Defending Whitney on the BBC...

BBC World News reported on Whitney Houston's Australian shows and the critical reaction the press has had to her return to the live stage.  I took the opportunity to put across the views of Whitney's fans on the 'World Today' show.  You can hear the interview here:

NEWSFILE: 28 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Hunter Valley...

Pictures from tonight's Hunter Valley show:

Whitney Wins an Award...
 

The NAACP Image Awards, which honor diversity and achievement by African-Americans, were held for the 41st time on Fri., Feb. 26, 2010. Dozens of awards were given out in numerous entertainment categories, including television, music, literature and movies during the ceremony, which aired live on Fox.

Whitney Houston was honoured at the 41st NAACP Image Awards with the 'Outstanding Music Video' award for 'I Look To You'.

NEWSFILE: 27 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Tour Great...

Associated Press: Houston: Tour great, despite reports

Though video postings of her recent performances in Australia have been less than flattering, Whitney Houston says her tour is going great - and she's in great health.

Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster, released a statement yesterday, saying: "Whitney is in great health and having a terrific time on her tour and with her fans." She said more than 9,000 people attended Houston's show in Brisbane, and more than 12,000 were at Acer Arena in Sydney.

"Her fans were dancing and singing along with her, and Whitney appreciates their support," Foster said.

That view contrasts with news reports quoting disgruntled fans complaining about the star's voice and performance. Video snippets of Houston struggling to hit notes in concerts in Sydney and Brisbane have circulated widely on YouTube and other outlets.

The 46-year-old, who is one of pop's all-time best-selling artists, staged a comeback last year with her first album in seven years, I Look to You. It debuted at the top of the album charts.

During her hiatus from music, she battled drug addiction and ended a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown. But as she returned last year, she declared herself healthy and free from substance abuse.

This is Houston's first tour in years.

Whitney Comments to Promoter...

Adelaide Now: Whitney Houston coughs up an excuse for her abysmal performances
From: The Daily Telegraph February 26, 2010 11:30PM

Whitney fails to impress Aussie fans

WHITNEY Houston's promoter has revealed the cause of her coughing and breathlessness during her Australian tour - she smokes. Andrew McManus said the singer, 46, had refused to have her throat problems treated. He also said Houston was using her faith to help her get through her much maligned tour Down Under, which has been panned by critics and disappointed fans.

"Whitney smokes. God bless her, I can't tell her not to. She will not take any substances. She just will not. It is what it is," McManus said. "She's comfortable with the show she's performing. She knows she's not hitting every note like she used to. But it's value for money, it's Whitney Houston warts and all."

McManus said the gospel-loving Houston is aware of the haters and has told him to stop protecting her because the critical attacks may be God's will.  "I talked to her after the Sydney show. I told her I have her back but she said, 'If the good Lord wants me to be attacked and ridiculed that's the road I have to go down'," McManus said. "It's an interesting approach. Here I am being aggressive in trying to protect her and she said, 'I love you for it but let it go. I can only give my best, if that's not good enough, so be it. I'm comfortable in my own skin'." The promoter hinted that her performance tonight at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley may be an improvement on her Brisbane and Sydney shows because it is outdoors.

"She's looking forward to singing outside and not in the confines of an air conditioned venue," he said.

Hope Estate officials said yesterday they had been inundated with calls from fans asking whether tonight's show would go ahead following her lambasted performances in Brisbane and Sydney.

Houston spent yesterday on a Sydney Harbour cruise with daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Today Show, Australia...

The Today Show in Australia reviewed last nights concert in Sydney - the clip includes a number of performances from the show:

 

NEWSFILE: 26 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Nothing But Love...

News.com.au: A whole lot of love for Whitney Houston
By Diana Plater From: AAP February 25, 2010 1:37AM

POP diva Whitney Houston redeemed herself at her Sydney concert overnight.
It was as if her audience at Acer Arena really wanted her to succeed in the wake of bad reviews from her Brisbane show earlier this week.

During the first half she rocked the audience, who were on their feet even before the first song.

The second half was not so successful.

She returned in unflattering black sparkling pants and woolly vest and during her acoustic and gospel songs she couldn't reach some of the higher notes.

Some in the audience described the concert as "bizarre and weird'', with Houston stopping and starting in the middle of songs.

But the show stopper was I will Always Love You.

There was big break in the middle of the song as she went to the back of the stage, returning to lift the roof.

Despite her patchy performance and at times incoherence, the audience warmed to her.

The tour is scheduled to continue to the Hunter Valley, Melbourne and Adelaide.

NEWSFILE: 25 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Whitney In Sydney...

Pictures from tonight's show at the Acer Arena in Sydney:

Promoter Defends Whitney...

Australian tour promoter Andrew McManus was interviewed on Sunrise TV to discuss the Brisbane show and the media's reaction to it.
 

NEWSFILE: 24 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Sunrise News Spot on Whitney Houston's Australian Tour...

Australian morning news show Sunrise TV reported on Whitney Houston's performance last night in Brisbane and the clip includes some behind the scenes footage:

Promoter Defends Show...

Ninemsn: Promoter defends Whitney's performance
16:52 AEST Tue Feb 23 2010

By Paul Osborne

Whitney Houston's promoter has defended the pop diva's performance on the opening night of her Australian tour, saying she's seen difficult times and was performing "warts and all".

The 46-year-old actress and singer struggled through the opening night of her first Australian tour since 1988.

Houston got through two songs at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday night before appearing breathless and exhausted, and frequently coughed through songs.

Posting an internet comment after the concert, one audience member, Trista, wrote: "She barely finished any of her songs and talked more than she sang while trying to catch a breath, as well as stopping in the middle of her songs to get a towel, reapply makeup.

"I've never seen so many people walk out and be disappointed."

Another concert goer said: "Surely there must be grounds for a refund."

But her promoter Andrew McManus said in a statement on Tuesday he was proud and honoured to be associated with such an "amazing talent".

"As for some of the negative 'vocal minority' ... all I can say is, what happened to the Australian positive support of someone who has seen difficult times, and is now up on stage, warts and all, presenting herself like an open book for the world to see," he said.

"And they want to ridicule Whitney?"

He said people who expected to hear Houston of 20 years ago, should go buy a CD.

"But if they wanted to see a true professional artist give 100 per cent and have a red hot go at songs that make the greatest vocalists shrink, well come along and enjoy the ride of an amazing talent," he said.

Houston has sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos, with her career soaring through the 1990s but took a sharp dive as the shadow of an abusive relationship and drug addiction enveloped her life.

Her latest album is I Look To You.

The tour is scheduled to continue in Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Melbourne and Adelaide.
 

Promoter Defends Brisbane Performance...

Herald Sun: Whitney Houston promoter defends Brisbane concert after reports of her struggling during Brisbane leg of Nothing But Love tour
Cameron Adams From: Herald Sun, NewsCore February 23, 2010 10:46AM

UPDATE 2.10pm: PROMOTER Andrew McManus has defended Whitney Houston's Brisbane concert after mixed reviews from fans.
The show, the first of her Australian tour, has proved divisive, with some attendees slating the diva's performance.

But McManus said the singer, 46, was shocked by the negative reports of her concert.

Bloggers claimed a 'disoriented' Houston failed to hit high notes, appeared exhausted on stage and relied heavily on backing singers.

"I saw the whole show. Was it an A? No, it was probably a B+,'' McManus said.  "It was not a train wreck. She was hitting most of the notes, yes her throat was a little croaky.  "Her health is fine but she's also not 22 years of age anymore.

"She was on stage for two-and-a-half hours dancing, singing, running. Was she a little out of breath on a couple of songs? Yes she was. But I don't apologise for that, she had a red hot go.

"There were 9500 people there, 9000 gave her a standing ovation. There were so many happy faces, that's what she saw from the stage. So she's surprised by the negativity the morning after.  "She went to bed after the show giving a two-and-a-half hour solid performance, she was proud of it. She thought she gave her all and did a strong performance and I agreed with her.

"This was the first night of a tour after a long flight, she hasn't played for a while.  This is a tough country, you're going to be critiqued on your performance. At the end of the day it's not like the other act who was just here who didn't sing a note, she sang every single note.''

McManus admitted her voice is not as powerful as it was during the '80s and '90s.  The singer has revealed daily drug use during her turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown.  Their daughter, Bobbi Kristina, is accompanying Houston on the Australian tour.

"If the disgruntled few feel she wasn't up to scratch of the Whitney of 20 years ago I'd probably have to agree with them. But she performed the full concert.  "She performed all her hits. She did everything we promoted and said she'd do. It was a great performance. This is an icon of the business who hit rock bottom and is fighting back, instead of slamming her we should be praising her. 

"We're a nation who normally supports the underdog, she's the underdog and she's getting hammered. She's sensitive. She is someone who's 46 who hasn't performed in a long time.  "She's had some real lows in her life and she's proving she can fight back and give it a red hot crack. That's the attitude I thought people of Australia would embrace, unfortunately there's a minority who want to stick the boot in.''

Brisbane fan Trent Titmarsh was surprised at how much he enjoyed the show.  "I never was a big Whitney fan but I'll defend her as the two-hour plus show was better than I thought it would be and she is a true survivor.  "This is a woman who is nearly 50 years old and nearly died from drugs.  "Yeah, she was puffed after songs but that is because she worked the stage and danced her heart out on the opening numbers.  "Yes, she can't sing her power ballads from the 80's any more but she still gave us all that she can and it was still more than most 'singers' these days!''

Houston plays a sold out show at Rod Laver Arena on Monday, tickets are still available for the intimate Plenary show on March 6.

Britney Spears was also widely criticised during her Australian concert tour in November last year, with reports of disappointed fans walking out after she mimed the entire performance.

Now claims of walkouts have also stung Houston - but this time the power singer's breathless, exhausted performance is apparently to blame.  Concert-goers went to the Brisbane Courier-Mail website to label the 46-year-old's show "embarrassing", "terrible", "poor", "rambling" and "hopeless".  One said by the end of the concert Houston was being heckled by members of the audience and they had felt "cheated" by her performance. Others said they would be demanding their money back.

Houston got through just two songs at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre before taking a long break.  After a few more songs, during some of which she was heard to cough, Houston - appearing breathless and exhausted - left the stage to make way for her brother Gary to sing.  While she was off-stage her backup singers performed Queen of The Night, from The Bodyguard soundtrack.

During her signature song I Will Always Love You, from the same movie, Houston paused to get a drink and towel herself off just as she was about to hit the tune's epic high note.  Fans also claimed she left halfway through her own encore and she was off stage for 25 minutes of the 90 minutes running time.  "She was not fit to perform. She seemed to be on another planet, and the concert was laughable. When the back up singer's performance is the stand out for the night you know something is wrong," one fan wrote on the Courier-Mail website.  "To charge people for that, is just wrong. Her voice was gone, she spoke more than she sang. My husband left half way through he just couldn't watch anymore," another said.

"Whitney's ramblings, memory loss of one of her band members name, terrible voice and plain unprofessional performance will go down as one of the worst concerts ever. I certainly won't be rushing out to buy any more of her records. She has completely lost it and it was awful seeing so many people leaving, shaking their heads and laughing at her," a concert-goer wrote.

Houston, who has sold more than 170 million albums worldwide, suffered a major career setback after numerous drug problems plagued her and she endured an abusive relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown.  Her comeback tour is scheduled to continue in Sydney, the Hunter Valley and Adelaide, coming to Melbourne on March 6.

The concert follows reports last week that Houston was heard swearing a number of times after arriving in Australia.  Brisbane bus driver Tony Fulan said he suggested she should take off her hat and sunglasses to soak up the beautiful Queensland morning.  Fulan claimed she told him to mind his own business and "get f---ed".

Houston also got angry when her hired luxury car was not waiting at the doorstep of Brisbane International Airport on Saturday, according to The Courier-Mail.  "This is bull----," she said when forced to wait less than two minutes for her silver Mercedes-Benz to arrive.
 

NEWSFILE: 23 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Whitney Performs in Brisbane Tonight...

Whitney In Brisbane...

NEWSFILE: 22 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Sunrise News Spot on Whitney Houston's Australian Tour...

NEWSFILE: 21 FEBRUARY 2010
 

My Love Is Your Love Tour Documentary Trailer...

The 1999 'My Love Is Your Love' World Tour documentary, 'Whitney Houston: Up Close' was never released but the trailer for the movie has now been made available by DoRo Productions. 

You can see the trailer here and an exclusive performance of 'It's Not Right But It's Okay' from the documentary can be seen here.

Touchdown Down Under...

Sky News Australia: Whitney touches down in Brisbane
Updated: 20:51, Saturday February 20, 2010

One of the biggest voices in entertainment has landed in Brisbane for the Australian leg of her world tour.

Whitney Houston will also perform in the Hunter Valley, Sydney and Melbourne, as part of a major comeback following her long battle with drugs.

The pop diva's arrival comes amid rumours she'll be the star act at next week's Mardi Gras celebrations.
 

Sky News Australia Reports Whitney's Arrival...

NEWSFILE: 20 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Australian Interview...

Australian Herald Sun: Whitney's labour of love
Nui Te Koha From: Sunday Herald Sun February 19, 2010 4:49PM

WHITNEY Houston knows how to win a fight.  But, tonight at Saitama Arena, near Tokyo, her foe is proving to be a formidable challenger.  Houston, a superstar who triumphed over an abusive marriage and drug addiction, is battling an air conditioner.

“I can’t do air conditioning," she explains later, in a humidified dressing room. “It takes my top (vocal range) out."  To prove it, Houston unleashes a high note, which, minutes earlier, a cooling system almost silenced.  “It’s back now because there is moisture and the air is warm. Oh yes," she grins brightly, “it’s back."

Whitney Houston has also returned to centre stage, for the first time in 10 years. She has every reason to smile.  Her latest album, I Look To You, and tour, Nothing But Love, are about strength, optimism, gratitude and love.  “My intention is – I want the people to feel that it’s coming from my heart," Houston says.

“At one point in time, I almost decided that I didn’t want to be in it anymore.  “The music had changed, the industry had changed, the quality had changed. And I didn’t like it."

However, Houston felt encouraged by two things – supporters pleading for her to get back in the game and a new generation of powerhouse singers.  “Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé – they stirred my curiosity about coming back and making a record. But that’s only one part of the industry," Houston says firmly.

“To actually sing, perform and have people come to hear a real voice, a God-given gift, is really important to me."

Houston pulls no punches in her opinion of how the game lacks quality.

“It’s almost like we were dealing with an industry that had turned to soft porn," she says. “Instead of listening to a voice, an instrument, a gift from God, we had to watch people take off their clothes constantly. It left nothing to the imagination, nothing you could long for. You couldn’t say, 'Oh, that song, that melody, that voice'."

She does not name the offenders, but in citing Aguilera, Hudson and Knowles as inspirations, her hit list is obvious. 

There is one polite request for this interview: no personal questions, please.

Houston feels she gave everything about her emotional torment with former husband Bobby Brown, and their drug dependence, to US broadcaster Oprah Winfrey last year.  Houston feels nothing but love on this tour. Backstage, it is free from drama, extravagance and hangers-on.

Whitney’s older brother, Gary, is a backing vocalist on the tour. His wife, Patricia, co-manages Houston.  “It keeps me happy, supported," Houston says. “I don’t have the weight of bull.... for lack of a better word.  “I don’t have the worry about marriage and this and that. As you become older, you have the wisdom to know the difference."

Houston says family and faith are the reasons for her renewed success.  “My faith in God is true to me. It helped me in my life," she says.  “Everything else I could have experienced failed. Marriage, whatever else I’d been doing, failed. It was not solid.  "But my faith stayed solid. It helped me get through tough times."

Those trials and how Houston overcame them, are raised, lyrically, in the tour’s opening songs, For The Lovers, I Look To You, and Nothing But Love.

Houston’s show is divided into acts – vibrant new cuts, snapshots from the past decade, acoustic versions of her power ballads, a standout gospel moment and dance floor finale.

It is sexy and sophisticated, playful and passionate, classy and classic – a reminder of Houston’s power as interpreter and performer. Her voice – smooth, husky and, at times, raw and intense – is still on point.  “It’s grown up," she says of her voice, which the Los Angeles Times once called a “national treasure".  “It’s the voice of a grown woman that’s had ups and downs."

Whitney Houston performs at Rod Laver Arena on March 1 (bookings 132 849) and the Plenary on March 6 (bookings 136 100).
 

NEWSFILE: 19 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 27 February 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Down to No.168 (from No.135) - 24 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Up to No.148 (from No.199) - 24 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down to No.36 (from No.32) - 24 weeks on chart.

WHITNEY HOUSTON:
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Catalog Albums - Down to No.14 (from No.12) - 119 weeks on chart.

WORTH IT:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - New Entry at No.77 - with Bullet - 1 week on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - New Entry at No.24 - with Bullet - 1 week on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Down to No.36 (from No.23) - 28 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.36 (from No.33) - 28 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Down to No.10 (from No.8) - 22 weeks on chart.

NEWSFILE: 18 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Whitney Live In Osaka, Japan Tonight...

Legal Wrangle for NZ Council...

Stuff.co.nz: Lawyers Called As Whitney Walks
By FELICITY ROSS - Taranaki Daily News

Promoters have cancelled the Whitney Houston show at New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands and are taking legal action against the district council.

The R&B diva was scheduled to perform at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands on March 6, but yesterday cancelled, with her promoter Andrew McManus Presents blaming a dispute with the venue's operator, the New Plymouth District Council.

Mr McManus said his company's lawyers were currently drawing up legal papers against the council.

"At this point in time there will be no comment due to pending legal action. We are preparing our case and that is all I can say at this stage," Mr McManus told the Taranaki Daily News.

New Plymouth Mayor Peter Tennent said the council has not yet been formally told by Mr McManus that the concert has been called off and had not heard about any legal action against it.

"Like everyone else, we heard via media release. We have had no direct notification from Andrew," he said.

When the Taranaki Daily News informed Mr Tennent on the impending legal action he was shocked.

"I am a little surprised by any action that Andrew feels he has got against this community. Obviously I haven't seen it but in due course if there is any action it will obviously have to be responded to."

Red flags about the show were raised on Monday after the Taranaki Daily News saw an announcement on the Ticketmaster website saying tickets sales were suspended until further notice.

Mr Tennent said the council had been trying unsuccessfully to get in touch with Mr McManus to find out what was happening when they received the media release saying the show was cancelled.

The only New Zealand show has been replaced with an "up close and personal" concert in Melbourne on March 6.

General manager customer services Cathy Thurston said no council money had been spent on getting Houston here.

While Mr McManus declined to reveal the reason behind the cancelled show, which was part of her Nothing But Love tour, Mr Tennent understands it was due to slow ticket sales.

"My understanding is that the sales were below Andrew's expectations and, let's be frank, Fleetwood [Mac] sold out in a few minutes," he said.

Mr McManus said he would make further comment regarding the pending lawsuit after the March 6 replacement date in Melbourne is fulfilled and "we can work out our damages".

Houston's Australian fans have already been dealt a double blow with the cancellation of two Perth concerts early next month. The cancellations were blamed on scheduling conflicts and a shortage of transport to carry sound and lighting equipment to the city.

Houston has more than 400 awards including two Emmys, seven Grammys, 24 Billboard Music and 22 American Music awards. Her hits include I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and Greatest Love of All.

For refunds, ticketholders should contact Ticketmaster on 0800-111-999 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Organisers of Womad say Houston ticket holders are welcome to present their tickets to Ticketek outlets before March 1 and receive a Saturday Womad ticket for the same price, $120 plus service fees.

 

NEWSFILE: 17 FEBRUARY 2010
 

New Zealand Cancellation, New Melbourne Show...

infonews.co.nz: Whitney Houston - NZ show cancelled

NEW PLYMOUTH

Andrew McManus Presents regrets to announce that, owing to a dispute with the venue's owner/operator, the Whitney Houston concert scheduled to take place at the New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands on 6 March 2010 has been cancelled.

Whitney and Andrew McManus are extremely sorry to have to disappoint all of Whitney's many New Zealand fans on this occasion.

For refunds, ticket holders should contact Ticketmaster on 0800-111-999 or visit www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Whitney will now perform an exciting Up Close and Personal concert at The Plenary in Melbourne on 6 March 2010.

Disappointed New Zealand fans should contact Ticketmaster on +61-136-100 visit www.ticketmaster.com.au for tickets to this unique and exciting event!  For special travel and accommodation packages, please contact Impact Travel International Pty on +61 3 9489 9455 or simone@impactravel.com

Whitney's Australian dates are -

Monday February 22 - Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Wednesday February 24 - Acer Arena, Sydney
Saturday February 27 - Hope Estate, Hunter Valley
Monday March 01 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Thursday March 04 - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
*And NOW Saturday March 06 - The Plenary, Melbourne
 

UK Chart Detail...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 20 February 2010:

NEWSFILE: 15 FEBRUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 20 February 2010:

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Down to No.44 (from No.42) - 42 weeks on chart.

NEWSFILE: 14 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Nothing But Love...

'Nothing But Love' gets its UK single release on 5 April 2010.  Expect to hear it on UK radio stations soon with a video for the single to follow.

NEWSFILE: 13 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Videos...

whitneyhouston.com: More Concert Footage From Korea

Footage continues to flood in as Whitney's "Nothing But Love Tour" trails through Asia. Check out these additional clips of Whitney performing "For The Lovers" and "My Love Is Your Love".

Legs...

Mirror.co.uk: Whitney Houston still has great legs

Move over Tina Turner - Whitney Houston's out to steal your crown for best legs in showbiz.

And considering the 46-year-old was wearing kneehigh socks with her sparkly mini dress, that's pretty good going.

She showed off her new hot bod on the first night of her tour in Tokyo. Perhaps it's because of all that larking around with her tasty young dancers at her hotel.
 

South Africa...

Times LIVE: Whitney not due in SA

Feb 12, 2010 12:32 AM | By NIVASHNI NAIR

Whitney Houston's record label is considering suing a Durban concert promoter who claimed falsely that the megastar would perform in the city next month.

Hours after Vinny Bisnath, of Dolphin Promotions, held a media launch on Wednesday at which he announced that Houston would perform with R&B singer Akon at the Moses Mabhida stadium on March 27, Sony Music in the US began investigating the "rumour".

Sony senior label manager in South Africa Ann Howell told The Times: "There is no way that Whitney Houston is coming to South Africa and there were no discussions or early negotiations with any Durban promoter.  "Sony Music and Houston's management do not know where this information has come from and are now considering legal action against the person who tried to exploit the star, to get him to stop making these claims and to retract them."

On Monday, Bisnath sent out invitations to the media that featured pictures of Houston and Akon side by side.  Ahead of the media launch of the "Whitney Houston and Akon concert" on Wednesday night, Bisnath told The Times that he was negotiating with Houston's agents to bring her to his home town.

He said he had travelled to the US with local DJ Tbo Touch, who introduced him to Akon's manager and Houston's agent.  Akon's manager, who goes by the name of Babs, attended the concert announcement.  "All I can say is that fans are going to go home and remember this concert," he told The Times.

Babs said Akon had jumped at the opportunity to perform in South Africa and at the Moses Mabhida stadium ahead of the Fifa soccer World Cup.

At Wednesday's event, Durban deputy mayor Logie Naidoo said the concert was a "win" for Durban and urged fans to buy tickets.  But it remains to be seen how many tickets will be bought if Houston is not performing.

Bisnath said: "I said I was in negotiations and I did not confirm anything."   When asked why the launch invitations featured Houston's picture and name, he said he had "hoped" to bring the megastar to South Africa.  "I said there was a possibility and nothing was confirmed."   Bisnath said he was aware that Sony Music was considering taking legal action against him.   "As I explained, it was a possibility. I was in negotiations," he said.

South Africa...

Cross Rhythms: Whitney Houston adds praise to the growing reputation of Kim Burrell

THE REPUTATION of gospel jazz diva Kim Burrell continues to grow Stateside. Recently she sang at the BET Honors TV programme on which mainstream star Whitney Houston said, "If I were to say Kim Burrell is the greatest living singer in the known world, who would argue with me?" In recent times Burrell has lost more than 100 pounds in weight after deciding to change her lifestyle after three heart attacks, the latest one being just over eight months ago.
 

NEWSFILE: 12 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Whitney Houston in Tokyo...

Pictures from Whitney Houston's opening night at Tokyo's Saitama Super Arena:

Million Dollar Hotel Show...

whitneyhouston.com: Whitney & Team's "Million Dollar Bill" Hotel Show

Whitney Houston and her group of dancers had a blast in their hotel lobby while performing in Seoul. Check out their impromptu performance of "Million Dollar Bill" below!

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 20 February 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Up to No.135 (from No.155) - with Bullet - 23 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Up to No.119 (from No.139) - with Bullet - 23 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Remains at No.32 (2nd week) - with Bullet - 23 weeks on chart.

WHITNEY HOUSTON:
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Catalog Albums - Down to No.12 (from No.8) - 118 weeks on chart.

WORTH IT:
Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles - New Entry at No.21 - 1 week on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Down to No.33 (from No.29) - 27 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.33 (from No.28) - 27 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Down to No.8 (from No.7) - 21 weeks on chart.

NEWSFILE: 11 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Tour Book Photo Exclusive...

NEWSFILE: 9 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Kick off...

whitneyhouston.com: Whitney Kicks Off Nothing But Love Tour

The Nothing But Love Tour is officially under way and Perez Hilton just posted a bunch of videos of her performance! Head on over and watch Whitney perform "Exhale", "For The Lovers", "I Learned From The Best" and more!

UK Chart Detail...

NEWSFILE: 8 FEBRUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 13 February 2010:

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Up to No.42 (from No.47) - 41 weeks on chart.
 

NEWSFILE: 7 FEBRUARY 2010
 

First Night...

Whitney Houston's world tour has kicked off with the opening show in Seoul, South Korea.  Here are the first pictures from the show:

Nothing But Love Tour Forum Open!...

NEWSFILE: 6 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 13 February 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Down to No.155 (from No.147) - 22 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Down to No.139 (from No.130) - 22 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down to No.32 (from No.28) - 22 weeks on chart.

WHITNEY HOUSTON:
The Billboard 200 - Re-Entry at No.164 -  163 weeks on chart;
Top Pop Catalog - New Entry at No.21 - 1 week on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Catalog Albums - New Entry at No.8 - 117 weeks on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Down to No.29 (from No.21) - 26 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.28 (from No.21) - 26 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Down to No.7 (from No.6) - 20 weeks on chart.

The BET Dress...

iloubnan.info: Tony Ward dresses singer Whitney Houston
February 04, 2010

BEIRUT - Tony Ward dressed Bet Honor Award winning singer Whitney Huston in hand made bronze silk organza mermaid cut evening dress with lurex triangle shaped inserts and embroidered with Swarovski crystals in the top from Tony Ward Haute Couture Fall/Winter Collection 2009 – 2010.

With a modern and dynamic style, Tony Ward combines purity of lines and sophisticated details. He developed a unique sense of luxury matching the taste of different cultures and the master craftsmanship of a family Atelier.

His Ready-to-wear lines are currently distributed in the most exclusive boutiques throughout the world.

Tony Ward’s collections are a tribute to women and their femininity, with the taste and distinctive charm of a timeless style.

Tour Merchandise...

PR Newswire: Bravado Signs Superstar Divas

World's Leading Global Merchandising Company Partners with Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Whitney Houston

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Bravado, the world's leading global music merchandising company, has signed superstar artists Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Whitney Houston to create merchandise in support of their recent album releases and concert tours. The announcement was made today by Tom Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Bravado.

All four chart-topping superstar divas will be touring in 2010 in support of their respective recent album releases: Mariah Carey’s "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel," Rihanna’s "Rated R," Alicia Keys’ "The Element of Freedom," and Whitney Houston’s "I Look To You". Mariah Carey’s tour kicked off with a special concert at Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve, and will now travel across the US and Canada and finishes in Las Vegas at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace at the end of February, 2010. Rihanna’s tour is currently being booked, with dates announced in Europe including multiple shows in the UK. Alicia Keys will begin her international “Freedom Tour” on February 28 in Montreal, Canada, while Whitney Houston’s tour will also take her around the world, beginning in February in Japan and ending in Helsinki, Finland in June.

"We're excited to partner with these exceptional ladies and to help them translate their unique style into innovative merchandise for their fans," said Bennett.

Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Whitney Houston join a star-studded roster of Bravado artists which includes female superstars Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Tina Turner and Katy Perry, among many others.

About Bravado

Bravado, the only global, 360 degree full service merchandise company, develops and markets high-quality licensed merchandise to a world-wide audience. The company works closely with new & established entertainment clients, creating innovative products carefully tailored to each artist or brand. Product is sold on live tours, via selected retail outlets and through web-based stores. Bravado also licenses rights to an extensive network of third party licensees around the world. The company maintains offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo and Sydney. Now under the Universal Music Group umbrella, Bravado is able to leverage a global sales and distribution network from the world's largest record company, as well as the group's significant marketing strength. Bravado artists include The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Beyonce, No Doubt, Nickelback, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kanye West, Guns 'N Roses, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Green Day and The Killers, among many others.


SOURCE Bravado
 

NEWSFILE: 4 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Whitney Arrives In Korea...

USA Today: Whitney Houston in Korea to kick off world tour

Whitney Houston arrived today at Incheon International Airport in South Korea.

The singer is scheduled to kick off her "Nothing But Love" world concert tour at the Olympic Park Gymnasium in Seoul with shows on Saturday and Sunday, before heading to Tokyo.
 

Worth It Single Cover...

Korea...

The Dong-A Ilbo: Whitney Houston to Begin World Tour in Seoul

“I will meet Korean fans first on this tour. This is my first performance in Korea, but I’m excited as if I’m going on my first world tour.”

Pop diva Whitney Houston wrote this in an e-mail interview yesterday, adding, “I will truly present Whitney’s music rather than just show many things.”


She arrives in Korea today and will perform at the Olympic Park Gymnasium in Seoul Saturday and Sunday evenings.


Houston has battled drug addiction, an unhappy marriage with singer Bobby Brown, and eventually divorce. In September last year, however, she released her new album “I Look To You” and will begin her first tour in a decade in Seoul.


Her world tour is named “Nothin’ But Love” after a song in her new album. “I chose this title because what I had under any circumstance was love,” she said.


“I wouldn’t have overcome tough times without my mom and my daughter. My daughter is especially like a friend who supported me and stayed with me at the studio when I was working on the album.”


Houston debuted in 1985 with her self-titled album, and since won six Grammys and sold as many as 170 million albums.

BET Ratings...

TVByTheNumbers: Third Annual The BET Honors Averages 2.4 Million
Posted on 02 February 2010 by Robert Seidman

2.4 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS TUNE IN FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL “THE BET HONORS”

Hosted By Gabrielle Union, THE BET HONORS Recognized the Accomplishments of Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Keith Black, and Ruth Simmons

NEW YORK—February 2, 2010—BET Networks continues the momentum as the leading network for African Americans with an impressive viewership of THE BET HONORS. This year’s airing of THE BET HONORS drew in 2.4 million viewers according to Nielsen Media Research. Hosted by the beautifully talented Gabrielle Union, the amazing show recognized the accomplishments of Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Keith Black, and Ruth Simmons on Monday, February 1 at 9:00 p.m.*

THE BET HONORS was cable’s number one Monday night special. Moreover, this year’s BET HONORS posted triple digit time slot gains to the tune of +245% (vs STD) and it was ad-supported cable’s number one weeknight entertainment special for 2010.

Aptly themed “What Extraordinary Looks Like,” this year’s presentation treated viewers to astounding performances by the legendary Stevie Wonder, R&B singer Trey Songz, neo-soul artist India.Arie, gifted singer Jazmine Sullivan, the illustrious Patti Labelle, R&B group Take 6, award-winning soul singer Mary J. Blige, gospel songstress Kim Burrell, singer/actress Jennifer Hudson, producer/recording artist Ryan Leslie and Grammy Award-winner Maxwell.

In addition to paying tribute to the lives of leading African Americans in and out of the entertainment industry, THE BET HONORS took time to recognize those affected by the devastated earthquake in Haiti and donated thirty thousand dollars to musician, producer, and activist Wyclef Jean’s foundation YÉLE for emergency relief in Haiti.

Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks are executive producers, along with John Cossette of John Cossette Productions.

For more information on THE BET HONORS, visit www.bet.com/bethonors

*All times ET/PT.
 

NEWSFILE: 3 FEBRUARY 2010
 

Roxanna Floyd...

New York Daily News: Famed makeup artist Roxanna Floyd, who worked on Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, dies at 49
By Owen Moritz
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, February 2nd 2010, 4:00 AM

Brooklyn-based makeup artist Roxanna Floyd, who made sure celebrities put their best face forward, has died. She was 49.

Her family gave no cause of death. She died in her sleep at her home in Clinton Hill.

Over a three-decade career, Floyd's artistry could be seen in motion pictures, on book jackets and on more than 200 magazine covers. She "worked on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica," her office said.

Her first celebrity client was Yoko Ono, and she went on to do 60 Essence covers, the first featuring Halle Berry.

She is survived by her husband, Rick Ramos; her mother, Alberta (Bertha) Floyd; one niece, and two nephews. A funeral will be held Saturday at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 279 Lafayette Ave. in Brooklyn.
 

NEWSFILE: 2 FEBRUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Detail...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 6 February 2010:

NEWSFILE: 1 FEBRUARY 2010