The music world paused again last night to recognize it's most talented individuals as the 53rd annual Grammy Awards were held live in LA. The show was filled with big celeb performances from the likes of Tony Bennet to Chris Brown. The show gave much to talk about from Nicki Minaj's bizarre outfit & seemingly offensive (Roman Catholic Church) performance to the disappointment of Whitney's tribute being one song.
The death of the Icon overshadowed the show with numerous celebrities breaking to tears while on the red carpet speaking of the world's loss in Whitney Houston's passing. Rap legend LL Cool J hosted the show and opened up with a prayer in solidarity for the "family member we lost." Rihanna also gave love to Whitney during her set as well. The range of genres affected by Whitney's passing was evident last night. From country music's current love Miranda Lambert to revered gospel & all around vocalist Kim Burrell, both of whom took to tears at mention of Whitney.
Jennifer Hudson was originally slated to perform along with Chaka Khan. With such a short notice the Grammys had to put together a tribute for one of the greatest voices and biggest stars music has ever known. Hoping to render something worth while, the show contacted people they thought could pull it off.
Considering the pressure to stand in front of the most influential people in music and pay tribute to the best, this obviously wouldn't be an easy task so soon after Whitney's death. The great Chaka Khan took to her twitter to inform us that she'd decided the pressure was too much for her at this time and pulled out of her part in the tribute, which left Hudson to go it alone:
"As I grieve the loss of my friend and "little sister", I dont feel it appropriate to perform at this time. Continue to pray for the family"
Jennifer Hudson graced the stage with Dolly Pardon's "I Will Always Love You" made famous by Whitney Houston, and delivered. She delivered. It was sweet and graceful. The performance was clearly full of love and admiration and a bit of sadness at the same time. It was a beautiful moment that I know Whitney is proud of.
Many fans felt like it wasn't enough. They thought the Grammy's could've scrapped a few of the people who performed twice to give Whitney more of a tribute. I'm not sure about that idea, considering that the show was already planned, money, time, agreements and such had already been prioritized. The greater question to consider is who could've at such short notice and with the loss so present, who could've delivered. I'm sure the Grammy's wanted to give Whitney a great tribute, she gave them SO many incredible moments. The tribute was short and sweet, but impactful.
Whitney Houston died on February 11, 2012. We will forever love and miss her presence on Earth.
Jennifer Hudson's touching tribute.
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