More than overshadowed, this year’s Grammy Awards were all about the spirit of Whitney Houston. After her death was confirmed at the Beverly Hilton where she was staying for the Grammy Awards and Clive Davis’ pre-party, a low mood seemed to be felt far beyond LA. She was found lifeless in her bathtub. In Dubai, fountains were synchronized to the tune of Whitney Houston’s music in her honor.
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More than overshadowed, this year’s Grammy Awards were all about the spirit of Whitney Houston. After her death was confirmed at the Beverly Hilton where she was staying for the Grammy Awards and Clive Davis’ pre-party, a minor mood seemed to be felt far beyond LA. In Dubai, fountains were synchronized to the tune of Whitney Houston’s music in her honor.
The cause of death has yet to be determined, but since it was an open secret that Whitney had probably relapsed into her drug use, there was a lot of speculation. Whatever the cause of this mega star's death, she was one of the best singers ever and no one can argue with that. From singer Gordon to the latest X-Factor winners have drawn inspiration from Whitney Houston's music.
Throughout the day her music was played and listeners, famous and unknown, called in to share their Whitney story with the rest of the world. “Where do broken hearts go” took me back to a time when I thought I would never survive my own broken heart. On CNN, the mega bosses of the industry like Simon Cowell and Diana Ross responded. Diana Ross who is nominated for a lifetime award expressed what everyone felt. She said she was not in the mood and that she would not be able to enjoy her moment.
The Grammy Awards, this year hosted by LL Cool J, started with a prayer for the late Whitney Houston followed by a video of her performance at the Grammys. LL Cool J is right, music brings people together, more so, the notes connect us. In good times and bad to celebrate occasions, but also to heal. There was no artist who did not mention her name. The awards seemed to have a deeper dimension this year than ever before. Whitney's great spirit was palpable.
What makes someone turn to drugs or alcohol is hard to explain. The music industry is certainly hard, living with a partner who doesn’t seem to have your best interests at heart certainly doesn’t help, but in the end it’s all a personal choice. Everyone is responsible for their own choices and the consequences of them. This is one of the hardest things in life, hard to accept when it’s a talented person, but also hard when it’s yourself.
The easiest thing to say is; If I had that much talent, if I had that much money, if I got that chance... I can tell you one thing, from the outside it all seems so easy, but it never is. I think she, like everyone else, did what she thought was best. Like every person, she probably knew exactly where she went wrong, but unfortunately she was not given the time to correct mistakes.
I too am saddened by the news of Whitney’s sudden passing, but watching the Grammies helped. Jennefer Hudson, who had previously literally sung the song “I will always Love you” for Whitney, was now able to perform it again. You could have heard a pin drop. Respect for Jennefer, she clearly had a hard time herself, but she did it perfectly. My feeling now is one of appreciation. More than that, I am glad that Whitney lived and sang and shared her amazing talent with the world. She certainly deserves rest.
Sister Love