love is cool, just pull her hair sometimes.”

Despite Jay’s jibes, Bobby – who has a 15-year-old daughter with the “I Will Always Love You” singer – insists he doesn’t care who his former spouse dates.

In his book “Being Bobby Brown: The Whole Truth and Nothin’ But,” he said: “I’m aware of the fact that Whitney had been seeing Ray J, a very young R’n'B artist who is most famous for being the little brother of Brandy, the multi-platinum singing artist and TV star.”

“Their relationship doesn’t bother me. She’s open to see whoever she wants to see, just like I can see who I want to see. I know the age difference between her and the little guy is almost 20 years, but each to his own.”

In his book, Bobby claims Whitney introduced him to cocaine and addresses the rumors about her being bisexual.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Tuesday, March 4, 2008

WHITNEY TO PERFORM IN LONDON

Whitney Houston is set to earn $2.8 million to perform at a London charity event.

The troubled star has been lined up by billionaire philanthropist John Caudwell to give a rare one-hour performance at the Cauldwell Children Legends Ball at the Battersea Evolution arena on May 8.

A source said: “Mr. Caudwell thinks it is important to raise the profile of the Cauldwell Children charity and stars such as Whitney Houston are the sort of people he’s hoping to attract.”

Whitney – who has battled an addiction to drink and drugs – has made few public appearances in recent years and also has a reputation for failing to turn up for shows.

Her appearance at the Swarovski Fashion Rocks event at London’s Royal Albert Hall last October was her first high-profile public outing since her stint in rehab in 2006.

Last December, she performed at the Live and Loud music festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Whitney’s problems with drink and drugs first surfaced in 2000 when she and then husband Bobby Brown were arrested for marijuana possession at a Hawaiian airport and later fined.

Later that year, she gave just 10 minutes notice before pulling out of her scheduled performance at record producer Clive Davis’ induction ceremony into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, amid rumors she was behaving erratically due to drug use.

Whitney was dropped from performing at the 2000 Academy Awards by the show’s musical director Burt Bacharach, after reportedly singing the wrong song at rehearsals.

Whitney divorced Bobby in 2007 following 15 years of marriage.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Tuesday, February 12, 2008

LEONA: BABY WHITNEY HOUSTON

Leona Lewis was left ”overwhelmed” when Whitney Houston said she was a ”baby version” of herself.

The “Bleeding Love” singer met her “all-time musical hero” at producer Clive Davis’ Annual Grammy Party in Los Angeles last weekend, but could barely speak when she was introduced to her idol.

She said: “It was amazing, I got to meet my all-time musical hero Whitney Houston – who looked so incredible.

Clive introduced us. I don’t think I managed to say much though, I was overwhelmed!”

“I was told afterwards that when I performed she had said to a friend at the record label, ‘My God, she’s a baby me!’ Wow – what a huge compliment!”

Leona sang her hit single “Bleeding Love” and covered “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in front of a star-studded audience, which included Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and Usher.

The British star admits she found the whole experience “surreal.”

She said: “It’s been almost surreal and feels just so wonderful that I performed in front of so many people I admire – especially that Whitney even knows who I am and said that about me when I’ve been such a fan all these years!”

Clive – who chose Leona as his “Special New Artist” guest, an honor previously bestowed upon Maroon 5 and Jennifer Hudson – said the 22-year-old star was the perfect choice to entertain his A-list guests.

He said: “Leona’s range, her feel for music – it’s clear she has the passion for music.”

“A year ago, right here, we gathered the best writers and producers of the world.”

“We had her sing in a living room of a suite and she floored them. It led to getting incredible material which has made up her album.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Friday, October 19, 2007

HOUSTON MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE

Whitney Houston stunned stars at the Swarovski Fashion Rocks party with a surprise appearance last night (Oct 18, 2007).

The troubled singer amazed guests when she walked on stage at London’s Albert Hall in a stunning diamante-encrusted white Valentino gown to introduce the final catwalk show of the night.

Whitney – who has battled an addiction to crack cocaine and whose divorce from Bobby Brown was made official earlier this year – flew in from New York for the event and had been in hiding at a London hotel to avoid ruining the surprise.

Arriving on the red carpet at around 11.15pm, she said: “I know it’s been said before but I want to say it again – thank you for your support and, yes, I will always love you.”

Uma Thurman – who hosted the charity fashion show with Samuel L. Jackson – also caused a stir on the red carpet when she arrived in a risqué see-through black dress revealing her breasts.

The evening – held in aid of Prince Charles charity The Prince’s Trust – saw the worlds of music and fashion brought together in spectacular style.

Acts including Shirley Bassey, Alicia Keys, Lily Allen, Joss Stone, and Timbaland, provided the soundtrack for the various catwalk segments from top designers including Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Yves Saint Lauren.

The Sugababes and soul singer Patti LaBelle wowed the audience with a surprise performance of “Lady Marmalade” for Swarovski’s time on the runway.

Celebrity presenters included Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, and Naomi Watts, and Kate Moss completed the glamorous guest list.

The catwalk queen arrived in a $80,000 bespoke Topshop gown adorned with 60,000 beads, which is to be auctioned on eBay today (Oct 19, 2007) to raise money for The Prince’s Trust.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Thursday, April 5, 2007

WHITNEY GETS CHILD CUSTODY

Whitney Houston has been awarded custody of her daughter in her divorce from Bobby Brown.

The “I Will Always Love You” singer’s divorce was approved yesterday (Apr 4, 2007) by Judge Franz E. Miller in California’s Orange County court and will be finalized on April 24.

Whitney, 43, will have custody of 14-year-old Bobbi Christina, her daughter with 40-year-old R’n'B star Bobby.

The singer dabbed her eyes with a tissue during the hearing and declined to comment on the proceedings as she left the courthouse.

Bobby’s lawyer said the “My Prerogative” singer will file a petition to overturn the judge’s decision.

Whitney initially filed for legal separation from Bobby on September 8 last year and then followed with a divorce request in October.

But on December 28, she requested a default judgment to fast-track the dissolution of the marriage.

The couple married in 1992 when Whitney was at the height of her success.

During their marriage Bobby has been arrested for drugs and alcohol related charges and Whitney has twice entered rehab to be treated for addiction to crack cocaine.

Since their separation she has been recording a new album with J Records president Clive Davis in Los Angeles.

Despite their split, Whitney and Bobby have been seen together on several occasions dining with their daughter.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Tuesday, January 16, 2007

CRADLE ROBBER WHITNEY HOUSTON

Whitney Houston has been on a date with a singer almost half her age.

The 43-year-old star was seen leaving Beverly Hills restaurant Maestro on Sunday night (Jan 14, 2007) with Ray J, the younger brother of singer Brandy, who turns 25 tomorrow (Jan 17, 2007).

A source told gossip website X17online : “They looked like they’d had an enjoyable evening, but they weren’t happy to be pictured together. Ray helped Whitney into his car and drove her home.”

Whitney filed for divorce from bad boy husband Bobby Brown in September last year.

Whitney, 43, and Bobby, 39, tied the knot in the grounds of her five-acre, $11 million mansion in New Jersey on July 18, 1992.

The split came just months after it was alleged Whitney – who has a 13-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, with Bobby – was addicted to crack cocaine and living in squalor.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Wednesday, January 3, 2007

WHITNEY TO AUCTION OFF CLOTHES

Whitney Houston is set to auction off hundreds of famous stage outfits and accessories.

The singer – who recently filed for divorce from Bobby Brown – is selling bras, bustiers, bodysuits and evening dresses from her past tours.

Among the 400 items up for grabs are 13 Dolce and Gabbana sequined bustier bras, a chair described as “Whitney’s Throne,” and a see-through grand piano worth an estimated $400,000.

The pop diva is also selling off musical instruments and props used in her shows, including drums, a slot machine and a leather whip.

Houston isn’t just auctioning her own possessions – 16 of her estranged husband’s music awards are also available to buy.

Houston’s publicist said: “The auction consists of old equipment from past tours that she doesn’t need anymore. It’s not unusual for artists to sell off staging and equipment not in use anymore.”

However, it has been reported by the New York Daily News newspaper that a New Jersey company – that store Houston’s concert items – is auctioning the goods because she stopped paying storage bills in 2005.

Jeffrey Campisi, attorney for Speed of Sound, claims Houston’s company Nippy Inc. owes his client an estimated $200,000 in unpaid storage.

This isn’t the first time Houston has suffered financial difficulties recently.

Houston came close to losing her $6 million New Jersey 10-acre estate last year after owing thousands of dollars in back taxes.

She avoided foreclosure on the property by paying off the debt last week. The auction will be held in New Jersey on Tuesday (01.09.07).

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Thursday, November 23, 2006

WHITNEY LOSES ATLANTA MANSION

Whitney Houston’s house has been repossessed after she failed to make her mortgage payments.

The singer’s $1.4 million Atlanta mansion was seized and auctioned off on the steps of the Fulton County Courthouse earlier this week.

Reports suggest that Whitney and estranged husband Bobby Brown defaulted on mortgage payments and the five-bedroom house was foreclosed by the courts and put up for sale.

Last week, the 43-year-old singer denied reports that her $5.6 million home in New Jersey was to be repossessed due to claims she owed over $1 million in mortgage payments and taxes.

Whitney – who has overcome her addictions to drink and drugs – filed for divorce from Bobby, her husband of 14 years, on October 16 and has requested custody of the couple’s daughter Bobbi Kristina, 13.

Whitney has also asked for any property litigation to be postponed until a later date.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Thursday, November 16, 2006

WHITNEY SELLING NY HOME?

Whitney Houston is selling her house because she is unable to make the final $1 million worth of mortgage repayments, it has been reported.

The “I’m Every Woman” singer – who is currently divorcing husband Bobby Brown after 14 years of marriage – still has the huge sum to pay off on her $5.6 million New York home.

If the 43-year-old star does not clear up the debt the house has been predicted to “end up in a sheriff’s sale.”

Mortgage Electronic Registration systems, which hold the signer’s mortgage, have said the payment is likely to come from a sale rather than a foreclosure.

A spokesman for the company told the New York Post newspaper: “There are people interested.”

Whitney – who has overcome her addictions to drink and drugs – has not commented on the possible sale yet.

She filed for divorce on October 16 and has requested custody of the couple’s daughter Bobbi Kristina, 13.

Whitney has also asked for any property litigation to be postponed until a later date.

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Monday, October 30, 2006

WHITNEY FEELS GREAT

Whitney Houston wowed crowds on Saturday night (10.28.06) as she made her first public appearance since leaving rehab and filing for divorce from Bobby Brown.

The singer looked stunning with a new blonde hair style and sported a black Armani gown complete with diamonds as she joined a host of stars for the 17th Carousel of Hope Ball. Whitney, 43, said: “I feel great.”

The “I Will Always Love You” singer was escorted to the ball by music producer Clive Davis, who said: “She’s been through emotional trauma, and everybody’s rooting for her. We’re going to make a killer album.”

This year Whitney has won her battle against her crack cocaine addiction and split from her husband of 14 years, fellow addict and notorious bad boy Bobby.

The singer joined Hollywood actress Halle Berry at the main table for the charity event which raised over $70 million for childhood diabetes.

Stevie Wonder, Sharon Stone, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Brooke Shields, Teri Hatcher, Sidney Poitier, Minnie Driver, Kristin Davis, Hilary Duff and Jay Leno were also in attendance.

Stone, who attended a public event in Los Angeles last week holding hands with “True Romance” star Christian Slater, refused to confirm if the pair were officially an item.

When asked if she was dating her “Bobby” co-star, she replied: “None of your beeswax.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Wednesday, September 20, 2006

BROWN ”SADDENED” BY DIVORCE

Bobby Brown is ‘’saddened” by his pending divorce from wife Whitney Houston.

She filed for a legal separation from the “My Perogative” singer on September 8 after 14 years of marriage.

Talking about the break-up for the first time, Bobby, 39, explained: “I’m really saddened by the whole situation.”

According to reports, Whitney has asked for custody of their 13-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Whitney and Bobby tied the knot in the grounds of her $11 million five-acre mansion in New Jersey on July 18 1992.

Divorce proceedings are expected to get underway next month.

Meanwhile, Whitney is reportedly due to start recording her first album since 2002’s “Just Whitney.”

Music mogul Clive Davis – who discovered the singer – told the New Tork Post newspaper: “We are reviewing material right now. She is talking enthusiastically and is articulate. We are going to make a great album.”

However, he says claims that she will perform at the Carousel Ball of Hope in October are untrue, but added she may perform at his VIP Grammy party next year.

Clive clarified: “It is too early to say if Whitney is going to perform, but I would hope she would be in the running. She looks radiant and is clearly together.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

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Last updated: Thursday, September 14, 2006

WHITNEY & BOBBY GETTING DIVORCED

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown are getting divorced.

© WireImage

The “How Will I Know” singer filed the paperwork for a “legal separation” in Orange County, California, last Friday (Sept. 8, 2006) but details of the split have only just been released.

Whitney’s spokesperson, Nancy Seltzer, confirmed: “She has filed for divorce from Bobby Brown. We’re saying she filed for divorce because that is Whitney’s intent.”

Whitney, 43, and Bobby, 39, tied the knot in the grounds of her five acre, $11 million mansion in New Jersey on July 18, 1992. Divorce proceedings are expected to get underway next month.

The split comes just months after it was alleged Whitney – who has a 13-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, with Bobby – was addicted to crack cocaine and living in squalor.

The pop diva – whose once stunning looks have apparently been ravaged by her addiction – reportedly holes up at seedy crack dens for weeks at a time, indulging in her habit.

The allegations were made by her sister-in-law, Tina Brown, who claims she previously used crack with the star.

She also claimed Whitney spends days locked in her bedroom amid piles of garbage, taking drugs and using sex toys.

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Last updated: Monday, August 21, 2006

WHITNEY HAS A NEW FAN

© Retna

Whitney Houston has a new fan – Osama bin Laden.

Kola Boof, the terrorist’s former sex slave, claims in her new book that he was obsessed with the troubled “How Will I Know” singer.

She revealed to Harpers Bazaar magazine: “He told me Whitney was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.”

“He said that he had a paramount desire for her and although he claimed music was evil, he spoke of someday spending vast amounts of money to go to America and try to arrange a meeting.”

Kola – who until recently wrote for US soap opera “The Days of Our Lives” – also says Osama wanted to shower her with gifts and convert her to Islam.

The 37-year-old explained: “He said he wanted to give her a mansion he owned in a suburb of Khartoum.”

“He would say how beautiful she is, what a nice smile she has, how truly Islamic she is but is just brainwashed by American culture and by her husband – Bobby Brown, whom Osama talked about having killed, as if it were normal to have women’s husbands killed.”

Kola added: “He explained to me that to possess Whitney, he would be willing to break his color rule and make her one of his wives.”

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WHITNEY HOUSTON – HOUSTON CLEANS UP AFTER SECRET TRIP TO LOS ANGELES

Troubled soul star WHITNEY HOUSTON has turned her back on drugs and is now aiming to literally clean up her messy life, according to the singer’s best friend CHERELLE. The former R+B star has revealed she and Houston recently took up an invitation from the diva’s friends DENZEL WASHINGTON and MEL GIBSON to hide out in Los Angeles, visiting churches in disguise. Cherelle tells urban magazine Sister 2 Sister the trip afforded Houston the chance to go “straight detox” after confessing she had drug abuse problems, and the quality time allowed her longtime friend to talk some sense into her. Cherelle admits Houston was upset by recent tabloid claims about her drug habit made by sister-in-law TINA BROWN, that were accompanied by photographs of the singer’s reported squalid drug den. Houston’s pal claims some of the allegations Brown made were true, but the picture was nothing more than a shot of a messy bathroom. Cherelle says, “I told Nippy (Houston’s nickname), I was being honest with her: ‘Some of the things (Tina) did say in there (article) were true – not true in a drug form, but yes, you are sloppy! Yes, you are messy – not only in the bathroom, but period.’” Cherelle goes on to explain that Houston’s inability to keep a tidy home comes from years of having aides to fetch and carry everything for her. She adds, “She was just 18-years-old when she had a hit record… It’s out of habit, her dropping stuff down. Now I’m like, ‘You’re 43-years-old, n**ger. Pick that up! I’m not picking up behind you.’”

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Last updated: Wednesday, April 19, 2006

WHITNEY CHECKS INTO REHAB

© Retna

Whitney Houston has reportedly checked herself into rehab in a bid to kick crack cocaine.

The singer – who has a well-publicized history of drug problems – is said to have entered the facility without telling husband Bobby Brown.

Whitney’s sister-in-law Tina Brown is quoted in Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper as saying: “At first he thought she was just off on another drug binge.”

“It took a few days to find out from Whitney’s family that they had talked her into rehab. All Bobby told me is that she is in treatment, in a secluded place.”

The news comes after Tina claimed the former diva was hooked on crack cocaine and living in squalor.

She said Whitney – whose stunning looks have apparently been ravaged by her habit – holes up at seedy crack dens for weeks at a time, indulging in her habit.

Shocking photographs taken by Tina showed the star’s bathroom littered with drug paraphernalia, including a crack-smoking pipe and cocaine-covered spoons.

Tina told America’s National Enquirer magazine: “The truth needs to come out. Whitney won’t stay off the drugs. It’s every single day. It’s so ugly. Everyone is so scared she is going to overdose.”

It won’t be the first time Whitney has attended a drug treatment centre – she checked into rehab in 2004 and again in 2005.

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Last updated: Friday, April 7, 2006

WHITNEY’S LESBIAN FLINGS

© WireImage

Whitney Houston had lesbian sex romps when she was high on crack cocaine, it has been alleged.

The star’s sister-in-law, Tina Brown – who recently claimed Whitney is hooked on drugs and living in squalor – says the singer has had a string of steamy same-sex affairs.

She is quoted by America’s National Enquirer magazine as saying: “It’s no secret. I’ve seen her with a woman a couple of times. They were walking around without shirts on when I came in the house.”

Whitney’s husband, singer Bobby Brown, apparently knew about the alleged flings. Tina said: “Bobby would say, ‘She’s with this one and that one’.”

Last month, Tina claimed Whitney – whose stunning looks have been ravaged by her addiction – holes up at seedy crack dens for weeks at a time, indulging in her habit.

She said the singer spends days locked in her bedroom amid piles of garbage, taking drugs and using sex toys.

She also released shocking photographs showing the star’s bathroom littered with drug paraphernalia, including a crack-smoking pipe and cocaine-covered spoons.

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Last updated: Wednesday, April 5, 2006

BEYONCE VOWS TO HELP WHITNEY

© Retna

Beyonce Knowles has vowed to help Whitney Houston beat her alleged addiction to crack cocaine.

The sexy singer was horrified by reports the 80s pop superstar – who is married to Bobby Brown – is hooked on drugs and living in squalor.

She wrote to Whitney – who discovered Beyonce when she was in Destiny’s Child and helped write and produce many of her tracks – to offer her support as soon as she read the allegations.

A source is quoted in Britain’s Daily Star newspaper as saying: “Beyonce will do what it takes to sort Whitney out. She needs her friends around her and Beyonce would never give up on anybody.”

The “Crazy In Love” isn’t the only star to have rushed to Whitney’s aid. Last week, it was revealed Mary J. Blige is praying for the troubled diva.

She said: “I’m saddened by the whole thing. Whitney is technically the best vocalist in the business.”

But the “One” singer insists the star – whose once stunning looks have been ravaged by her habit – can pull through and re-launch her career.

She said: “Whitney will come through. I have every faith that she will make a breakthrough. I’m just praying for her now.”

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Last updated: Wednesday, March 29, 2006

WHITNEY’S PROBLEM

© Retna

Whitney Houston is reportedly hooked on crack cocaine and living in squalor.

The pop diva – whose stunning looks have apparently been ravaged by her habit – allegedly holes up at seedy crack dens for weeks at a time, indulging in her habit.

The singer – who is married to pop star Bobby Brown, who she has a 13-year-old daughter with – also spends days locked in her bedroom amid piles of garbage, taking drugs and using sex toys.

Shocking photographs show the star’s bathroom littered with drug paraphernalia, including a crack-smoking pipe and cocaine-covered spoons.

The allegations were made by Bobby Brown’s sister, Tina, who claims she used to use crack with the star.

Tina told America’s National Enquirer magazine: “The truth needs to come out. Whitney won’t stay off the drugs. It’s every single day. It’s so ugly.”

“Everyone is so scared she is going to overdose.”

She claims the drugs have made Whitney so paranoid she sees evil apparitions and once drilled a spy-hole in her bathroom to look for “demons.”

She said: “She’ll point to the floor and say, ‘See that demon. I’m telling you somebody’s messing with Bobby.’ She always thinks it’s something to do with Bobby.”

She added: “She breaks everything – mirrors, phones, cabinets, appliances.”

Whitney – who is said to have blown much of her multi-million dollar fortune on her drug habit – has reportedly refused all offers of help.

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Last updated: Monday, January 23, 2006

BOBBY BROWN DENIES DIVORCE RUMORS

© WireImage

Bobby Brown has denied rumors he and wife Whitney Houston are to divorce.

Earlier this week, it was reported the pair were calling time on their tempestuous 14-year marriage after Brown, 36, allegedly let slip their relationship was over while flirting with a group of girls.

The singer – who was accused of beating up Whitney in 2003 – had been chatting with several beauties backstage at a concert, when one of them asked: “What’s up with your wife?”

Brown – who has a 12-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina with pop diva Whitney – reportedly replied: “We ain’t together no more. We’re getting a divorce.”

The “My Perogative” singer has now refuted the claims and insists he doesn’t remember stating that he and Whitney were no longer an item.

He told America’s People magazine: “The rumors are wrong. They’re false. People say I said something about it, but I joke a lot. … I don’t think I said it, but if I did it was a joke. Trust me. … It’s someone that got the words mixed up.”

Brown also revealed he is not angry about the divorce rumors and insists the couple are happier now more than ever.

He added: “There’s no way I can be upset, because I didn’t say it and I’m not trying to divorce her, and that’s the most important thing.”

“She’s my friend. She’s the better half of me. They say opposites attract, but we’re not opposites. We’re one person. We’re loving life.”

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Last updated: Wednesday, January 18, 2006

HOUSTON AND BROWN DIVORCED

© Retna

Whitney Houston and husband Bobby Brown are getting divorced, it has been claimed.

R&B singer Brown allegedly revealed the troubled pair are calling time on their tempestuous 14-year marriage while he was backstage at a concert.

The 36-year-old star – who in 2003 was accused of beating Whitney – was reportedly flirting with a group of women at a show by girl group SWV, in Connecticut, when one of them asked: “What’s up with your wife?”

Brown – who has a 12-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina, with pop diva Whitney – reportedly replied: “We ain’t together no more. We’re getting a divorce.”

Last month, the couple – who have both battled drug and alcohol addictions – were named the Tackiest Couple of 2005.

Stunning Whitney, 42, and Bobby topped the poll – which was conducted by America’s Star magazine – because of their behavior on their reality TV show “Being Bobby Brown.”

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