Whitney Houston Grammy Tribute: Jennifer Hudson to Perform Homage to Fallen Singer as Chaka Khan Cancels Pre-Show

Posted on Feb 11th 2012 11:50PM by Sarah Chazan

Frederick M. Brown

Update: Just hours before Chaka Khan was set to perform a tribute to Whitney Houston with Jennifer Hudson at the Grammys, the soul legend has decided to pull out. "As I grieve the loss of my friend and 'little sister,' I don't feel it appropriate to perform at this time," Chaka tweeted to her fans. "Continue to pray for the family."

Yesterday (Feb. 11) the death of singing legend Whitney Houston shocked the world. The diva, who died only hours before attending a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles, will be honored at that very award show by a solo Jennifer Hudson.

'Entertainment Tonight' broke the news that the two powerhouse voices were originally set to come together to sing a tribute to the gone-too-soon diva. Throughout her illustrious career, Houston won six Grammy Awards and had been nominated 26 times.

"It will be something respectful," Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich told CNN. "It's not gonna be a full-blown tribute; to me that seems like it's too early, it's too fresh... [It will be] appropriate to Whitney's memory."

Houston's legacy will undoubtedly be a constant theme throughout tomorrow night's award show. Already the music industry has come out in droves to mourn the death of the singer. "She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace this earth," Mariah Carey wrote on her Twitter page earlier this evening. "It's so sad to see such a great female artist gone," singer Dev tells AOL Music. "I'll miss that voice!!!"

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Filed under: Grammy Awards, Hot Off the Press

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Julie Layton

I love Jennifer Hudson. Why even compare her to Whitney Houston. I personally couldn't stand her high notes; they were ear pearcing. I think Jennifer Hudson is a beautiful person with great talent singing and acting. I can't stand people who have the world in the palm of their hands and throw it away with drugs. What good did all her money and fame do for her? She wasn't happy. I wish Jennifer Hudson a happy drug free life and I hope she enjoys her life.

February 12 2012 at 11:26 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

writeonmusic

"Yesterday (Feb. 11) the death of singing legend Whitney Houston shocked the world. The diva, who died only hours before attending a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles, will be honored at that very award show by a solo Jennifer Hudson."

Ms. Houston died before she was to attend the pre-Grammy party. Obviously that's not what happened. (The way it reads is that she went to the party after passing away.)

February 12 2012 at 7:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to writeonmusic's comment

writeonmusic

Corrected: Ms. Houston died before she was to attend the pre-Grammy party. (The way it reads is that she went to the party after passing away.)

February 12 2012 at 7:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Joan

Hudson isn't exactly the best choice to sing tribute to Whitney. Hudson is a screamer, not singer. Whitney, with her beautiful voice, deserves so much more talent to honor her.

February 12 2012 at 12:01 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to Joan's comment

Florha Jones-Davidso

I totally agree. Adrua MacDonald, Denence Graves -Teena Marie , if she were still living. Kelly Price even has a more soulful sound than Jennifer Hudson. Maybe , Jennifer Hudson is the choice because of such short notice and maybe they had a duet in the works for the grammys already. Even Brandy might be ok. But Brandy as late does not look so good to me. I pray Brandy is not travelling down the same road Whitney allowed that Bobby Brown to take her. It is just a lot.

February 12 2012 at 12:16 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply

rushclaytina

I totally disagree about Jennifer being a screamer. That would be Fantasia even though I love her to. I think it great that she is doing that. To each there own.

February 12 2012 at 2:12 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

seabeeutcn

Her career died 15 years ago

February 12 2012 at 11:52 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

seabeeutcn

To everyone I seen on tv crying about this expected death I say this..... Get a life.

February 12 2012 at 11:51 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

seabeeutcn

What exactly is she honoring? Yes lets honor someone who had the world in their hands and threw it away for crack and booze and ended up dying from it. Yes very honorable.

February 12 2012 at 11:50 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to seabeeutcn's comment

speech

Whitney was only human, as we all are and she made mistakes - hasnt been confirmed it was drug or alcohol related, if it was so be it and her worries are over but dont make assumptions

February 12 2012 at 12:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

speech

The best way for Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson to honor Whitney is to sit down, shut up and let the REAL singers perform the tribute

February 12 2012 at 11:47 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply

keeniisite

sure its all about jennifer hudson now, i mean look at all the pics and articles about her and whitney spending all that time together right? wish jennifer would get herself a big old bowl of mac and cheese and go away. much respect to whitney and her loved ones

February 12 2012 at 11:05 AM Report abuse Permalink -3 rate up rate down Reply

TODD

Whitney had a great voice and was very beautiful....20 years ago
Since then, she has wasted her god given talent and chose drugs and thugs over a meaningful life.
Now she can answer to the almighty for why she was so selfish with his gift to her and be a sad, pathetic memory to the rest of the world.

February 12 2012 at 10:47 AM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply

aliciasp

I love you Whitney..RIP...God Bless you and your family...Caught your concert in New York City in Madison Square Garden...it was the best night ever you were great like always...love your music and always will.

February 12 2012 at 12:44 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply