The music industry's biggest night put aside time to reflect on the untimely death of one of its brightest stars, singer Whitney Houston.
The 54th annual Grammy Awards had a number of somber moments on Sunday (February 12)...including host LL Cool Jay's opening of the show with a prayer for Houston.
SOUNDBITE Host LL Cool Jay saying (English):
"There is no way around this. We've had a death in our family. So, at least for me, the only way to begin this is with a prayer for a woman we loved, a fallen sister, Whitney Houston."
Midway through the three and half hour show, Jennifer Hudson took to the stage to sing a rendition of the song, ending with the words, "We Will Always Love You, Whitney."
Houston died on Saturday (February 11) at the Beverly Hilton hotel, hours before she was due to attend Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party there. An autopsy has been performed, but the cause of death has been deferred until toxicology reports are completed. Houston was 48.
And of course the evening was a triumph for Adele, who ended up taking 6 awards over the night, including Best Album, and performed for the first time in public since undergoing throat surgery last year. She sang her hit "Rolling in the Deep" and received a roaring, standing ovation.
John Russell, Reuters.
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