Over her career, the legendary Whitney Houston won an impressive six Grammy Awards — making her death on February 11, one day before the 2012 ceremony, that much more shocking to the music industry.
But the Grammys will go on, and will pay respects to Houston: The Los Angeles Times reports that Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan have been tapped to perform a “respectful musical tribute,” says Ken Erhlich, the Grammys’ executive producer.
“It’s too fresh in everyone’s memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and, in particular, her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years,” Erhlich said.
News of Houston’s death came just hours before she was to perform at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammys gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the singer’s body had been found earlier. Davis, the music mogul who made Houston a star back in the 1980s and helped orchestrate her comeback in recent years, opened his gala with a “very heavy heart,” he said. ”She was so full of life and looking forward to tonight, this night that celebrates music. She would have wanted us to carry on and her family asks that we carry on.”
In a statement, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow expressed the group’s sorrow over Houston’s passing. “Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs,” Portnow said. “A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.”
Tell us: In light of the tragedy, do you think the Grammys should go on as scheduled?
