CBC Live - Radio & Music - Trials, Tributes and Tweets Following the Death of Whitney Houston

Trials, Tributes and Tweets Following the Death of Whitney Houston

February 12, 2012 By Jamey Ordolis | @jameyordolis

Jennifer-Hudson-Grammy-Awards-Tribute-to-Whitney-Houston2012.jpg

(Jennifer Hudson, left, will perform a musical tribute to Whitney Houston, right, at tonight's Grammy Awards.)

The Trials

The circumstances surrounding the death of Whitney Houston yesterday at age 48 continue to be pieced together today. The iconic singer was found submerged in her bathtub in the Beverly Hilton when her entourage came to help her prepare for the Clive Davis pre-Grammy party that she was supposed to perform at that evening. According to a report given by a law enforcement official to Radar Online, a "plethora of sedatives including Lorazepam, Valium, Xanax and a sleeping medication" were all found in her room and are suspected as a cause of death but suicide and foul play have been unofficially ruled out thus far. Authorities have opened a full investigation and all await the autopsy to provide more details.

TMZ just reported that Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, who arrived at the Beverly Hilton yesterday and was not allowed to see her mother's body, was just rushed to Cedears-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles from the Beverly Hilton. Bobbi Kristina is Whitney's only daughter with ex-husband Bobby Brown. That story is also still developing.

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(Whitney Houston, cousin Dionne Warwick and Witney's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown at last year's Clive Davis pre-Grammy party.)

Whitney's family released the following statement today: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Whitney. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will miss her terribly. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support from her fans and friends. - The Houston Family"

The Tributes

Meanwhile, the world is mourning the loss of a spectacular and beloved entertainer with tributes to her work and life. The Grammy Awards announced that Jennifer Hudson will perform a special musical tribute to Houston, a six-time Grammy Award Winner. You can watch the Grammy Awards online tonight on Youtube and follow the CBC Music Live Chat.

Update [11:45 pm Sunday, Feb. 12]: Watch Jennifer Hudson's tribute to Whitney Houston at the 2012 Grammy Awards

Yesterday we shared our Best of Whitney Houston playlist in honour of her work. Listen to it now.

CBC Music has created a timeline of her career and an obituary.

The Tweets

Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.
-- Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) February 12, 2012

She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.
-- Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) February 12, 2012

No words! Just tears #DearWhitney
-- Rihanna (@rihanna) February 12, 2012

Feels so strange being at the Grammy rehearsal right now!!
-- Rihanna (@rihanna) February 12, 2012

I have nothing, if I don't have you
-- Rihanna (@rihanna) February 12, 2012

wow I am devastated. the world has lost another one of the best voices in history. RIP whitney houston, so fortunate a... say.ly/rDR1pph
-- Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) February 12, 2012

Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time.
-- Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 12, 2012

Such a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time.Sending out prayers to her family... #R.I.P.Whitney.
-- Jennifer Lopez (@JLo) February 12, 2012

I found my voice singing Whitney Houston's music. Today I lost my idol.
-- Jessica Simpson (@JessicaSimpson) February 12, 2012

Remember her for the spectacular voice...please. RIP Whitney
-- jian ghomeshi (@jianghomeshi) February 12, 2012

I'm speechless. Such sad news about Whitney Houston..
-- Lea Michele (@msleamichele) February 12, 2012

Say a prayer for Bobbi Kristina and the rest of her family tonight before bed. I can't even imagine how they feel. Goodnight everyone.
-- Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) February 12, 2012

I loved her voice and music--sad."@CBCLive: We will always love Whitney Houston. Died today at 48. One of the best singers of all time."
-- Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) February 12, 2012

#WhiteyHouston 's death is aShock.MyPrayers go out2herFamily.I wz 8when myParents gaveme her1stAlbum&I wud TRY&sing along2The Greatest Love.
-- Measha (@MeashaBG) February 12, 2012