Jordin Sparks was by far not the first choice to play “Sparkle” in the upcoming movie remake.

During a recent interview with Access Hollywood, Whitney Houston revealed that Aaliyah was originally suppose to star in the film:

“This was [Aaliyah’s] movie, when we brought it to her, she was so enthusiastic about it and she wanted it, to do it so badly. She was our Sparkle. Unfortunately, it just didn’t go that way. I put it down. I said, ‘My Sparkle has gone to a better place,’ then we just left it alone.”

We can only imagine how great this movie would have turned out if Aaliyah was still with us today.

Side note: Whitney has been impressing us so much lately. You go girl!

[Necole Bitchie]

Whitney Houston is looking better than ever!

Comedian Mike Epps tweeted a pic of him and the R&B diva on the set of the upcoming remake of “Sparkle,” which, in addition to Epps and Houston, also stars Jordin Sparks, Tika Sumpter, Derek Luke and others.

We don’t care what Nippy is doing these days or how she’s doing it …. we just hope she keeps it up!!!

Your thoughts?

Whitney Houston may be all sober now … but sane? We don’t think so!

The R&B diva almost got kicked off an Atlanta flight for refusing to buckle up her seat belt.

Via TMZ:

Multiple sources tell us … Whitney boarded a flight in Atlanta Wednesday afternoon … and when she settled into her seat, a crew member asked her to buckle up.

We’re told Whitney refused and “got diva” on the crew member … until another crew member came over and warned Houston that if she didn’t buckle up, she would have to get off the plane.

Whitney eventually allowed one of the crew members to grab the buckle and fasten it for the singer — and the plane was then cleared for takeoff.

Sources close to the singer tell us … Whitney “overreacted a little bit after missing an earlier flight but she’s still 100% sober and was on the way to Detroit for her first day of shooting a new movie.”

Come on Whitney … don’t make everyone give up on you, before they even give you a chance!

Rihanna has made Billboard history after her latest single “We Found Love” shot from No. 16 to No. 9 on the Hot 100 chart in its second week, making this her 20th Top 10 single, and beating Pop Queen Madonna as the fastest solo artist to reach 20 Top 10 Hot 100 singles.

Rihanna’s first single to enter Top 10 territory was “Pon De Replay” (which peaked at #2 in 2005).

It only took Rihanna 6 years and 4 months to reach 20 Top 10 singles, while it took Madonna 6 years and 9 months (just 5 months longer).

Billboard.com reports:

Among all acts, Rihanna’s run to 20 top 10s is the second-fastest. Only the Beatles sprinted to the sum more quickly, taking just two years, seven months and one week between their chart entrance with “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (Jan. 18, 1964) and “Yellow Submarine,” which sailed 52-8 the week of Aug. 27, 1966. The Supremes are pushed to third-place among all artists, having collected their 20 career top 10s in a span of six years, five months and one week in 1964-70.

Rihanna is the 14th artist to have 20 Hot 100 Top 10 singles and is just the fifth woman to earn the honor.

Madonna leads the pack of talented ladies with 37 Top 10s, the highest ever for ANY artist, followed by Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson (with 27 each), and Whitney Houston (23).

Pretty impressive!

Is Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown‘s 18-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina working on launching a music career?

The teen (who has been attacked by the media over the past year or so for her alleged wild child antics … like sniffing cocaine and partying it up with Newports and 4 locos) recently posted a video on YouTube of her covering Adele‘s “Someone Like You.”

She definitely inherited her parents’ ability to party, and party hard … but did she inherit their Whitney’s pre-crack voice too? Find out when you peep the footage above!

Tyrese Gibson has denied rumors that he is “quietly dating” Whitney Houston.

Speculation of Tyrese dating the R&B legend was sparked through a story printed by the National Enquirer, who claimed that the two met earlier this year at a pre-Grammy party in L.A. “After the party, Whitney called to ask him out. Now, they’re quietly dating,” a so-called “insider” allegedly revealed to the tabloid mag.

But Tyrese laughs off the claims, saying in a series of tweets: “Negative blogs, press, blurbs, people spreading negative things. Rumors. I rest WELL at night cause none of these things matter anymore…” He continued, “Man if ya’ll don’t GTFOH w this dumb s**t.. Hahahahahaahahaa… #NEVER… I repeat.. NEVER..!!”

Responding to Tyrese’s strong denial was Whitney and her ex husband Bobby Brown’s 16-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina, who tweeted:  “Lmao @ @Tyrese . . Damn it’s like tht?! Hah well to clear it up, TRUSTME, MYMOM WOULD NEVER. Hah #shesroyalty. Wouldn’t want em, noworries:).”

Hours later, Tyrese posted another clarifying series of messages on his Twitter page: “No disrespect … I have never and will NEVER date Whitney Houston.. Can’t be serious.. Someone must be bored as s**t.. #Stopitplz”

With rampant rumors of her daughter battling drug/alcohol addiction and more recent reports of her admitting herself into rehab … 2011 hasn’t been Whitney Houston‘s year. And now, to add insult to injury, the National Enquirer is reporting that the woman formerly known as “The Voice” is suffering from the early stages of a deadly case of emphysema.

In fact, doctors say that Whitney must quit smoking IMMEDIATELY … or she will die!

“She’s developed em­physema – and her doctors are warning her she’ll die a horrible death,” a friend told The Enquirer exclusively.

But Houston isn’t following the doctor’s orders, and now the responsibility of getting the singer to ditch the cancer sticks has fallen on her 18-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina, who just recently got out of rehab and is currently recovering from her own substance abuse problems.

During Whitney’s world tour last year, critics and fans were shocked when she became breathless on stage and was forced to cancel a string of shows in Europe due to a respiratory infection.

Let’s hope Whitney listens to her daughter before it’s too late!

It turns out that musical legend Prince had no idea his concert organizers banned Whitney Houston from his shows.

The 52-year-old award-winning singer says Whitney, who has recently enrolled in rehab as an out-patient for drug and alcohol addiction, is “always welcome 4 all eternity” in his concerts.

TMZ first broke the news that Whitney was blacklisted from attending Prince’s shows after his people became fed up with her erratic behavior and constant ticket demands. Whitney apparently appeared to be “intoxicated” at each Prince show she attended in the last few weeks.

She also reportedly constantly badgered his staff to let her up on stage, although they refused because they “didn’t want her to embarrass herself.” They ultimately banned her from attending his shows.

But now Prince is saying he didn’t even know about the ban.

His manager recently tolddrfunkenberry.com in a statement,

“Whitney Houston is always welcome at Prince shows 4 all of eternity. Seeing her at 2 shows at The Forum in LA was a treat, especially when she sang with Chaka Khan and danced with Prince during his set. We love her always.”

Glad that’s all cleared up.

This is just NOT Whitney Houston‘s week! After entering an outpatient rehab program for drug and alcohol issues, TMZ is now reporting that the legendary icon will no longer be allowed to see any future shows for another legendary icon … Prince!

Reps for Prince have reportedly become so fed up with Houston’s erratic behavior and constant ticket demands that she is no longer allowed at any of the “Purple One’s” concerts.

Houston attended several Prince concerts in the last few weeks and appeared to be “intoxicated” at each show, sources say. She was reportedly badgering Prince’s staff to let her up on the stage, but was not allowed.

SMH … first Charlie Sheen, now Whitney. (Deep sigh) Cocaine is one hell of a drug!

Ladies everywhere have a new reason to rejoice seeing as veteran actress Angela Bassett recently confirmed rumors she’s reuniting with Whitney Houston for a sequel to their hit 1995 film “Waiting To Exhale”.

The hit romantic movie, about the love lives of four female friends in Phoenix, Arizona, was a big screen adaptation of renowned author Terry McMillan’s 1992 best selling book. The follow-up according to Bassett is based on the author’s 2005 novel “Getting to Happy” and is already in the works.

Angela also revealed that the ENTIRE original cast, including Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon, are all on board for the upcoming project, which will see Forest Whitaker returning as the director.

Speaking on chat show The Talk this past Thursday, Bassett said, ”It’s preliminary but it’s going to happen, Waiting to Exhale 2. She (McMillan) wrote Getting to Happy and she’s written the screenplay… Loretta, Lela, Whitney, Forest. Forest is working on the script now.”

Who else is excited?!

Whitney Houston has returned to rehab, a rep for the singer confirmed this morning.

According to new reports, Houston, who has publicly battled problems with drug and alcohol addiction for years, admitted herself into an out-patient rehab program about 10 days ago to deal with her substance abuse issues as a part of her “long-standing” recovery process.

A music industry source who was with Whitney two weeks ago told TMZ: “She was plastered and she was a mess.”

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown are said to be teaming up for an intervention to save their out of control daughter Bobbi Kristina, who just turned 18 earlier this month and has been the subject of recent media attention regarding her alleged drug abuse.

In the days leading up to her 18th birthday on March 4th, the National Enquirer published photos of the teenage celebuspawn allegedly snorting cocaine. Now, just weeks later, a source tells the Enquirer that Whitney took away the brand new Lexus she bought her for her birthday, and she and Bobby are sending little Bobbi to an unnamed rehab facility.

Peep the full details below:

Crushed by our report that her daughter – known to friends as “Krissi” – is hopelessly addicted to cocaine and alcohol, Whitney begged her: “Don’t let drugs ruin your life the way they ruined mine,” sources say. The Grammy-winning diva and her ex-husband, Krissi’s father Bobby Brown, are blaming each other for their only child’s problems, according to insiders.

“Whitney was devastated over the photos showing Krissi using cocaine, and The ENQUIRER story that quoted her telling friends, ‘I’m just like my mother,’” a friend divulged. “She called a family meeting and sobbed as she told Krissi, ‘I don’t want to lose you.’”

The singer, 47, also canceled plans to celebrate Krissi’s 18th birthday on March 4 in Atlantis, the luxury resort in the Bahamas, the source revealed. “Whitney called Bobby, and they agreed that Krissi needs rehab,” the friend said. “They also agreed on a tough-love move to shake Krissi up, and Whitney returned a Lexus convertible that she’d bought for Krissi’s birthday.”

Despite her parents’ decision, Krissi is fighting the idea of rehab, said the source. “Krissi is denying that she has a problem. She says that she does cocaine for fun and isn’t addicted,” said the source.

Meanwhile, Whitney and Bobby – who have both battled serious drug habits – are blaming each other for Krissi’s problems, sources say. “Bobby reminded Whitney that she used to have drugs all over their house,” a friend divulged.
“He also accused her of being ‘coked up’ in public, looking like a mess and setting a bad example all along to their daughter,” the friend said.

But “The Bodyguard” star was quick to snap back at her bad boy ex, said the source. “Whitney told Bobby that he did drugs too and got into more legal trouble than she ever did,” the friend said.

Bobby, 42, has been arrested for DUI, possession of marijuana, driving without a license, probation violations and misdemeanor battery for slapping Whitney. The former “New Edition” singer, who has five children with four different women, has also been dragged into court numerous times for failure to pay child support.

“Bobby and Whitney are pointing fingers at each other, but the truth is that they’re both responsible. Krissi has been around while her parents and their friends were drinking and drugging ever since she was a little girl,” said another pal. Krissi was only 12 when she was photographed drinking from a wine glass as her parents looked on.

In 2008 she was admitted to a psychiatric ward after attempting to slash her wrists with a razor blade. As The ENQUIRER reported, Krissi’s suicide bid came after she tried to stab her mother during a heated argument. And she was just 17 when a former boyfriend – who dated her for 2 1/2 years – snapped the coke-snorting photos that appeared in The ENQUIRER. He also claimed that he saw Krissi smoke pot and guzzle beer and the potent grain alcohol Everclear.

After The ENQUIRER’s explosive story hit newsstands, Krissi took to her Twitter account to blast her ex-boyfriend. But she admitted that it was her in the photos, and said her mother “comforted me to the max.”

Now with Bobby’s blessing, Whitney is planning to send Krissi to an outpatient rehab program, said the source.

Pure craziness. Just pure … craziness!

If you thought that international pop sensation Rihanna wanted to reprise Whitney Houston’s famous lead role in the hit movie “The Bodyguard” ….. think again.

The Barbadian starlet confirmed in a recent interview with OK! Magazine that she has no plans to take on the role. She told the magazine:

“Absolutely not,” Rihanna says. “I want to separate the two. I hate it when singers do singing movies all the time, because you can never look at them as anybody else.”

When asked who she would like to play, she responded:

“I want to play a character. My whole life is playing Rihanna, [so] being a singer [in a film] won’t be a stretch for me. I like challenges, and being an actor is playing a role, being able to step into somebody else’s shoes, that’s the excitement.”

But fear not Rihanna fans! You will get the chance to see the “S&M” singer starring in her first movie entitled “Battleship” in May 2012. She will star alongside Taylor Kitsch and “True Blood” star Alexander Skarsgard.

Your thoughts?

Whitney Houston supported her ex husband Bobby Brown Monday (Jan 31) by, not only attending, but singing at his mother’s funeral. Brown’s mother Carole Brown passed away on January 20th in Los Angeles at 69 years old.

Houston sang twice at the funeral service for her former mother-in-law. First, the R&B legend took to the podium at the front of the sanctuary and belted out notes from the popular gospel song “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” She later joined New Edition for a moving rendition of “Never Would Have Made It.”

Check out the video footage below:

Earlier this week, the National Enquirer quoted sources that claimed that following the release of a set of scandalous pictures showing the 17-year-old celebuspawn smoking Newports and drinking Four Lokos, Bobbi K’s mom and dad (Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown) were stepping in to stop their teenage daughter from going into a downward spiral.

However, a rep for Bobby Brown tells E! News:

“There is no truth to the reports about Bobby and Whitney staging an intervention with their daughter.”

So we guess that clears all that up!

But what about those pictures? 17-year-olds should definitely not be smoking cigarettes and should MOST DEFINITELY not be drinking suicide in a can aka Four Lokos! SMH…

Thoughts?

They say the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree….and apparently, in little Bobbi Kristina Brown‘s case, that saying is VERY true!

The word on the street is that the 17-year-old, whose parents are R&B singers Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, is developing drug and alcohol addiction issues……just like her mom and dad.

After photos of Bobbi Kristina getting drunk off Four Loko, smoking cigarettes and making out with a girl at an unsupervised party were posted online last month, insiders say her parents (who have both dealt with substance abuse issues) are really worried about her well being, and are stepping in to stop her from going into a downward spiral!

Details (and PICS) are below:

“Whitney and Bobby sat Bobbi Kristina down and read her the riot act,” a family friend told the National Enquirer.  “They brought in counselors and they’re trying to drum into her that because of their problems she’s genetically predisposed to alcoholism and drug addiction. They’ll do anything to spare Bobbi Kristina from the substance abuse hell they’ve both experienced.”

Insiders say that both Bobby and Whitney flipped when pictures surfaced of their daughter downing “blackout in a can” and was seen making out with a young woman at a party. It’s not the first time Bobbi Kristina’s behavior has raised red flags. She tried to stab her mother in 2008 during a confrontation and spent days in a psych hospital after slashing both wrists.

Wow!!! Whitney and Bobby better get a hold of their wild child before it’s too late and she ends up like Lindsay Lohan (x 10)!!

Your thoughts?

Billboard‘s new music column The Juice is paying homage to 50 artists/groups that have paved the way for R&B/Hip-Hop music over the past 25 years. At the top of the list is R&B singer R. Kelly, who beat out 49 other acts for the spot, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson and others.

R. Kelly crowns our list of the top 50 R&B/hip-hop artists of the past 25 years with good reason. Since January of 1985, he’s amassed 35 top 10 hits on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (the most of any act in the time frame) and a total of 84 charting singles. Among those are 11 No. 1s, including “Bump N’ Grind” (12 weeks at the top) and “Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)” (seven weeks) with Ronald Isley. Further cementing Kelly’s hitmaker status is his staggering 11 No. 1s on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The R&B icon continued to post new chart achievements in 2010, as he notched his 56th top 40 single with “When a Woman Loves.” (Billboard)

According to Billboard, the list was based actual statistical performance on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts from January 5th 1985 up until November 6th 2010.

Hit the link below to check out the top 10 and to see who else made the cut!

Top 10:
1. R. Kelly
2. Mary J. Blige
3. Whitney Houston
4. Mariah Carey
5. Janet Jackson
6. Usher
7. Luther Vandross
8. Jay-Z
9. Freddie Jackson
10. Alicia Keys

Honorable Mention:
13. Michael Jackson
14. Ludacris
15. Beyonce
20. T.I.
21. Lil Wayne
24. Monica
27. Aaliyah
28. 50 Cent
29. Keyshia Cole
37. Snoop Dogg
38. Eminem
39. Nelly
41. Ne-Yo
45. Kanye West
46. Chris Brown

This list also includes Bobby Brown, Sade, Babyface, Gerald Levert, Stevie Wonder, TLC, New Edition, Anita Baker, 2Pac, Prince, Keith Sweat and several other R&B/Hip-Hop acts.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST

Your thoughts?

R&B diva and cougar Whitney Houston was photographed leaving The Capital Grille restaurant in Atlanta with Ray J last night (Thu. Nov 11).  The star of VH1‘s show “For The Love of Ray J” was all smiles as he escorted the legendary songbird to her car, followed by Miss Houston whispering (sweet nothings?) in his ear before taking off together.

Could it be that Ray J found the love he was searching for?  They look pretty cozy to us!

More pics below!

Photos: FlashCity.com

BEWARE: THE WORDS THAT FOLLOW MAY CAUSE GREAT SHOCK! BRACE YOURSELF…

So we’re hoping R&B singer Whitney Houston has just been getting it in at the nearest buffet or something lately because… somebody looks preggo! In recent pics of Whitney on her “Nothing But Love” Tour, the singer appears to have gained a couple of pounds and may even be pregnant.

Who knows? Her ex husband Bobby Brown did just have a child about a year ago and recently got engaged. Though another child for Whitney probably wouldn’t be the smartest idea right now…

That’d just be… awkward! No further comment! Just check out the pics below:

PICS VIA: BLACK CELEB KIDS

Whitney Houston and her 17-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina were spotted on their way out of the Hotel de Rome in Berlin, Germany earlier today (Thu. May 13).

We wonder what Bobbi Kristina thinks about her future step-mom!

Whitney is currently on a world tour promoting her latest album I Look to You. And that’s all we’re going to say about that. Check out a few pics of Whitney and Bobbi below…

R&B diva Whitney Houston is once again making headlines following another piss poor vocal performance at one of her concerts in London. After basically butchering one of the song she’s most famous for “I Will Always Love You” Sunday night (Apr 25), Houston made an attempt to apologize to her fans and blamed her shaky performance on the air conditioning.

The embarrassing moment comes only weeks after Houston had a tough time with the song at an early U.K. tour stop in Birmingham. Hundreds of unimpressed fans walked out of the show, according to a report from USA Today.

“She don’t want to come, my soprano friend,” Houston told the crowd after the lackluster rendition. “Sometimes the old girl sings, but not tonight. I want to do it, but she doesn’t want to . . . She’s getting a little . . . temperamental, even.”

The singer also reportedly put the show on hold several times, once to catch her breath and again to have venue officials turn off the air conditioning. The singer continues her European tour on Friday at the Golf Costa Adeje in Adeje, Spain.

SOURCE

Really, Whitney? The air conditioning? Right… Check out the video below:

Fighting off candid rumors that she’s back on drugs, Whitney Houston has spoken out about why she had to postpone several recent shows for a short stint in the hospital. The 46-year-old R&B legend explains that allergies (not a drug relapse) was the reason she had to postpone a few dates so that she could recover from an upper respiratory infection under the care of a doctor.

“At this point, I just don’t respond. I don’t even read it,” Houston told People about the drug rumors. “My health is terrific, but this is a time when I get a lot of allergies.” On Wednesday, Houston postponed several shows, including concerts scheduled on Thursday and Friday in Manchester, England. The shows have been pushed back to June 16 and 17. The singer also rescheduled this Sunday’s concert in Glasgow, Scotland, for May 1.

As for now, Houston seems to have recovered from her infection. “I’m feeling great,” she said. “I’m just ready to move on and continue my world tour.”

SOURCE

Houston, who released her comeback album I Look to You late last year, will return to the stage to continue her “Nothin’ But Love” World Tour in Birmingham next Tuesday (Apr 13).

Whitney Houston performed in concert for her “Nothin But Love” tour at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan Thursday (Feb 11). This is Whitney’s first world tour in over 5 years and she plans on making rounds in most of Europe and Aisa by April.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

R&B legend Whitney Houston touched town in Incheon, South Korea this morning and was welcomed by the people of the Asian country as she arrived at Incheon International Airport.

Whitney is set to perform two dates (Feb. 6 and 7) at the Olympic Park Gymnasium in Seoul this weekend before kicking off her “Nothin’ But Love World Tour” to support her latest album I Look to You.

“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,” Whitney said in an interview. “I will truly present Whitney’s music rather than just show many things.”

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Here’s what a source from Whitney’s inner circle had to say about this:

“Everyone is worried about her,” revealed a source. “Whitney seems to go from being a nervous wreck to being completely out of it in a short period of time – just like she did when she was freebasing and using crack cocaine.

“She is still drinking and with Whitney, alcohol and drugs have always gone hand-in-hand. She’s worked so hard to get back on top. It would be tragic for it to go up in smoke because she can’t stay clean.”

It’s unfortunate to hear this. Let’s just hope that this ain’t true. Whitney, say no to the dope!

Check out the videos of the performances from Sunday night’s (Nov 22) American Music Awards: Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Black Eyed Peas, Timbaland, Mary J. Blige and more! All in all, the show was “okay” but nothing really to write home about. It could have been much better but it basically served its purpose, which was to gear everyone up for the upcoming Grammy nominations and the actual Grammy Awards (Feb 2010).

Continue reading for the videos from Sunday night’s show!

LADY GAGA – BAD ROMANCE/SPEECHLESS

JANET JACKSON – OPENING MEDLEY

RIHANNA – THE WAIT IS OVA/HARD

JAY-Z & ALICIA KEYS – EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

ALICIA KEYS – TRY SLEEPING WITH A BROKEN HEART

BLACK EYED PEAS – MEET ME HALFWAY/BOOM BOOM POW

JENNIFER LOPEZ – LOUBOUTINS]

SHAKIRA – GIVE IT UP TO ME

KELLY CLARKSON – ALREADY GONE

WHITNEY HOUSTON – I DIDN’T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH

MARY J. BLIGE – I AM

TIMBALAND F/ NELLY FURTADO & SOSHY – MORNING AFTER DARK

EMINEM F/ 50 CENT – CRACK A BOTTLE/FOREVER

ADAM LAMBERT – FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

CARRIE UNDERWOOD – COWBOY CASANOVA

The Black Eyed Peas took the stage last night at the 2009 American Music Awards, held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. The highly successful “hip-pop” group managed to take over the Billboard charts for the majority of the year and Will.i.am let it be known at the end of their their performance medley of two of their chart-topping singles, “Meet Me Halfway” and “Boom Boom Pow,” when he shouted “Six months #1! The new kings!

Legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston performed “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” from her new album I Look To You. Her vocals weren’t all that great, but it was her “comeback performance” (as far as awards shows are concerned) and at least she wasn’t high on drugs or anything. So we definitely give her an A for effort, keeping in mind that she’s gotten older now (and she used to smoke rocks back in the day) so her voice isn’t EVER going to be like it used to be. At the end of her performance, which was met with a standing ovation from the audience, actor Samuel L. Jackson presented her with the “International Award of Excellence.”

R&B singer/songwriter Mary J. Blige flawlessly performed her new single “I Am” and hit every single note perfectly. Her new album Stronger withEach Tear (originally titled simply “Stronger”) is due to be released on December 22nd.

And pop-rock singer Kelly Clarkson‘s performance of “Already Gone” was also good, even if the song sounds like Halo Part 2. We’ll even give her a pass on her rapid weight gain (homegirl must like to eat!) because we all know she can blow!

In Bobby Brown’s new tell-all book, he claims his whole relationship with R&B legend Whitney Houston was a hoax! Bobby wrote that the only reason Whitney married him was because she wanted to protect her “good girl” image. He says she was also in a “bisexual relationship” at the time, and she knew that being gay wouldn’t look good for her career.

“(The marriage) was doomed from the very beginning,” Brown writes in ‘Bobby Brown: The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But…’ “I think we got married for all the wrong reasons. Now, I realize Whitney had a different agenda than I did when we got married… I believe her agenda was to clean up her image, while mine was to be loved and have children.

“The media was accusing her of having a bisexual relationship with her assistant, Robin Crawford. Since she was the American Sweetheart and all, that didn’t go too well with her image… In Whitney’s situation, the only solution was to get married and have kids. That would kill all speculation, whether it was true or not.”

Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston filed for divorce back in 2007 after spending 14 years together as husband and wife. They have one daughter together, 16 year old Bobbi Kristina Brown. And Whitney Houston is currently busy promoting her new album, I Look To You.

Legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston released her brand new music video for “Million Dollar Bill” this week. The record, written by Alicia Keys and produced by Swizz Beatz, is from Whitney’s new studio album, I Look To You, in stores now! Continue reading to check out the second video from the album.

The Oprah Show aired its highly anticipated Whitney Houston interview over a two day period and here are the videos from both airings. In the exclusive interview, Whitney and Oprah discuss her relationship with Bobby Brown, her past drug use, her and Bobby’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and much much more. Continue reading to peep both videos and for a video of Whitney Houston performing “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.”

WHITNEY HOUSTON’S OPRAH INTERVIEW PART 1

WHITNEY HOUSTON’S OPRAH INTERVIEW PART 2

WHITNEY HOUSTON’S OPRAH SHOW FOLLOW-UP INTERVIEW

WHITNEY PERFORMS “I DIDN’T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH”

Legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston has released the music video for “I Look To You,” the lead single from her new album, I Look To You, in stores now. Check out Whitney’s new video when you continue reading!

As expected, Ms. Whitney Houston soared to the top of the Billboard 200 this week with her new album, I Look To You. With very little promotion and no music video, the album sold a very impressive 305k copies. This is Whitney’s best opening week sales since the Nielsen SoundScan began in 1991.

We expect that these numbers will go even higher in no time. With her tell-all interview with Oprah airing next week on September 14th and 15th and two new music videos on the way (“I Look To You” premieres this week and “Million Dollar Bill” premieres next week) we’re sure the album will soon go platinum.

In other Billboard chars news, Trey Songz‘s newest album Ready debuted at #3 with 131k sold and Miley Cyrus‘ EP The Time Of Our Lives debuted at #2 with 153k sold.

Check out our album review of Whitney’s I Look To You here.

Music legend Whitney Houston took the stage Tuesday (Sep 1) at Rumsey Playfield in New York City’s Central and performed on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in support of the release of her new album, I Look To You, in stores and online now. The R&B singer brought out her 16-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina during her impromptu performance of “My Love Is Your Love.”

Many of her fans were disappointed at the quality of Whitney’s voice during her short concert, which was supposed to be her big “comeback performance.” Unfortunately for Ms. Houston, her voice was hoarse and she squeaked and cracked during her show, where she also performed her album’s title track, “I Look To You.” Check out a video of both performances when you continue reading…

I LOOK TO YOU

MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE

The diva is back! Whitney Houston released her sixth studio album I Look To You today showing the world that she’s still got it. I Look To You is Whitney’s first album in almost seven years and it features production from Akon, Swizz Beats, Danja, etc.

Ranked as the fourth best-selling female artist in the US, Whitney’s career took a turn when she turned to drugs during the late 90s and early 2000s. With her suddenly becoming missing in action for interviews and performances, being fired from the Academy Awards, and losing many pounds due to drugs and stress, the legend that was once known for her amazing and powerful vocals became an object for negative criticism. When asked about her drug use in an interview with Diane Sawyer in 2002, Whitney dismissed the rumors, claiming that “crack is whack,” a line that would later become infamous.

But after years and years of controversy, Clive Davis announced in March 2007 that Houston would be heading back into the studio to work on a new studio project. The product of these sessions became I Look To You. I have listened to the album a couple times and below is my track my track review!

Million Dollar Bill: Whitney knows how to start an album. The beginning of the Alicia Keys penned track starts off with Whitney singing “Oooh…” before going into the groovy feel good dance track. Swizz really did his thing on this song. It will have you moving within the first few lines and Whitney sounds amazing on it. Even without having any high notes to reach, you will notice that the voice is still there. (4/5)

Nothin’ But Love: Whitney lets her haters know that she has “nothin’ but love” for them on this song. The mid-tempo track will make you bop your head while still allowing you to feel the message behind the lyrics. Not surprisingly, Whitney sounds good even without trying and I love when she breaks it down on the bridge then goes on to hold on to a note, proving that she hasn’t lost it just yet. Definitely an inspirational track but also a feel good one! (3.5/5)

Call You Tonight: A very nice track. The production is on point and Whitney only adds to the smoothness of it. Vocals are stable but the ending is a bit overdone. Not the best record on the album bu definitely a good one! (3.5/5)

I Look To You: One of Whitney’s first singles and also the first ballad on the album. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this track when it first surfaced. Once I listened to the lyrics and the emotion behind the voice, I grew to like it and it fits perfectly with the album. I Love everything about the song – the piano and simple yet powerful production, the voice, the lyrics … everything. (4/5)

Like I Never Left: Before I talk about the actual song, I must ask…whydoes Akon feel the need to say “Konvict” and “Akon” on every track he produces or is on? I was feeling the starting melody before he threw me off. But besides this, it’s a nice track but it sounds like a filler. It’s not bad as fillers sometimes are but I’m not feeling it like the previous tracks. (3/5)

A Song For You: This song starts off slow then progresses into a dance track. The beat is nice but the song doesn’t really do much for me. I found myself a bit disinterested after a while. It’s radio friendly but then again, that’s not necessarily a good thing. (3/5)

I Didn’t Know My Own Strength: I loved this song from the time it leaked. It’s really inspirational and it’s Whitney singing about her own trials and tribulations. Whenever an artist does that on a song, the listener ends up connecting with the it, and that notion definitely falls true for this song. The CD version of the track is a bit different from the leaked version. Towards the ending, there is no choir singing along with Whitney. I prefer the early version with the choir – it adds a lot more to the song. (3.5/5)

Worth It: The song opens saying “This is for the lovers…” and she repeats it through the song. Very nice R&B love song. It’s not love-making music like Whitney sings but I can see couples getting down to this. (3.7/5)

For The Lovers: I can see this track being a hit though it isn’t that great. It isn’t bad either but it’s obvious it’s a track made for the radio. The production is nice and it’s also nice hearing Whitney broadening her style. If this is released as a single, I see it doing very well. (3.5/5)

I Got You: Can’t decide how I feel about this track. At times it sounds like a filler but then at other parts (mostly the chorus), I actually like the track. With this song, you either like it or you don’t. I’m leaning towards the latter. (3/5)

Salute: One of the better tracks on the album. Say what you want about R. Kelly, but he knows how to write a hit! The production by Tricky Stewart is on point as well, and Whitney sounds great on it.  The best line from the song would have to be “don’t call it a comeback, I been here for years; through all the drama and the pain and all the tears.” The song is definitely a reflection of Whitney and all she’s been through. A really good way to end the album. (4.5/5)

Whitney came, she saw, and she conquered. I don’t have a doubt in my mind that this album will do well on the charts because it has a nicely arranged collection of the necessary feel good tracks, the ballads, and the mid-tempos. The opening and closing tracks of the album are placed properly. Unlike many albums, this one doesn’t have many fillers or tracks to just skip through.

But like any other album, I Look To You does have its flaws. The album feels very safe but to be honest, it doesn’t stop it from being a good record. Since this is Whitney’s “comeback,” I kind of understand why she took the safe route. With what is the biggest comeback this year so far, no huge risks should be taken. They provided Whitney with tracks they knew she could sing well and would appeal to audiences. Once she is fully back into the music field, I think we will hear more of the old Whitney and a greater variety of music from her.

And lastly, but probably what most people are looking forward to hearing about, Whitney’s voice. No, she does not belt and sound like she did when she sang “I Will Always Love You.” Nor is there a track on here as classic as that song. But, Whitney does sound good! She still has her voice and even though it may not be “the voice,” it’s good enough to get her to the top and blow other artists away. With I Look To You, Whitney has proven that through all her trials, nothing can stop her.

With my calculations, the album gets a 3.6/5 but as a collective whole, I give the album a very solid B+. I Look To You is in stores now!

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

Follow me on Twitter for album updates and more. And keep reading GOT for more album reviews. Feel free to e-mail me at kenni@gossiponthis.com (or contact me via Twitter) if there are any reviews you’d like me to do.

Whitney Houston says she’s thanking God for never letting her go on the cover of the October 2009 issue of Ebony Magazine, due to hit stands nationwide nest Tuesday, September 8th. In the issue, the legendary R&B singer talks about her daughter, future plans and her journey back to the music industry with the release of her sixth studio album, I Look To You, which is in stores today!

“I shed a lot of stuff, a lot of unnecessary weight in the last three or four years. I left a lot of old luggage behind, and when I did, the blessings just started pouring on me, and the light in my spirit started to lift again,” she says in the cover story.

Another track from Whitney Houston‘s upcoming album, I Look To You, has leaked! The track is called “Salute” and was written by R. Kelly and produced by Tricky Stewart. Download it below:

D/L: WHITNEY HOUSTON – SALUTE

In other Whitney news, rumors are beginning to swirl saying that the R&B diva will be appearing on The Oprah Show for an in-depth interview. Currently, Oprah’s official site is advertising for Whitney’s biggest fan to tell her their story. This will most likely lead up to an interview and performance from the legend on the show once promotion for the album officially begins.

Check out “Million Dollar Bill,” a brand new track from R&B legend Whitney Houston. The song, written & produced by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz collectively, will be on Whitney’s forthcoming I Look to You album, due in stores August 31st. This one here just might be a hit! Download the song by clicking the link below…

D/L: WHITNEY HOUSTON – MILLION DOLLAR BILL

It seems that we will see Whitney Houston‘s comeback album a day earlier. According to her official website, her album I Look To You has been pushed forward to August 31st.

Also, as a gift to her fans, the album’s title track, which was written by R. Kelly, is available for a free download over at her official website (www.whitneyhouston.com) until Friday, July 31st!

Whitney will also be releasing a new single soon; the Alicia Keys penned “Million Dollar Bill,” so definitely be on the look-out for that!

The title track of Whitney Houston‘s new album I Look To You recently surfaced. The song is written by R. Kelly and produced by Tricky Stewart.

D/L: Whitney Houston – I Look To You

From the two tracks we’ve heard so far, it seems that Whitney’s new album is shaping up really nicely. We love the song and even though she doesn’t go into crazy notes like she used to, her voice still sounds amazing. It’s definitely good to have some real talent back in the game. Hopefully she will see the huge success she deserves with this album.

Legendary singer Whitney Houston, pictured above with Sony Music Worldwide Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis and R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys, hosted an exclusive invite-only listening party for her forthcoming I Look To You album at the Lincoln Center’s Allen Room at Jazz in New York City Tuesday night (Jul 21).

The R&B diva previewed a number tracks of tracks from her highly anticipated comeback album to an audience that included Martha Stewart, Dionne Warwick, Steve Harvey, Swizz Beatz and more. Continue reading to check out all of the pics!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

Whitney Houston has unveiled the album cover (above) and the track listing for her comeback album, I Look To You. The album will hold 11 songs and the lead single will not be “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” as previously thought [listen here] but instead will be the Swizz Beatz produced “Million Dollar Bill”. The track will premiere on Monday July 28th but until then, peep the official track listing after the cut:

Whitney Houston – “I Look To You” Tracklisting

1. Million Dollar Bill
2. Nothin’ But Love
3. Call You Tonight
4. I Look To You
5. Like I Never Left (feat. Akon)
6. A Song For You
7. I Didn’t Know My Own Strength
8. Worth It
9. For The Lovers
10. I Got You
11. Salute

Whitney’s new album hits stores September 1st. Will you be grabbing a copy?

Wow! We haven’t seen Whitney Houston look this good in a while! Here she can be seen as she made her way back to her hotel in London, England early Tuesday (Jul 14). Be on the lookout for the legendary singer’s forthcoming album I Look To You when it hits stores on September 1st and click here to take a listen to the album’s lead single, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” if you haven’t already.

PHOTOS: WENN

Legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston will release her highly anticipated album I Look To You September 1st and the lead single, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” has just surfaced. Follow the break to take a listen!

D/L: I Didn’t Know My Own Strenth

The emotionally driven song isn’t a power ballad like most expected but we really like it. It’s really beautiful and speaks about all that she has been through since her career went downhill.

We’re not sure how the public will receive it though. Most people are expecting her to scream her way through her lead single and prove that she is still the old Whitney. And while we don’t doubt that she still has the ability to hit those notes, we also don’t think her first single should be overwhelming as some can’t handle it.

The only question that remains is if this is enough to get people interested again. We all know how the music business is these days. I Look To You will hit stores September 1st and will feature production from Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, Swizz Beatz, and Akon.

What do you think about Whitney’s comeback single?

The roster of producers delivering tracks for the untitled project include big names like Will.i.am, Sean “The Pen” Garrett and Akon, who also might have a duet titled “Like I Never Left,” which leaked last year. No word on whether or not the track will make the final cut though.

“The voice is there; I don’t think anyone could ever take that from her. As long as we apply that voice to hit records, she’ll be right back where she left off,” Akon told Billboard.com back in 2007.

Houston made her first high-profile public appearance at her mentor Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy gala back in February, where she performed a four-song set that included brief renditions of “I Will Always Love You” and “I Believe in You and Me” plus a tent revival-style take on “I’m Every Woman.”

Houston has been dogged in recent years by drug and health issues — including rehab stints in 2004 and 2005 — a legal dispute with her father, John Houston, rumored financial problems and a troubled marriage to fellow singer Bobby Brown that ended in divorce.

Houston’s last album was 2002′s “Just Whitney,” which sold 737,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

SOURCE

Here’s what singer Whitney Houston had to say to Rihanna, following the release of a graphic photo of the 21-year-old singer’s battered face after her alleged fight with boyfriend Chris Brown. She’s basically telling her to not take him back. Too late for that, right?

“Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Whenever you let your heart rule your head, you are bound to run into trouble,” Houston said in a statement to Hollyscoop.com.

Check out these candid shots of Diddy, T.I., Kanye West, T-Pain and more chilling either backstage or in the audience at last night’s Grammy Awards. Continue reading for more!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE / GETTY IMAGES

Here are the photos from last night’s Grammy Awards, which featured a big performance of “Swagger Like Us” with T.I., Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye West and M.I.A., who was reportedly performing on stage on her due date! Crazy… Continue reading for the rest of the flicks!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE / GETTY IMAGES

This past Friday, legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston and her publicist put out a statement denying any allegations that she has plans to get back together with ex-husband Bobby Brown. According Houston’s publicist, Nancy Seltzer, the rumors, which originaly came from The Chicago Sun Times are “a complete fabrication.”

The official word from Camp Houston sticks to the old line about the divorced couple remaining separate, ‘but good friends whose primary interest is the well-being of their daughter.’ Yet, several Georgia sightings of Houston and Brown in recent days — clearly looking very romantic while dining together — seem to boost the reliability of what I’m hearing. I’m also hearing that the divorced couple’s daughter Bobbi Kristina is eager for her parents to remarry.

The official album cover for legendary R&B singer Whitney Houston‘s latest release, Undefeated, has hit the internet. After becoming the butt of every joke involving a crackhead, does she still have the “it” factor to make this new release succesful? Let us know what you think about the cover in the comments!

UPDATE: We just got word that the picture at the top of this post is not an official album cover for Whitney Houston’s new album. I’m not even sure if they’ve given her new release a name yet. And if you questioned the look of the album, then your suspicions were correct because it is the product of a job done in Photoshop. Apparently a fan at a Whitney Houston fansite made this cover … and did a pretty damn good job! But we here at Gossip On This are here to tell you that it’s fake. We’ll let you know when the real cover hits the net. Keep it locked! Continue reading to see the original image.

As of yet, there is no set release date, but we’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, here’s an official statement from Houston’s camp.

The allegedly “new” Whitney Houston album cover circulating throughout the internet is not a legitimate

album cover for Ms. Houston’s forthcoming Arista disc. Ms. Houston is still recording and we look forward to unveiling new music along with the official

album cover in due time.

(J Records, Arista, RCA Records)

Theola Borden
Vice President, Publicity
RCA Music Group

Hold up … Naomi, is that you?!

[ SOURCE ]