“Whitney Houston is one of one. There is no one like her, and there never will be.”
Whitney Houston was the final inductee in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s virtual ceremony for the class of 2020 last night.
In honor of the late r&b giant, the ceremony closed with a montage of Houston, featuring candid photos, home footage, and archival scenes of performances and studio sessions, offering a touching salute to Houston, who passed in February of 2012. The segment also featured commemorations from Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Clive Davis, Lady Gaga, Kelly Price, and Houston’s mother, Cissy (a talented vocalist in her own right who sang with Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick,) who accepted the honors on her daughter’s behalf.
“Whitney Houston is one of one. There is no one like her, and there never will be,” said Keys, leading the induction ceremony’s cap. “I remember growing up listening to her music and dancing around the house and jumping on my bed singing her songs into my hairbrush. This golden voice with range and runs and power like none and a face and a presence like royalty. She was every little girl’s admiration,” Keys added, before recounting when Houston called upon her to write a song for her final album, I Look To You. “She could stand flat foot and sing. No running from the notes, but completely executing purely from the softest tone to the ultimate power,” said Hudson, marveling over the hallmark strength of Houston’s voice.
Watch Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy, and sister, Pat, accept her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors below. Head over to HBO Max to watch the full induction ceremony.