It’s a sad day in music today as we say our final goodbye’s to Whitney Houston. Close family and friends have gathered at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey to celebrate the her life in an invitation-only ‘home going’ service.
So far, there has been appearances by Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, T.D Jakes, Alicia Keys, Clive Davis, Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry (who brought the church to their feet), and R. Kelly as well as her bodyguard Ray. Bobby Brown was spotted at the funeral with his kids, however, after 20 minutes, he left the church. Sources say he arrived with an entourage of nine people and wanted to sit in the family section. The entourage was asked to leave and Bobby left with them. Rev Al Sharpton (or his people) tweeted shortly afterward, “I am at Whitney’s funeral. I spoke w/ Bobby . trying to calm him down & not distract from the services. Today is about Whitney”.
Kevin Costner shared a story of how he pushed and pushed for Whitney to be in the Bodyguard although movie producers felt as though they should get someone experienced and perhaps someone white. He talked about how she even felt that she may not have been good enough when she came in but he was already convinced the part was hers. He ended his eulogy with:
The Whitney I knew despite her success & worldwide fame still wondered “am I good enough, am I pretty enough, and will they like me?” And People didn’t just like you Whitney they loved you!Aretha Franklin was scheduled to appear but had to miss the service due to illness.
To you, Bobbi Kristina, and to all those young girls who are dreaming that dream, thinking that maybe they aren’t good enough, I think Whitney would tell you, guard your bodies and guard the precious miracle of your own life. Then sing your hearts out. ”
Off you go Whitney, off you go. Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father. When you sing before him, don’t you worry. You’ll be good enough.
Here are the list of guests who have appeared or are expected to appear
Processional
Scripture by Rev. Joe A. Carter
Selection by Rev. Donnie McClurkin
Expressions by Tyler Perry
Expressions by Bishop T.D. Jakes
Selection by Rev. Kim Burrell
Expressions by Kevin Costner
Expressions by Clive Davis
Expressions by Ray Watson
Selection by Stevie Wonder
Remarks by Ricky Minor
Selection by Alicia Keyes
Selection by R. Kelly
Family Remarks by Patricia Houston
Family Remarks by Dionne Warwick
Selection by CeCe Winans
Eulogy by Rev. Marvin Winans
Recessional
Updated with video footage of Kevin Costner, Tyler Perry, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys, Kim Burrell, Donnie McCurklin and more
Watch below:
Tyler Perry speaks at Whitney’s Funeral
Kevin Costner speaks at Whitney’s Funeral
Kim Burrell sings at Whitney Houston’s funeral
Alicia Keys performs at Whitney Houston’s funeral
R.Kelly-I Look To You
Stevie Wonder — “Ribbon in the Sky”
Bebe Winans remembers Whitney Houston
Donnie McClurkin ‘Stand’
