It was the 2011 Celebration of Gospel, set to be aired on BET and Whitney Houston’s name was not there on the bill.
Instead, among the long list of performers was Houston’s long-time friend and confidante, Kim Burrell – who was set to perform the former’s 2009-released inspiring single, ‘I Look To You’, from – what would eventually turn-out to be – her last studio album.
But when the day came for the event to be pre-recorded and shot, at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, Twitter exploded with news of the iconic diva’s surprise appearance on the second half of Kim’s gospel-infused take on her modern-day classic.
The crowd in-attendance, was in no way expecting to see the megastar, as the curtains rose and her voice soared, while she walked out over to Kim.
A thunderous applause took over the auditorium as people leaped to their feet, as much in surprise as in respect, while Houston continued to sing her verse.
It was clear the duo had previously (and secretly) rehearsed the same, but it remained a surprise for even the most ardent of the diva’s fans.
Freshly off her world tour in support of her album, Houston had already been through a number of up’s and down’s during the extensive European and Asian tour, especially pertaining to the state of her voice and the brutal media coverage about the same.
But she was here to prove them wrong.
While her voice in no way, was at the level of her absolute prime – from the 80’s and early 90’s – she could still sing her behind off, had that bell-like resonance and clarity in her tone, and was able to tell a story through a song, forming a connection with the audience, like no other.
The two singers adlibed throughout the song, not only professing their friendship and struggles together, but also taking the audience on a journey of the same.
As Whitney modulated and took the song to all sorts of places, as she usually does, extending the finale for one more unexpected encore, Kim beautifully amalgamated and followed her lead so seamlessly, it appeared impossible to believe – they both were improvising. And the audience continued to get bonkers at every note that would come out of the mouth of the ‘I Will Always Love You’ singer, remaining on their feet throughout the performance.
Aired later in January of 2011, the emotionally-charged and soulful duet turned out to be the last televised performance for Houston, before her untimely demise, a year later on February 11th.
Watch the soul-stirring duet below:
Astonishing how even at her lowest of lows, Whitney Houston still continued to possess ample of her vocal magic and prowess to give a thrilling listening experience and a stage presence, like no other diva of her time.
That’s how you recognise greatness.