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Previewing Whitney Houston’s Funeral, Celebrating The Voice

Mike Vulpo |
February 17, 2012 | 9:41 p.m. PST

Senior Entertainment Editor

Whitney Houston's private memorial will be held Saturday.  (creative commons)
Whitney Houston's private memorial will be held Saturday. (creative commons)
Family, friends and members of the music industry will honor Whitney Houston Saturday morning, exactly one week after the superstar singer was found dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick are expected to perform at the memorial to be held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Westfield, New Jersey. The church is where Houston often sang in the choir with her mother Cissy Houston. 

According to Reuters, Kevin Costner, Tyler Perry, Clive Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, Bill Cosby and Elton John are some of the 1,500 people expected to attend the “invitation only” service. 

TMZ reports Ray J and his sister Brandy will also attend. Ray J was rumored to be dating Houston before her death. 

Even though Houston’s family decided on a private memorial, fans will be able to watch the ceremony on television including CNN and MSNBC live at 11 a.m. EST. The show will also be streamed live online according to CNN.

Fans have already begun leaving flowers, prayers and candles outside the church in New Jersey.  Governor Chris Christie decided to have all American flags in the state fly half-staff Saturday in honor of the music legend.

Houston’s ex-husband Bobbi Brown is expected to attend the funeral to support daughter Bobbi Kristina. Even though Houston’s family had their concerns about Brown being present at the service, The Boston Globe says he will be at the church.

Many will remember Houston, a six-time Grammy winner, for her memorable voice and hit singles including “I Will Always Love You,” “I Want To Dance With Somebody” and “I’m Every Woman.”

Fans will be able to see the singer on the big-screen one last time this summer when she appears in “Sparkle” with Jordin Sparks.

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here



 

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