Industry News

A "respectful" tribute to Whitney Houston, who died today at the age of 48, will take place at tonight's Grammy Awards, show producer Ken Erhlich said. Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow confirmed late Saturday that Jennifer Hudson will take part in the tribute.

"Whitney was a multi-Grammy winner, she appeared on the show a number of times. We're very saddened, and we don't want to rush into anything that wouldn't be respectful," Ehrlich told CNN.

Whitney Houston Dead at 48

"I've asked Jennifer Hudson to come, and we're really at this moment talking about what she's going to do," he continued. "It's going to be something respectful. It's not going to be a full-blown tribute, that's too early and it's too fresh at this moment. It's going to be something respectful to Whitney's memory. Knowing Whitney like I did, she was a great artist and a great performer, and she knew the importance of thrilling an audience, and that's what we plan to do."

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Reports unconfirmed at press time said that Chaka Khan, with whom Houston performed early in her career, was being approached to take part in the tribute as well.

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Meanwhile, Saturday night's annual Pre-Grammy gala is going forward, although reports at press time said the mood is subdued.