They will forever cherish her.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Jennifer Hudson and Kevin Costner paid a heartfelt tribute to the late singer on Saturday at the Clive Davis gala, which takes place before every Grammy ceremony.
Houston, who died on February 11, 2012 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, was found inadvertently drowned in the bathtub owing to a combination of cocaine and heart illness in her hotel room.
“We were both blown away by Whitney the first time we met her,” added Costner, who co-starred with the “How Will I Know” singer in “The Bodyguard” (1992).
“Whitney would be our common ground, and from that moment on we all collaborated as a group… This country song was so potent that for a while the entire world seemed to be focused on it.”
The film featured a rendition of “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton, which served as one of the film’s classic songs and propelled the performer to even greater popularity.
“Whitney had become the most famous singer of her generation, but she was untrained as an actress, and it was unclear if this was something she should aspire to or even if it was beneficial to her profession. We would all take a giant leap,” Costner concluded.
According to the actor from “Yellowstone,” the singer viewed the film as an opportunity to redefine herself.
The actor also disclosed that Houston’s manager, Clive Davis, vehemently opposed the film because he viewed it as a “recipe for disaster.”
“Perhaps this is not the appropriate setting, but I don’t want to lose this opportunity. Um, that comes from the heart. “In the end, neither one of us was able to protect your beloved Whitney,” Costner told the 90-year-old Davis.
“However, your imprint on her life is spotless, friend. You were a miraculous occurrence in her life. Thank you for protecting her, Clive… In our industry, everyone has a mother, but not everyone has a Clive.”
Later, when Davis ascended the stage, he was “completely overcome” by the actor’s speech.
“All I could say was ‘wow’, Kevin. Davis sobbed, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jennifer Hudson honored the late diva by performing a beautiful performance of “Greatest Love” by Whitney Houston.
The “American Idol” finalist ascended the stage in a glittering silver dress and told the deceased performer, “We love you,” before performing the song to a standing ovation.
»Kevin Costner, Jennifer Hudson celebrate Whitney Houston at Beverly Hilton Hotel«