Those who are in the know can recall not too long again when then radio host, Wendy Williams, would simply go in on Whitney Houston for some of the alleged (and later confirmed) drug usage. And to be honest, at that point, we were all wondering how America’s soul pop sweetheart could really be committing the kinds of actions that the tabloids exploited constantly during that time. Anyway, on today’s The Wendy Williams show, Wendy, who has since moved from radio to a daily syndicated talk show, spoke a bit about her relationship with Whitney.
She reveals that although she never met Whitney in person, she shared many of the demons that beleaguered the nearly departed diva. Given Wendy’s tears, her tribute and recollections certainly seem heartfelt. Judge for yourself.
Here is Wendy’s previous interview with Whitney from Jan 30, 2003: Part 1
Last night saw the world of music celebrate some of today’s best and pay tribute to the recently departed Whitney Houston, who died on Saturday at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The show was replete with the customary performances, many of which left us wanting for the glory days. A few highlights were Bruno Mars’ splendid (albeit slightly annoying) performance, Nicki Minaj’s Halloween inspired Madonna tribute, and of course, Jennifer Hudson’s emotional performance of Whitney’s (and Dolly Parton’s) hit “I Will Always Love You.” It, along with moving tributes by Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and many others made the night a bit more special than it otherwise would have been. However, it was clear that it was Adele’s night, who swept the major categories and tied Beyonce’s record for the most Grammy’s in one night by a female artist.
We really enjoyed L.L. Cool J as the host and we were impressed with his handling of an incredibly difficult and unexpected intro. We were also inspired by Sir. Paul McCartney’s new Valentine inspired ditty and loved the way he closed the show with such classic melodies.
We could have done without as much Chris Brown, however. While his dancing prowess is well documented, he did not even deserve to share a nomination with the likes of Ledisi, R. Kelly or Kelly Price, much less win the category. Please. Someone has clearly got the fix in. No disrespect to this brother or his team, but he simply did not deserve that award for best R&B album and definitely not two performances, the same number as a Beatle? Please!
For all the splendor of the show, it had the air of the 80s shows where there was 1 clear chosen winner (ala Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince) and everyone else just knew they were going to lose. The night was clearly owned by Adele, who belted out her mega hit “Rolling in the Deep” with all of the expected revelry. Not missing a note and looking beautiful, she made believers out of any on the sidelines. We went in fans and come out evangelists.
That said, we feel she pales in comparison to Ledisi, who was tucked away in the audience, not even offered a chance to showcase her incredible talent. With one of this years best vocal performances on her Pieces of Me LP, she deserved at least 1 duet in tribute to Whitney. She was robbed and if she is reading this, please know that you will always have a home here for your music or announcement or whatever. Your voice and talent will go down as one of the best voices of our time. When it is all said and done, you, too will go down as one THE VOICES. Kudos on a great year regardless of the awards.
Below are the results of last night’s predictions (list by Wikipedia.com). Our picks are highlighted in Green. Where we missed, the winner will be shown in Green and our answer in Black.
Paul Blair, DJ Snake, Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Jeppe Laursen, RedOne & Clinton Sparks, producers; Fernando Garibay, Lady Gaga, Bill Malina, Trevor Muzzy, RedOne, Dave Russell, Justin Shirley Smith, Horace Ward & Tom Ware, engineers/mixers; Gene Grimaldi, mastering engineer
Carlos Franzetti, arranger (Carlos Franzetti & Allison Brewster Franzetti)
Results: 18/40 Overall – Grade F. Yes, we got hosed overall, but did well in some categories. Better luck next year, when we will be staying in our lane.
