TMZ says Coroner’s officials have told icon’s family she likely died from drugs and alcohol; daughter Bobbi Kristina released from hospital. By Jocelyn Vena Whitney Houston Photo: Epsilon/ Getty Images On Sunday night, the life and impressive career of Whitney Houston was celebrated at the 2012 Grammy Awards , with everyone from Bruno Mars to host LL Cool J and Jennifer Hudson recalling the immense talent of the late icon. Since her passing on Saturday, more reports have surfaced about what might have contributed to her death . After initial speculation that she might have drowned in the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room, a new TMZ report suggests that prescription drugs and alcohol might have played a bigger part in her death than originally believed. Sources tell the site that L.A. County Coroner’s officials have told Houston’s family that despite earlier drowning reports, it’s likely she died of a combination of Xanax, other prescription drugs and alcohol. There wasn’t enough water in her lungs to suggest that drowning played a part, the report says, and she might have died before her head was submerged in water. Her body was reportedly found by her aunt, Mary Jones, who entered the bathroom to check on the singer. Houston’s body will be flown to Atlanta once it is released from the coroner’s office, sources said. Meanwhile, Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina , has been released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after being treated for a stressed-induced panic attack shortly after her mother’s death. Since Houston’s passing, Bobbi Kristina’s father, Bobby Brown, has flown to L.A. to be with his daughter, E! News reports. According to a People.com eyewitness, when he landed in L.A., “Bobby had a blank stare and looked exhausted … His friends seemed concerned about him and they surrounded him as they walked through the airport.” He had been on tour with New Edition when he left the trek to join Bobbi Kristina. Sunday’s hospitalization allegedly wasn’t the only health scare for the 18-year-old over Grammy weekend. TMZ reports that she had fallen asleep in the bathtub Friday at the same hotel where her mother was found dead the next day. Bobbi Kristina’s friends reportedly called security to unlock the door and help them remove her from the tub. Share your condolences with Whitney’s family and friends on our Facebook page. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos 2012 Grammy Awards: Backstage And Audience Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston
Deceased icon ‘never got a chance to really come back like we thought she would,’ supporter tells MTV News. By James Dinh Whitney Houston Photo: Epsilon/ Getty Images NEW YORK — Hollywood’s outpouring of condolences and mourning for Whitney Houston , who died Saturday afternoon , has hit a string of stars as well as her legions of fans. Just hours after the tragic announcement, MTV News took to the busy streets of Times Square to see how her fans are coping with the loss of the music icon. “We’re hearing the news of Whitney Houston’s death, and Whitney was the original diva of my generation,” one fan said proudly. ” ‘I Will Always Love You’ is probably her best ballad. No one can sing that song like Whitney can sing it. “Whitney Houston, rest in peace. We love you,” he added. Houston’s remarkable singing talent turned her into a worldwide phenomenon and made people take notice. “We gonna miss her. Ain’t no musician like that ever going to come. We ain’t ever going to see a singer like that,” another supporter said of her unique skill. Even through her troubles with substance abuse, Team Whitney remained optimistic, as one loyal fanatic confessed, “We would have never thought that she was the one to pass away, out of all people.” Calling her “one of the best voices in R&B history,” another fan opened up about her early age of death saying, “It’s just too bad that she had to go so early, and never got a chance to really come back like we thought she would.” “She’s just such a strong woman. She’s considered like an idol to so many people,” one group of fans added. With mentions of favorite Whitney ventures like her hit film “The Bodyguard,” it is certain the superstar’s legacy will live on for years to come as a trio of fans began singing her smash “I Will Always Love You.” Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan will pay tribute to the late icon at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards . MTV News’ Sway and James Montgomery will be live from the Grammys red carpet all evening to get reactions from music’s biggest stars on the death of Whitney Houston. Watch reactions and remembrances at MTV.com. Share your condolences with Whitney’s family and friends on our Facebook page. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston
‘She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman,’ Beyonce says in a statement to MTV News about Houston, who died Saturday in L.A. By Jocelyn Vena Beyoncé, Jewel, Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston perform on “Vh1 Divas” in 2003 Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images One day after pop music lost one of its icons and greatest voices, Whitney Houston , Beyonc
‘She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman,’ Beyonce says in a statement to MTV News about Houston, who died Saturday in L.A. By Jocelyn Vena Beyoncé, Jewel, Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston perform on “Vh1 Divas” in 2003 Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images One day after pop music lost one of its icons and greatest voices, Whitney Houston , Beyonc
Diplo and A-Trak remember the late icon during our 2012 Grammy Awards red-carpet live stream. By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by James Montgomery Whitney Houston Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images There is certainly a gray cloud looming over the 2012 Grammy Awards , which are set to air in just a few hours on Sunday (February 12). One day after music icon Whitney Houston was found dead , the show will pay tribute to the six-time Grammy winner. As A-listers hit the red carpet at Los Angeles’ Staple Center, they have been remembering the big-voiced talent for her undeniable gift. “She had the swagger and she had the voice,” Diplo told MTV News during our pre-show live stream. “I was listening to a bunch of records last night, and I was amazed at how deeply I felt about her records as a child.” The producer noted that her contributions to music of all genres still resonated today, thanks to her ability to bust genres wide open and make them all her own. “She had that persona that pulled of pop music and urban and R&B in a way that no one else could do it,” he added. EDM producer A-Trak said that it wasn’t just her catalog that made her iconic, but also her voice. “Just pure talent, incredible voice and the whole package, the personality the presence,” he said, “once in a generation, spectacular talent.” Jennifer Hudson and Houston’s longtime friend Chaka Khan are expected to lead a tribute to the late icon during the Grammys. The show’s executive producer, Ken Ehrlich, said in a statement, “It’s too fresh in everyone’s memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and in particular her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years.” MTV Newsl Sway and James Montgomery will be live from the Grammys red carpet tonight starting at 5 p.m. ET to get reactions from musicls biggest stars on the death of Whitney Houston. Watch reactions and remembrances at MTV.com. Share your condolences with Whitneyls family and friends on our Facebook page. Related Videos Live From The Grammy Red Carpet Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston DJ A-Trak Diplo
Clive Davis discovered Whitney Houston at a NYC nightclub when the singer was 20 years old. It was therefore eerie and appropriate that the artist passed away, possibly from an overdose on prescription drugs , just a few hours prior to the music producer’s annual pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The somber event did proceed as scheduled – with attendees including Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert, Brandy, Tom Hanks, P Diddy, Kim Kardashian and Mary J. Blige – and Davis opened the shindig with remarks abut Houston. “So, by now sadly, we have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotions. Not in front of this room full of so many dear friends,” Davis said. “I do have a very heavy heart and I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. “She was so looking forward to tonight… She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.” A moment of silence followed, with Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Alicia Keys later performing. On tonight’s Grammys telecast, meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to Whitney.
Clive Davis discovered Whitney Houston at a NYC nightclub when the singer was 20 years old. It was therefore eerie and appropriate that the artist passed away, possibly from an overdose on prescription drugs , just a few hours prior to the music producer’s annual pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The somber event did proceed as scheduled – with attendees including Britney Spears, Miranda Lambert, Brandy, Tom Hanks, P Diddy, Kim Kardashian and Mary J. Blige – and Davis opened the shindig with remarks abut Houston. “So, by now sadly, we have all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotions. Not in front of this room full of so many dear friends,” Davis said. “I do have a very heavy heart and I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. “She was so looking forward to tonight… She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.” A moment of silence followed, with Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Alicia Keys later performing. On tonight’s Grammys telecast, meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to Whitney.
Iconic diva appeared in celebrated box-office gems including ‘The Bodyguard’ and ‘Waiting to Exhale.’ By Eric Ditzian Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in “Bodyguard” Photo: Warner Bros. The death of Whitney Houston, who died on Saturday (February 11) at the age of 48, leaves a gaping hole not only in the world of music, but in movies, too. She may have been best known for belting out R&B power ballads, but Whitney Houston also made an impact in Hollywood — a star in hit movies and a musical presence in countless other films. As we mourn her untimely death and honor her career, let’s take a look back at some of Houston’s cinematic achievements. “The Bodyguard” By far Houston’s most celebrated film, this 1992 romantic drama, in which she starred opposite Kevin Costner, became not only a box-office success (more than $400 million at the worldwide box office), but spawned one of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time. The disc won a Grammy for Album of the Year and its first single, “I Will Always Love You,” became one of the best-selling singles ever. “Waiting to Exhale” Three years after the success of “The Bodyguard,” Houston teamed with Angela Basset and Loretta Devine for a film about four friends and their various relationship dramas. Babyface produced the score and Houston performed two songs on the soundtrack, which went platinum seven times. Her “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” hit #1 on Billboard ‘s Hot 100 chart. MTV Movie Awards Houston appeared three times at the MTV Movie Awards, once in 1993 following “The Bodyguard,” again in 1996 after “Waiting to Exhale,” and finally in 1999. In ’93, she was nominated for three awards, including Breakthrough Performance, but came away empty-handed. In ’96, she performed “Why Does It Hurt So Bad,” a single off the “Exhale” soundtrack. “The Princess Diaries” The singer never appeared in this Disney teen drama, but she produced the film, which is notable for having been Anne Hathaway’s breakout role. The movie grossed almost $170 million and spawned a sequel. “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” which Houston also produced, grossed more than $130 million. “Sparkle” A remake of the 1976 musical, “Sparkle,” loosely based on Motown’s the Supremes, was slated to be revived with Houston as executive-producer and star. “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks took on the role of Sparkle, with Houston playing her mother (her first movie role since 1996’s “The Preacher’s Wife,” in which she costarred along with Denzel Washington). “Sparkle” was shot in the fall of 2011 and has been slated for an August 17 release. When MTV News reached out to Sony/ Screen Gems after Houston’s death, we received this statement: “Like all those who knew and loved her, we are shocked and saddened and the world has lost an incomparable talent. Right now our thoughts are with her daughter, her family and her friends.” Join us for a tribute to Whitney Houston with non-stop music videos on MTV Hits and MTV Jams, all day Sunday. Share your condolences and memories of Whitney Houston on our Facebook page. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston
‘We would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans,’ executive producer says of tonight’s show. By Tomika L. Anderson Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston at the 2009 Grammy Awards Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to Whitney Houston at the 2012 Grammy Awards , Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow confirmed onstage Saturday night at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party. The award show’s executive producer, Ken Ehrlich, announced on CNN that Chaka Khan will also join in honoring the late pop icon on Sunday night (February 12). “It’s too fresh in everyone’s memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and in particular her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years,” Ehrlich said. “I’m speechless … I’m in shock right now. Just pray for her and the family,” Chaka tweeted upon hearing the news. It is not yet known what other changes might be made to the show night in light of Houston’s passing, but Neil Portnow issuing this statement on the loss of one of the music world’s greatest artists: “Six-time GRAMMY winner Whitney Houston was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.” Houston was found dead at 48 on Saturday in a Beverly Hills hotel, and police are still investigating the cause of death. She was best-known for mega-hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “How Will I Know,” but her reach extended to the big screen as well with box-office hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” Join us for a tribute to Whitney Houston with non-stop music videos on MTV Hits and MTV Jams, all day Sunday. Share your thoughts, memories and comments on our Facebook page. Related Videos Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Photos Whitney Houston: A Life In Photos Related Artists Whitney Houston Jennifer Hudson
Willard Christopher “Will” Smith, Jr. (born September 25, 1968), also known by his stage name The Fresh Prince, is an American actor, producer, and rapper. He has enjoyed success in television, film and music. In April 2007, Newsweek called him the most powerful actor in Hollywood.[2] Smith has been nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Awards, and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Source MUSIC Will got his first taste of showbiz when he debuted in a rap duo “DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince” with a chart-topping and record-breaking single, ” Parents Just Don’t Understand” which garnered the first Grammy awarded in the Rap category in 1988. Who could forget the critically acclaimed “Summertime” performed by the duo? This song still gets heavily played during the summer season during family reunions, in your local barber and beauty shops, and on radio stations nationwide. TELEVISION AND FILM After nearly being bankrupt in 1990, NBC networks created a show around Will called ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” which seen huge success and launched a thriving acting career for the rapper. He then set a goal to be the “biggest movie star in the world” and began studying hit movies trends and successes. His first movie was in 1993 titled, Six Degrees of Separation later starring alongside Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys two years later. Check out more of Will Smith’s top 10 films below courtesy of IMDB . Independence Day (1996) In the beginning of July, a strange spaceship is heading towards Earth. Humans received a strange signal, and this has turned into a global phenomenon. It was aliens. smaller spaceships began to cover entire cities around the world. Suddenly, the wonder turns into horror as the spaceships destroy the cities. Then, when the world counterattacked, the alien ships are invincible to normal weapon systems, then The President of the United States, decides to head to area 51, to formulate a plan to defeat the aliens. Now, the fate of the world rests on a handful of surviving humans. Written by John Wiggins Men In Black (1997) Men in Black follows the exploits of agents Kay (Jones) and Jay (Smith), members of a top-secret organization established to monitor and police alien activity on Earth. The two Men in Black find themselves in the middle of the deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies. In order to prevent worlds from colliding, the MiB must track down the terrorist and prevent the destruction of Earth. Source Enemy of the State (1998) A successful lawyer (Smith) finds himself the target of a treacherous NSA official and his goons after receiving evidence to a politically motivated murder, the only man that can help him is a former government operative turned surveillance expert (Hackman). Written by mystic80 Ali (2001) Muhammad Ali from 1964 to 1974, told in three braided threads. The boxer: from becoming champion to regaining the championship. Religion and politics: Cassius Clay becomes a Black Muslim, truncates a friendship with Malcolm X, perhaps is Elijah Muhammad’s pawn, refuses induction into the US military, and faces a five year prison sentence while his case goes to the Supreme Court. Family: he marries twice and by 1974 marriage two is strained, defends his white trainer, has a brother in Bundini Brown, and is wily with Howard Cosell. Throughout, Ali keeps his own counsel: in the ring, at the induction center when he won’t step forward, and in friendship, love, and victory. Written by Men In Black II (2002) For Agent J, it is another day at the office, monitoring, licensing and policing all alien activity on Earth. One day, J receives a report of an unauthorized landing of an alien spacecraft near New York. It is an old enemy of MIB, a Kylothian named Surleena. Who is searching for a powerful artifact called The Light of Zartha. J investigates and quickly realizes he is going to need help. Unfortunately, the other MIB agents do not work up to par like J can. So, J decides to bring back K. J must bring back K’s memory as an MIB agent and try to stop Surleena, before she can succeed. Written by John Wiggins I, Robot (2004) This is the year 2035. Everybody in the world relies on a huge system of robots, which are programmed specifically to help humans and not harm them in any way. But one person does not think that robots are helpful. Chicago homicide detective Del Spooner. but one day, he received a call from the United States Robotics (USR) about a recent death of renowned robot scientist Dr. Alfred J. Laning. Spooner immediately blamed this incident on robots without justifiable reason or proof. Then, he begins his investigation on Lanning’s death, only to discover Sonny, a “unique” robot. What Spooner does not realize, is that something is about to happen. Something that is beyond even spooner’s wildest dreams. Written by John Wiggins Hitch (2005) Alex Hitchens is “The Date Doctor.” He helps men to land dates. Sara is a gossip columnist for a New York City tabloid. Both are very guarded around the opposite sex. Despite their natures, Alex and Sara begin a relationship. Complications ensue when Sara’s latest scoop happens to be one of Alex’s clients. Written by Ken Miller The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Chris Gardner has big dreams for him and his family but it doesn’t seem to come together for him. Chris has an opportunity to be a stock broker but first he has to go through a grueling internship which means no pay. Chris decides to do it but when his wife leaves and he is evicted, he has to take care of his son on his own. So they find themselves sometimes living on the street and struggling to get by. But Chris is determined to make it. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com I Am Legend (2007) It is the year 2012. In the ruins of New York city. Robert Neville who is a military scientist who is the lone survivor of a biochemical disease which was supposed to cure cancer 3 years previous. With only blood thirsty zombies as his neighbors and his trusty dog, Samantha, Robert is trying to discover a cure for this disease and to find out any other people who might have also survived. Written by John Wiggins FUN FACTS ABOUT WILL SMITH: He was originally casted as Neo in The Matrix movie, but turned it down to do the film, Wild Wild West . He enjoys playing chess. He was a millionaire by age 20. Will Smith speaks fluent Spanish. Will Smith is also an author, penning a children’s book called “Just The Two of Us”. SOURCE
