Whitney Houston News

Columbia Records -- The music from Fox's smash hit Glee has reached another amazing milestone this week as they are #8 in the top 10 selling digital US artists of all time, according to SoundScan. With over 32 million Glee songs digitally downloaded in the US, they are in the company of pop icons Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Black Eyed Peas.

The Media Theatre's 2012 fundraising Gala was held Saturday evening February 25. The weather was as supportive as the patrons and attendees, who were treated to a memorable performance by Broadway's legendary Andrea McArdle following a live auction enthusiastically appropriated by Jeffry Cadorette.

According to People.com, pop star Rihanna is among a handful of actresses in strong contention to take on the role of Whitney Houston in an upcoming film biopic about the late recording artist.

The RRaz room have announced six additions to their program for this year, including Trini Lopez, and Jim Caruso's Cast Party.

Broadway and opera star Luke Grooms will be presenting a cabaret, titled 'Luke Grooms is a Sassy Black Lady,' at Germano's Trattoria on February 26th at 7:30 p.m. The hilarious, tongue-in-cheek cabaret will feature songs made famous by female African American performers such as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston.

Today, in honor of Sunday's Oscar telecast, we are going to take a look at some of the most memorable opening numbers and musical montages from the Academy Awards over the years, with a special focus, of course, on theatrically-related presentations and performers. The 2012 night of Oscar gold marks the return of frequent host Billy Crystal, so we are sure to be in for some truly terrific movie parodies and unscripted asides to have us rolling in aisles over the course of the hotly anticipated award show's three hours - Hollywood's night of nights. From the infamous Allan Carr-produced show in 1989 to some of the best moments from Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen Degeneres, Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman, this collection of clips surely has something to please all the movie buffs, Broadway babies and all-around entertainment enthusiasts out there reading this who will be tuning in to the big show this weekend - from 1965 to 2011, we have it all. Plus, after all, how could we possibly miss a night this big? Whether the top winner of the night ends up being THE ARTIST, THE HELP, HUGO or THE DESCENDANTS, Billy Crystal is guaranteed to make the night run as smoothly and enjoyably as possible - and, potentially, much much more (as the following clips clearly show). As for the rest of the night's proceedings? Well, we will have to wait and see what happens!

SPARKLE will be released in theaters on August 24th by Sony Pictures, starring Jordin Sparks, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green, and the now late Whitney Houston. In the video below, go behind the scenes of the film as Houston sings in a church scene.

Broadway Remembers Whitney, a benefit concert honoring one of the greatest icons and voices of our generation, will take place on Monday, February 27th at Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette Street (between East 4th and Astor Place), performance begins at 9:30pm. Tickets are currently sold out. More information is available at www.tickets.joespub.com or by calling 212.967.7555.

Syco/Columbia Records will announce the release of Heaven, the first album from British sensation Rebecca Ferguson, on May 29, 2012. Heaven debuted at #3 on the UK album chart with the biggest first week album sales for a debut UK female artist in 2011 and is quickly approaching over 500,000 in sales. The first single from the album, 'Nothing's Real But Love,' hit the top 10 on the British charts in its first week of release and is currently in rotation at various formats in the US including Urban AC, AAA and Public Radio.

In memory of the inimitable Whitney Houston, Broadway Remembers Whitney is a concert honoring one of the greatest icons and voices of our generation. Come join us as we pay homage to and join in a celebration of Whitney's life through an evening of her music, arranged in concert for, and sung by, some of Broadway's fiercest voices -- voices undeniably influenced and deeply moved by Whitney's presence and her artistry. Whitney Houston's music -- her iconic ballads, her dance hits that never missed a beat -- has been an undeniable force and source of inspiration for so many in the theatre community and beyond. Hence, it seems only right to remember the goddess herself by invoking this music and basking in the musical legacy she has left behind. We want to do our part to carry on Whitney's name -- as such, the proceeds of this concert will go to the The Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts, a school that aims to teach its students to become contributing members of society now and in the next century.

Recording artist Tom Moran aka Daddy Rocker is announcing the release of LIVE OR DIE: CHOOSE?, a four song EP of songs inspired by his recovery from alchohol and addiction. Tom's songs of 'hope and inspiration are deeply personal explorations of the joys and pains of living life without alchohol and drugs. The message Tom wants to share in this selection of songs is a mesage of hope and recovery and the message that addicts do have a choice.'

Joe's Pub has announced its lineup for February 20-26. Performers include MISHKA, JEFF LEBLANC, DION, MARIKA HUGHES, ASHLEY DAVIS, SAM BISBEE, JIMMY DESTRI and more. Check out the lineup below.

The Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, will be the site of THE REEL AWARDS (21st Annual) on Monday, February 20, 2012. This annual spectacle, produced by International Celebrity Images, brings together the best celebrity impersonators from around the world. It's a surreal gathering of talent including red carpet arrivals to a show featuring music, dance, comedy, and an awards show like no other. This year's emcees are Joan Rivers clone, Dee Dee Hanson and Stephen Sorrentino, a musical comedian and master of improvisation with over 200 impressions.

Joe's Pub has announced the following upcoming performances.

Please join E! as we say our final goodbye to one of the world's most beloved pop divas when Jason Kennedy anchors an E! News Special Report, WHITNEY HOUSTON: THE FUNERAL beginning at 8:30am PT/11:30am ET this Saturday, February 18th.

Mc Coy Rigby Entertainment & Fox Operator Bill Malone of FX Arts have announced the third in its brand new 'Broadway Series' of shows, with the songs of one of the most iconic figures in the history of music, RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH, with musical direction by Jeff Lisenby, choreography by Jane Lanier and directed by and starring from the original New York production, Jason Edwards.

Beginning at 11:30AM ET/8:30AM PT, BET News and CENTRIC, along with on-air correspondents April Woodard and Lola Oguinake will bring viewers complete live, in-depth coverage of the legendary pop singer's funeral from her childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, New Jersey.

According to rumours posted by dailymail.co.uk, the UK touring production of SOUTH PACIFIC might transfer to the West End early next Autumn. The show would run at the London Palladium, filling in the gap between the runs of THE WIZARD OF OZ and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.

As first reported in the Hollywood Reporter, superstar Janet Jackson is in preliminary talks to join the judges panel for the upcoming season of Fox's THE X FACTOR.

A Special Edition of '20/20,' ONE MOMENT IN TIME: THE LIFE OF WHITNEY HOUSTON will take an in-depth look at the voice of the century -- from her record-setting achievements and musical legacy to her rocky personal life and battle with addiction. It will also include Diane Sawyer's ground-breaking interview done exactly 10 years ago, as well as the latest developments about the superstar's final days.