Today's Pick

Giving us a peek at the pop music icon Whitney Houston's fourth and final big screen role before her tragic death in February, a music video made in support of Jordin Sparks and the late legendary R&B icon's duet "Celebrate," has arrived in full. The upbeat bubbly cut finds the two stars singing of celebrating life. The clip is capped off with a message that reads "In loving memory of Whitney Houston."
This upbeat and '80s-inspired R.Kelly-produced track is a simple yet fascinatingly uplifting vintage-sounding R&B song which both Houston and Sparks flawlessly executed it. It was the very last song Houston ever recorded before her untimely death at the age of 48, and is also featured in the upcoming musical-drama, "Sparkle," brings its light to theaters August 17. A remake of the 1976 classic Irene Cara flick, which finds Houston playing a mother of three daughters who rise to fame in the music industry, but face challenges when the family begins to fall apart.
Talking about the song "Celebrate," the 22-year-old said, "I first heard the song after she passed and it was one of those out-of-body experiences because she sounds so happy and you can feel the joy when she's singing." Sparks also shared about the concept behind the video was to throw a party in the late diva's honor: "When we did the song, we planned on [the video] being Whitney and me," Sparks, who plays Houston's daughter in the film, told BET. "But she's not here, so we wanted it to be a tribute to her. So it's fun, upbeat and exciting."
The supremely happy video is a mix of newly-shot scenes and footage from the actual "Sparkle" movie, in which, the American Idol winner effuses positive light beams while hosting a jubilant house party gathering with a handful of her "Sparkle" co-stars in honor of the late R&B icon. It's some kind of family get-together maybe and cupcakes, and goofy chair dancing and, if at all possible, ample movie footage of Houston's sparkiest Sparkle moments. Anything can be cause for a love-stuffed celebration!

Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen and the golden girl of the music industry in the '80s and '90s who wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen, but suffered from recurring bouts with drugs and alcohol, was found dead early Saturday evening in a Beverly Hills hotel room, as the industry gathered in Los Angeles for the official Pre-Grammy Gala hosted by her mentor Clive Davis, chief creative officer of Sony Music Worldwide.
Began her career just as the video age was just starting to blossom, and she scored some of her greatest success in that medium. With her incredible vocal range and purity, runway good looks and girl-next-door charm, Whitney was an unstoppable force in pop music, and an out-of-the-box superstar when she arrived on the music scene in 1985. Her meteoric rise included record-setting hits, groundbreaking videos and a promising film career.
Whitney's downfall was so long and sad that, in an impatient public's mind, it overshadowed her many accomplishments. Those achievements can be checked off easily in numbers - Grammy Awards, records sold, the string of seven consecutive No.1 singles. Yet if there's any solace to her passing, it is that people will revisit recordings, videos and films to rediscover the majesty of her work. Tonight, the 54th Annual Grammy Awards will sure sending off tributes to Whitney, the winner for the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
I just wanted to pick one of her successful hits to pay my tribute to Whitney. "My Love Is Your Love," is her gorgeous reggae-tinged title track from her 1998 favorite Soul/R&B album, a schizophrenic album with a primer on today's hip-hop/R&B scene: the good, the bad, and the Fugee. The mid-tempo tune draws strong influence from reggae genres, and was lauded by critics. It showcase Whitney in all her creative, soulful maturity. The track was a massive hit worldwide, becoming Whitney's third most successful single, after "I Will Always Love You," and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)." You will always be missed, Whitney!

Whitney Houston, turned 46 this month, is officially back, after self-imposed 7-year hiatus, or at least that's what she and her record label want you to believe. But finally, she’s put out a her 6th full-length studio new album, "I Look To You", arrives in stores and digital retailers today. Has the comeback queen recaptured her glory days?
It’s been 7 years since 2002’s "Just Whitney" was released. While that was billed as her big comeback, it turned out to be her worst selling album ever. So then, does "I Look To You" live up to everything promised this time around? But her much-hyped new album, is a collaboration with music mogul Clive Davis, and features ditties from the likes of Akon, R. Kelly and Alicia Keys. And, phew, the reviews look good.
Her first mainstream single "Million Dollar Bill" is an Alicia Keys-penned joyride with friendly basslines and on-point lyrics that remind us of who Whitney really was. The songs "Nothin' But Love" and "Call You Tonight" swoop you into a melodic trance that cry for a second listen. And the title track "I Look To You" joins a Diane Warren penned song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" as the two to watch on this CD. Whitney Houston doesn't cover the pop classic "I Will Survive" on her new album. But themes of strength, challenge and triumph are laced throughout the songs on disc.
"Over 170 Million albums sold worldwide, 6 Grammys, 2 Emmys and is the “Most awarded female artist of all time” according to the Guinness Book of World Records, it’s no wonder why people are excited about this album. The album is getting mostly strong reviews so far from critics, and was well reviewed and topped both the Amazon and iTunes sales charts on day one. Whitney Houston asks fans to "love me like I never left." There's a live appearance for Houston on “Good Morning America” tomorrow and an interview with Oprah on Sept 14.

Whitney Houston (born August 9, 1963 in New Jersey) is about to drop one of the most highly anticipated albums of the decade. She premiered tracks from her upcoming album "I Look To You" last night at London’s Hotel. The Producer, Clive Davis, who discovered the singer and shepherded her career, was also on hand to present 9 unfinished songs from her long-awaited comeback LP.
The new album will be the music legend’s 7th studio album and her 1st in 7 years. Whitney describing the album as “a labor of love”. She said: “I hope that these songs stay with you for a lifetime.” The diva had 7 consecutive albums certified multi-platinum; the only music artist in history to have done so.
The R&B recording artist also officially unveiled the album’s cover artwork. Please take a first look at the cover right here! Wearing an elegant one-shoulder sliver and white striped dress, the singer looks refreshed and beautiful as she stands solo on the cover of her first album of original material since 2002. As Rolling Stone previously reported, "I Look To You", Houston’s 1st non-Christmas LP since 2002’s Just Whitney, will be slated to hit stores on September 1st.