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Whitney Houston Ready For Comeback, Clive Davis Says

2/6/09, 4:18 pm EST

Photo: Snyder/WireImage

Whitney Houston is on the comeback trail, record industry icon Clive Davis told MTV yesterday during rehearsals for his pre-Grammy gala. According to Davis, Houston was expected to rehearse last night for a special performance at the event, which is always a blockbuster affair — it’s where Davis unveiled Alicia Keys and Leona Lewis. Davis also insisted that Houston, whose last album of original material was 2002’s Just Whitney, is ready to return to the spotlight.

“You wait for the great songs to be written,” Davis said of Houston’s hiatus. “The great hits Whitney has given to the public for so many years — you keep encouraging and setting the bar. R. Kelly and Whitney just went into the studio with a great song called ‘I Look to You.’ ” Davis is credited with discovering Houston, so the singer’s reclamation project is especially meaningful to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee who also signed artists like Aerosmith, Janis Joplin and Donovan over his long storied career.

(Check out Rolling Stone’s February 2008 Clive Davis profile “The Last Record Man.”)

Davis hinted at another new Houston song, a David Foster-produced ballad entitled “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” Foster also co-wrote Houston’s “I Have Nothing” from The Bodyguard soundtrack and helped produce her 1998 album My Love is Your Love.

“The same way her debut album took a while to put together, you just don’t do it by going into a computer. You wait for the material to justify a new album,” Davis said. “Pretty much, it’s come in.” Rock Daily will be at Clive Davis’ gala tonight in Los Angeles, so make sure to check our Grammy hub to find out whether or not Houston makes a grand comeback.

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Comments

Johnnie | 2/6/2009, 5:10 pm EST

Fantastic! Everyone loves a comeback.

John | 2/6/2009, 6:59 pm EST

Excellent! I hope there will be video of Whitney’s Pre-Grammy performance! Can’t wait to see how she sounds!

Larry | 2/6/2009, 8:47 pm EST

Ahhhh Whitney. We have missed that velvet tone, your smooth intensity. Come home. We love you!

Mikey | 2/6/2009, 9:49 pm EST

OMG! Wow she looks awesome. Cannot wait to hear her, please let there be a video!

Jocelyn Wims | 2/6/2009, 11:14 pm EST

Whitney I am a huge fan of yours. I can’t wait to here you sing again, I enjoy hearing your music.
You have a beautiful voice. May god bless you and keep you. I listen to your songs a lot. I can’t wait until your new album come out in march so I can buy it.
I love you!

From your fan
Jocelyn

Unclelmo | 2/7/2009, 1:04 am EST

I want chills sent down my spine again listening to your beautiful and powerful voice. You are the only one who can make me feel that way when I listen to you. You are awesomely legendary and incomparable!
Love you!!!!!

Anonymous | 2/7/2009, 1:10 am EST

Clive Davis has been hyping up this “Whitney Houston Comeback” for what seems like years.

I’ve lost all interest at this point.

Strom | 2/7/2009, 2:15 am EST

The past is past and we move on. Whitney is absolutely the past.

Moshe | 2/7/2009, 2:18 am EST

Right, its like hyoing a new record from Perry Como or even Whit’s relative Dionne Warwick. Tina Turner’s covers are much more interesting than Whitney’s travails.

saw whitney | 2/7/2009, 2:51 am EST

I was on the flight from Atl to LA Feb 1st with Whitney and her group. They came on with a box of strawberries which they shared and by the end of the flight Whitney and one of the men traveling with her were higher than airplane.

Matt | 2/7/2009, 3:03 am EST

Even though she was whacked out, she looked fabulous.

LarryW. | 2/7/2009, 3:43 am EST

I haven’t been able to listen to any Whitney Houston song since her screamfest version of “I Will Always Love You”.

Vic | 2/7/2009, 6:14 am EST

Whitney is the best! We all know what she can do with that voice, so glad she’s back!

Stew | 2/7/2009, 9:31 am EST

No one can touch Whitney’s success and no one can sing as well as Whitney does !
Shes had tough times ! shes only human after all !
Its time for her to get back to her best not only for the fans but for herself !
God Bless U Nippy
x x x

Anonymous | 2/7/2009, 12:29 pm EST

There’s no denying Whitney Houston has (had) a powerful voice.

But her voice was always set to cheesy music without any real substance.

Joe | 2/7/2009, 12:39 pm EST

She could crap on vinyl and the ghetto tweeners will eat it up. Clive Davis knows this.

SEE: Taylor Swift, Beyonce

Warren | 2/7/2009, 1:09 pm EST

I am so excited to and cannot wait to her comeback. She is the best and leave her alone for all the nasayers. Support her and love her. Peace.

WonderBread | 2/7/2009, 3:24 pm EST

“She could crap on vinyl and the ghetto tweeners will eat it up. Clive Davis knows this.”

LMAO

oh wait didn’t she ALREADY do that on her reality show???

Anonymous | 2/7/2009, 5:19 pm EST

The other ‘Anonymous’ is right.

She has a great voice, but it’s completely wasted on crap like ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’…

The great divas of the 1960s also had impressive voices, but unlike Whitney Houston, their music actually had something to say!

Also, is it just me, or is Whitney really starting to look more and more like her relative, Dionne Warwick. Just look at the picture on this article. Maybe Whitney can be the next spokesperson for the Psychic Friends Network. But after all the tabloid crap between her and Bobby Brown, it would be more like the Psycho Friends Network.

NEXT!

adriano | 2/7/2009, 6:39 pm EST

I am from Brazil and here Whitney is very popular and loved. We are all looking forward to listening to her again. She is the best singer ever.

Sally | 2/7/2009, 7:36 pm EST

I don’t care what anyone says…her voice is gone. It will never be the same. You can’t undo the damage that she has done to it. She has been “ready for this comeback” for three years according to clive.

Anonymous | 2/7/2009, 8:26 pm EST

I echo the sentients of all those who have gone through something, though we may differ we know to come out of some things alone is rewarding enough. Good Job Whitney and to all those that believed in you. Welcome back!

kk | 2/7/2009, 8:29 pm EST

I love this woman to pieces and all of you with something negative to say…..FALL BACK!! we all have problems (whitney is no exception) but she’s back now and I welome her with open arms!!

message to whitney: I have been your biggest fan since I could recall, your songs like “one moment in time”, “greatest love of all” and “miracle” have been so inspirational to me, you cannot imagine!(: welcome back “MY QUEEN OF SONG”, I “love you like you never EVER left”:)

Rona | 2/7/2009, 9:45 pm EST

Whitney we still love you, press on

Shirlene | 2/7/2009, 10:31 pm EST

Whitney, You are one of the 2 people that are in a league of your own. You and Patti, there will never be another you. No matter what happens or what people may say. God loves you and so do I. I Can’t wait for your return. Whitney I knew the devil could not win. You know he has been called a liar. May peace be on to you Sister. I aniticipate your return. May God Bless you.

Check077 | 2/8/2009, 1:39 pm EST

Although I hope Whitney does well, unless there is some kind of a miracle technique that involves vocal regeneration/rejuvenation for the vocal cord scarring, I’m taking a wait and see approach.

shawnie | 2/8/2009, 11:31 pm EST

whitney i am so happy for you, when i saw you on the grammy i wanted to cry because you just let me see what God can do. God has so much in store for you. keep you head up girl. we black sisters need to support each other more and do away with any negative comments. there could never be another Whitney, she is an originalllll.

yuck | 2/10/2009, 12:22 pm EST

yay… more lame pop music. maybe her and mariah carey can just practice vocal gymnastics together on one combined album so there’s half the output.

Charon-White Plains NY | 2/11/2009, 11:05 am EST

Whitney: I’ve been praying for you and I knew with God’s hand on you and your FAITH
you would make it throught your strom. May God Keep you, your daughter and family safe.(and may God bless Bobby) because we all need HIS Grace

Shirelle | 2/13/2009, 10:09 am EST

Whitney, you go girl! Just keep your hands and mind on GOD and He will lead you to where He wants you to be! I am pulling for you and Praying for you! you can do it!!! luv from Bellfower, California

Shirelle | 2/13/2009, 10:09 am EST

Whitney, you go girl! Just keep your hands and mind on GOD and He will lead you to where He wants you to be! I am pulling for you and Praying for you! you can do it!!! luv from Bellfower, California

Total acceptance | 2/15/2009, 11:43 am EST

The ones on this forum that haven’t make a mistake ever are invited to throw the first stone…

Her voice is not the same she had back in the 80’s – 90’s and probably it won’t be the same, but at least she is trying to put her act together. No matter if she sang meaningless songs, her voice ought to be one of the best ever heard…

frenkies | 2/17/2009, 1:54 pm EST

If the new album is as great as the MLIYL-album there’s nothing to worry.

SANDRA | 2/18/2009, 10:53 am EST

I will always love her.

Terry R | 2/24/2009, 7:52 am EST

You know their are some people that believe in themselves and Whitney has been one of them – the best that I have known and you know what for what’s out their at the moment this will be a welcome relieve to music where you can actually relate to the lirics and the emotion behind it – lately people “artist are making and writting words that just feel and sound so empty – to you that say that whitney and Maria need some kind of voice make-over have you ever listen to whats out their now – don’t think so – at least you know what you gonna get once these two greats put something together and blow you away!

So cheers to Miss WH and welcome back long awaited!

Peggy | 3/4/2009, 12:20 pm EST

She is the BEST!! She will be back and she will be better than ever. We all make mistakes and screw up!!

I have loved her voice forever and won’t stop now!!

You have the power girl!!! Go for it!!

Venus | 3/4/2009, 7:11 pm EST

Whitney your the greatest. The past is the past we all make mistakes. The Bible says we all fall short to the glory of God.

glenda | 3/11/2009, 2:25 am EST

just finished seeing the preacher’s wife again which is one of my favorite movies– i am so ready for all of ms.houston’s talents to come back–i have missed her so much–ready and waiting to see and hear her God given talents again come back to us ms.houston–we love you.

NORTHWESTWA | 3/15/2009, 3:25 am EST

Can’t wait to see if she’s still got it. Mariah did after her flop, I’m sure WH can do it…and who cares if she likes a little coke now and then…jeez…maybe you people should try it.

Anonymous | 3/16/2009, 11:15 pm EST

she must stay off cigarettes and any drugs to clear out her voice. god can do this and continued support from family and loved ones. a great singer whose voice suffered from drugs. with dionne,tina,and others she will be ok. she should also do a gospel album after continued rehearsal. i loved it when she left bobby and have her moving ahead is best and god leads the way. love,stephen/Tx

ogugua | 3/23/2009, 5:09 pm EST

whitney thanks for coming back. we love you and your voice in nigeria

Sinoti Cele. Dubai UAE | 3/31/2009, 2:22 pm EST

All things are possible if you believe. God is not forgotten about you WH. He who has began a good work in you is able to bring it to completion. It is not too late, you can start all over again.

Jay | 4/9/2009, 5:11 am EST

I put her in the category as Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin all women who are in their 60’s. The sound better than Whitney. Whitney sounds like crap. She it pitiful. Her pre-grammy debut was terrible and the sad part was jamie fox and the rest of the celebrities acting as if she sounded okay. SAD go back to Newark Whitney!

Jay | 4/9/2009, 5:11 am EST

I put her in the category as Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin all women who are in their 60’s. The sound better than Whitney. Whitney sounds like crap. She it pitiful. Her pre-grammy debut was terrible and the sad part was jamie fox and the rest of the celebrities acting as if she sounded okay. SAD go back to Newark Whitney!

Jay | 4/9/2009, 5:11 am EST

I put her in the category as Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin all women who are in their 60’s. The sound better than Whitney. Whitney sounds like crap. She it pitiful. Her pre-grammy debut was terrible and the sad part was jamie fox and the rest of the celebrities acting as if she sounded okay. SAD go back to Newark Whitney!

keron trini | 4/12/2009, 10:52 am EST

jay is a fool he or she don’t know talent and Whitney Houston is the greatest female singer of all times love you Whitney you go girl

Dimitrios Demiris | 5/5/2009, 9:00 am EST

Dear Whitney,

Don’t stop believing…As Rocky says, “Go for it”.

The Greatest Love of All, is YOU!

Dimitrios Demiris | 5/5/2009, 9:00 am EST

Dear Whitney,

Don’t stop believing…As Rocky says, “Go for it”.

The Greatest Love of All, is YOU!

valerie | 5/17/2009, 5:33 pm EST

Whitney, you will always be my #1 artist of all time. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Thank you for helping me every day. My favorite song is You’ll Never Stand Alone. Your voice helped me make my 10th yr AA anni. back in 2004. Today I have 14 thanks to you. Bye the way I LOVE the new music to I’m Your Baby Tonight, on 2007 cd

cleo harris | 6/4/2009, 8:02 pm EST

Whitney I knew you would come back. Because singing is in you. Welcome back.Love you

Marcus | 6/6/2009, 12:24 am EST

Well i no whitney will be jus fine becus she is a god fearing lady and tha lord will touch her voice an she will sound amazing so i believe in you whitney!!!love ya!!!!

Carla -Wello Music | 6/6/2009, 1:34 am EST

Lady Whitney, Praise God!! I have been praying for you and B. Christina. Thank you for singing, “Touch the World” in Africa you blessed our family. Tell Clive to title your album “Indestructibilis”.

God Bless You!

Carla -Wello Music-ATLANTA | 6/6/2009, 1:34 am EST

Lady Whitney, Praise God!! I have been praying for you and B. Christina. Thank you for singing, “Touch the World” in Africa you blessed our family. Tell Clive to title your album “Indestructibilis”.

God Bless You!

Ritchie | 7/15/2009, 5:59 pm EST

Whitney Houston is a great artist, with an impeccable gift that only could be given by God. She has provided so many great songs that have provided food for my soul. I am a lifelong music lover and I wish Ms.Houston great success with the new album. I can’t wait to hear and purchase it!

Asianplumb | 7/15/2009, 6:29 pm EST

There has never been another stand up singer like Whitney Houston in her heyday. Her voice was “stand alone stuff” rarely heard an her beauty was unmatched. Let’s hope she can return from her sojourn from drugs and drink that nearly killed her. Any comparisons with Maria Carey is farcical as Carey has never been in the same league.

Desheri | 7/17/2009, 12:08 am EST

Whitney, Welcome back!!!!! Welcome back!!!!! Welcome back!!!!! It is always those who think they were placed on this earth to judge everyone else who have the most to hide about self!!!!!!

Anna | 7/23/2009, 2:32 pm EST

WOW! I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE FIRST TOUR. I’VE SEEN YOU IN CONCERT 2X AND THERE IS NO OTHER SINGER THAT CAN SING LIKE YOU!!!!!

trom | 7/28/2009, 1:34 pm EST

It appears as though everyone is bailing out someone or something at some point. So why not get in on it too. Whitney is the model use to show bad example, But out of all her bad example can come something good. Why should we stifle the positive energy flow she is leaning on us to make her triumphant return to life. We are all in the same boat of suscepibility to fail. Let us give her at least the chance at proving herself she can change.

trom | 7/28/2009, 1:47 pm EST

My major concern is how humble you might be if you were to really make a successful come back. Arrogance always play big parts in past like that of yours. I am not trying to make you feel bad but it is the truth. Actually, I want to congratulate you for recognizing that that is not the scope life has in store for you. You tried that life and you were not good at it. In fact it literally distroyed you. Now, go and prove to the world you are that star that shines. Many are depending on you to shine so Shine!

Paul, A longtime fan | 8/15/2009, 1:33 am EST

I wish you the best, and I will always love you! But the money being spent on advertising your (so in your face, it’s enough already)comeback, you could have saved it, and just came back! I fear that you are surrounded by people that honestly don’t have the “balls” to tell you like it is!

booney | 8/20/2009, 12:05 pm EST

Whithney I will always love you for the music you have gave us. I am one of your biggest fans, but PLEASE leave them cigereets alone! They are fucking up your voice.

Anonymous | 9/1/2009, 10:35 am EST

welcome back whitney..we missed you so much.. you are the best singer in the world. welove to hear that great voice of yours again..

Bill Dunston | 9/28/2009, 8:11 pm EST

Whitney…you’ve inspired so many during your reign at the top. Your rendition of I will always love you still gives me goosebumps.
BTW.. Your voice is lovely

Facebook Bill Dunston

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