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Live coverage of Whitney Houston's funeral
- On Saturday, singing sensation Whitney Houston will remembered in a private funeral in her hometown of Newark, N.J. The ceremony is to take place at the New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston first sang as a part of the choir led by her mother.
The service is being called a 'home going,' according to what appears to be a copy of the funeral's invitation, posted online.
THE EULOGY
Gospel singer and reverend Marvin L. Winans has been named as the principal orator for the eulogy, but there are rumours that Houston’s co-star in The Bodyguard, Kevin Costner, is also expected to speak along with Houston's musical mentor, Clive Davis.
THE GUESTS
Celebrities on the invitation-only guest list, which is believed to total 1,500 people, include Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z. There will also be a number of music acts: CNN is reporting that Houston’s godmother, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keyes will be performing. Other guests include Chaka Khan, Rev. Jesse Jackson, music mogul Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Ray J (who has been romantically linked with Houston) and Bishop T.D. Jakes, the producer of Houston’s last movie, Sparkle, due to be released in August.
Rumour has it that Mel Gibson was invited to the funeral as well, but can't attend due to family plans.
WHAT ABOUT BOBBY BROWN?
There has been much speculation as to whether Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, will be in attendance after some buzz that Houston’s family did not want him there. Fox News is reporting that Brown will instead perform elsewhere with his group New Edition. But other media outlets suggest he may be attend the funeral and still perform at the concert scheduled for 225 kilometres away in Connecticut.
THE BURIAL
After the funeral, Houston will reportedly be buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, N.J. next to her father, John Russell Houston, who died in 2003.
UPDATES
The ceremony is set to begin at 12 p.m. ET Saturday and you can follow it live here beginning at 11:30 a.m ET. - Not many guests have arrived yet. But tons of balloons, cards and mementos left by fans are scattered around the church.
- Queen Latifah is now singing, “We Are Going to See the King”. #whitneycnnby janelleCNN via twitter 2/18/2012 4:42:02 PM
- CNN is reporting that Forrest Whitaker has arrived.
- Rev. Jesse Jackson is also there and has been speaking with the media.
- A huge choir is performing in the church as the guests arrive.
- The choir consisted of members from the New Hope mass choir and the New Jersey mass choir.
The singers are performing in the same church where a young Whitney Houston performed under her mother's guidance, who was the director of the choir. - CNN is reporting that Bobby Brown, Whitney's ex-husband, has arrived.
- Yesterday Whitney's publicist confirmed that, despite much speculation to the contrary, Bobby Brown did receive an invitation.
- Reports that Gov. Chris Christie has also arrived. He received flack earlier in the week for defending his decision to lower flags in Whitney's honour today.
- There are reports that Alicia Keys will be singing in place of Aretha Franklin.
- More choir singing as everyone awaits for the ceremony to officially begin.
The first few images from the guests arriving are beginning to appear.
- CNN is reporting that Oprah and Gayle King have arrived.
Newark Police officers watch as Whitney Houston's hearse arrives at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where close family and friends will gather for the funeral service of the pop singer.
- Also hearing that Mariah Carey has arrived.
She sang with Whitney on "When You Believe". Carey's husband, Nick Cannon, said the singer was very upset when she heard about Whitney's death. - Amazing energy at #whitneycnn "Celebration of Life" ceremony. A huge loss.by jaimeinatlanta via twitter 2/18/2012 5:13:46 PM
A guest looks at a tribute as he arrives for the funeral service of pop singer Whitney Houston at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
- RT @eonline: The choir at Whitney Houston's Homegoing has such energy and joy. Seems so fitting for Whitney. Watch: t.coby CommeLePapillon via twitter 2/18/2012 5:17:54 PM
- The minister of music at the New Hope Baptist Church is welcoming the guests.
- Unlikely to get tweets from guests inside the church. The minister of music just asked everyone to turn off their cell phones
- The casket is closed with a blanket of white flowers on top. It sits at the front of the church with the choir behind it.
- Check out video of people arriving here.
- Bobby #Brown went inside the church; walked by Whitney’s casket & came back up the aisle. His eyes were red his head was down. #whineycnnby janelleCNN via twitter 2/18/2012 5:26:05 PM
- More news on why Aretha Franklin is no longer performing, says it because of pains in foot and leg.
- Choir has just finished a psalm and Pastor Joe A. Carter has begun to speak. Asking the guests to clap for God. People are rising to their feet in response.
- "We're here today with hearts broken but with God's strength we celebrate the life of Whitney Houston today." - Pastor Joe A. Carter
- Rev. Joe Carter starts the service for #Whitney. Donnie #McClurkin up next #whitneycnnby janelleCNN via twitter 2/18/2012 5:36:04 PM
- "Whitney, today is your day. We celebrate." - Pastor Joe A. Carter
- Rev. Joe Carter just recited psalm 23, 'The Lord is My Shepherd' and is now reading some scripture.
- Donnie #McClurkin starting now singing "Stand" with the choir #whitneycnnby janelleCNN via twitter 2/18/2012 5:40:19 PM
- Gospel signer Donnie McClurkin is now performing the song "Stand" at the podium. The choir, standing behind him, is providing backup vocals.
- The guests are on their feet, many are clapping and swaying to song.
- Looking for a little bit of context for this morning's funeral. Check out this story that also notes a major change to the confirmed guest list.
Apparently Aretha Franklin, who was expected to sing, will not be at the funeral because of an illness. - The mayor of Newark is now speaking: "God is in heaven and now so is one of our angels, Whitney Houston...we love you Whitney Houston."
- Lyrics from the song: "What do you do when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?
And what do you say when your friends turn away
And you all alone,alone?
Tell me,What do you give when you've given your all
And it seems you can't make it through?
...
Stand and be sure
Be not entangled in that bondage again
You just stand, and endure
God has a purpose,Yes god has a plan" - A very quiet, and almost hoarse-sounding, Dionne Warwick introduced Tyler Perry, who is sharing memories of the first time he met Whitney.
- "There was a grace carrying her...that's one thing I know." - Tyler Perry
- Perry is getting emotional as he is talking about how all of the hardships Whitney endured did not separate her from her God. The crowd is responding with lots of clapping and some cheers.
- "What I'm going to miss is crazy Whitney." - Bebe Winans
- Winans is telling a story about how she extensively planned out a tour with him and Cece Winans. Right down to the stage costumes.
- The crowd is loving Bebe's story, lots of laughing, smiling and cheering.
- "Family is here today, Whitney," says Bebe Winans before commencing his song.
- The song Winans is performing is called "I'll really miss you."
- Another quote from Bebe Winan's story: "She decided at the height of her career, she was gonna sing background for BeBe & CeCe!"
