Whitney Houston staged her comeback this weekend, singing four songs at a pre-Grammy party for music mogul Clive Davis.
Houston has spent several years out of the spotlight – or rather, under the wrong kind of spotlight – wrestling with personal problems and alleged drug use. And yet on Saturday night the singer was "stunning-looking", "strong-sounding" and boasting a "healthy glow", according to reports.
She was the headlining act at Davis's annual private party, appearing after sets by Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Kings of Leon, Jennifer Hudson and others. While usually the event is hosted by Davis – who discovered Houston, Janis Joplin and Bruce Springsteen – this time it was the label boss himself who was being honoured, to celebrate a special Grammy award.
From the stage of the Los Angeles Beverly Hilton, Houston performed four songs, including a "crooning" version of I Will Always Love You to a crowd including Paul McCartney, Prince, Kanye West and the Jonas Brothers.
"We all crossed our fingers that her beautiful story would end [happily]," Jamie Foxx told Billboard. "This is a new beginning." Foxx joined Hudson and US R&B artist Fantasia at the front of the stage, dancing and recording the performance on his digital camera.
Houston closed the set with I'm Every Woman, which, according to Rolling Stone, had Katy Perry "hand-raising like a grandma".
"She killed it," Foxx yelled. "We gotta get this up on YouTube!"
We're still waiting, Jamie.
