HOUSTON: We Have a Problem

By Alicia Cruz
Senior writer
Theblackurbantimes

Songbird Whitney Houston isn't much of an early bird so her appearance on GMA had to be pre-taped this afternoon and all did not go well.

Seems like the comeback diva's voice gave out midway through her singing songs from her new album, "I Look To You" much to the chagrin of the fans.

"I’m so sorry. I did ‘Oprah.’ I’ve been talking for so long. … I talked so much, my voice,” she said, trailing off. “I shouldn’t be talking. I should be singing," said Houston.

Despite the diva's apologies, the 5000-plus crowd wasn't very happy and had no qualms expressing their peeve " “I expected it to be longer. She couldn’t sing. She was really damaged,” said Joao Andrade, 28, of North Bergen, N.J. “I’m a little disappointed. I think she was brave to come out with no voice.” Houston closed out the pre-taping with one of her classic hits, "I'm Every Woman."

According to a scathing review by the Wall Street Journal's (Speakeasy) Jim Fusilli, Houston's new album is large on "meekness" and "is an insult to the glory of her prior work." he added that, "There’s nothing Houston could’ve done to save the cheesy, wrongheaded arrangement of her cover of “A Song for You,” a ballad bludgeoned by a disco arrangement even Cher might’ve rejected. "

Ouch! Click HERE for more on Fusilli's review.
Houston's die-hard fans were just happy to see her back on stage and looking good. “It brought tears to my eyes,” said Raleigh Hatcher, 38, of Jersey City. “She’s been through so much in her life. She’s been working very hard, and it’s a lot to do. And she’s been doing it well.” We all wish Miss Whitney "crack is whack" Houston a successful return to the diva spotlight...............and hope she never loses her way again.