Whitney Houston News

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.

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.

Whitney Houston - GRAMMY(R) Award-winning artist, Emmy(R) Award-winning actress, philanthropist and global icon - will be remembered on ENCORE, Friday, February 17 beginning at 8:00 p.m. (et/pt).

People.com reports that actor Kevin Costner will be speaking at the funeral of the late Whitney Houston this weekend.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Show Boat' and 'South Pacific' in the Loop, the Grammys, Whitney Houston's showtune connections, 'Charlie Brown,' 'Pippin' and more....

Whitney Houston's publicist, Kristen Foster yesterday that the Associated Press will be the sole news source to be allowed to film the funeral service of the late singer this Saturday, February 18th and stream it live on their web site. The event will also be available to broadcasters via satellite.

In memory of Whitney Houston, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will present a special two hour REMEMBERING WHITNEY: THE OPRAH INTERVIEW with the music legend's last in-depth television interview from 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' to air this Thursday, February 16 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

From Grammy Golden Girl to troubled wife of Bobby Brown, the special reflects on the superstar's biggest moments, best performances and the incredible impact she had on the world of music.The special will air Thursday, February 16th at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

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. Directed by Salim Akil and written by Mara Brock Akil, the movie might soon be heading for Broadway, according to Forbes.

In an absolutely uncannily coincidental occurrence last night, the Valentine's Day episode of GLEE included among its song-stack the all-time most memorable Whitney Houston ballad of all time, originally sung by Dolly Parton in 1974 but made famous by Houston on the soundtrack of the 1992 film THE BODYGUARD, in which she also starred, "I Will Always Love You". While this episode was filmed weeks ago - long before Houston's sudden passing, of course - the fact that this was the moment GLEE finally tackled one of the biggest songs ever - a single that originally stayed atop the chart for more than 3 months - comes as a definite shock and surprise; and, also, somehow, a fitting tribute. The tasteful "We Will Always Love You" card at the end of the program dedicated the episode to Houston's memory, in a last minute addition to the long-wrapped show by the powers-that-be. It hit just the right chord - as did the effervescently enjoyable if slight episode. Amber Riley wrought the high emotion out of the Houston barn-burner in a manner that surely would do the gospel singer of Whitney's own roots more than merely proud and the overall show was a sure success as far as knockout musical numbers go. As for the rest of the "Heart" Valentine's show, we were treated to a number of well-played guest appearances, such as Rachel's two dads, essayed all-too-deliciously by Jeff Goldblum and Brian Stokes Mitchell, in addition to THE GLEE PROJECT winner Samuel Larsen's much ballyhooed debut on the show. Former TGP finalist and Season Three GLEE featured player Damian McGinty also got more focus than usual, as did Amber Riley, who emerged as the star of this particular episode. Courtesy of a lively and raucous "Love Shack", Darren Criss made his welcome return after a few episodes out. The rest of the songs added to the overall candy-coated allure of the sweet and sugary confection of a show. No, "Heart" was not an episode that will linger forever in the memory like some in GLEE's past, but the music made the night - and, in the case of "I Will Always Love You", made it really pack a punch when we needed it. It most closely resembled the wedding episode from last season, I thought - which is certainly a compliment. Plus, "Heart" featured the return of Karofsky - in gorilla suit, no less - and many dramatic twists for the gleeks we have all come to know and love. And, just how adorable is Sugar Motta?!

MTV is continuing its celebration of the life and legacy of musical legend Whitney Houston with the premiere of WHITNEY HOUSTON: IN HER OWN WORDS on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:30pm ET/PT, a live 30-minute special featuring interview clips of Houston dating back to her network debut in 1986 through her final interview.

On Wednesday, February 15 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, E! will present the 'E! News Special: WHITNEY HOUSTON: LAST DAYS OF A LEGEND. Hosted by Giuliana Rancic, the special will chronicle the events leading up to and immediately after Houston's untimely death, as well as reflect upon her magnificent career and tumultuous personal life.

While BWW reported yesterday that producers of the Fox musical series GLEE were considering the idea of adding a tribute to the late Whitney Houston as part of this Tuesday's Valentine's Day episode entitled, 'Heart', TVLine now reports that an official decision has been made. A spokesperson for the show confirms to TVLine that they will place a card in the end credits of the show in memory of the late singer.

Last Thursday, before the Grammys, Whitney Houston crashed E! News' interview with Monica and Brandy for a touching, if erratic, lovefest. It turned out to be one of Houston's last videotaped appearance with the press. Yesterday, E! News caught up with Monica and Brandy as the duo were promoting their new duet, 'It All Belongs to Me,' and the duo spoke about their dearly departed friend.

Whitney Houston - GRAMMY(R) Award-winning artist, Emmy(R) Award-winning actress, philanthropist and global icon - will be remembered on ENCORE, Friday, February 17 beginning at 8:00 p.m. (et/pt).

NEW bergenPAC shows are now on sale: Boyz II Men (May 16th), Eddie Money and Jefferson Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (May 4th), ABBA The Concert (May 15th), and Regis and Joy Philbin (May 6th) on sale Friday, February 17th at 11:00am.

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.

In memory of Whitney Houston, TV One will pre-empt its regular primetime schedule at 9 PM ET Tuesday, Feb. 14 to air REFLECTIONS OF WHITNEY, a one-hour music video special featuring the legendary superstar. The special will repeat at midnight. The music will include a variety of the iconic artist's music performances featuring some of her most popular and award-winning songs over the past 25 years.

From Grammy Golden Girl to troubled wife of Bobby Brown, the special reflects on the superstar's biggest moments, best performances and the incredible impact she had on the world of music.The special will air Thursday, February 16th at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

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.