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Clive Davis pays emotional tribute to Whitney Houston at pre-Grammy party

Following the news of Whitney’s death, Davis insisted “she would have wanted the music to go on.”

12 February 2012 15:16 GMT

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Clive Davis pays emotional tribute to Whitney Houston at pre-Grammy party

Whitney would have wanted the music to go on: Clive Davis pays tribute to Whitney Houston Pic: Startraks Photo / Rex Features

They say 'the show must go on' and last night’s pre-Grammy gala dinner, held by Clive Davis, turned into a moving tribute evening for Whitney Houston, following the news that the star had been found dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room on Saturday February 11.

48-year-old Whitney had been staying at the Beverly Hilton hotel ahead of the event and Clive, who gave the singer her first recording contract and has remained a mentor and close friend ever since, paid an emotional tribute to the much-loved music diva.

He said: "By now sadly, you've all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney's passing. I don’t have to mask my emotions, not in this room in front of so many friends. I do have a very heavy heart and I am personally devastated by the loss of somebody who has meant so much to me for so many years.

“Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrates music.”

The 79 year old music producer continued: “Whitney was a beautiful person and she had a talent beyond compare.

“She graced this stage with her regal presence so many times, giving so many memorable performances here over the years. So simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on and her family asked that we carry on. I ask you now to join me in this moment of silence as we dedicate this evening to Whitney.”

Following Clive’s lead, the evening turned into a celebration of Whitney’s life and incredible career, with performances from acts including rapper Combs, Tony Bennett and R&B singer Alicia Keys.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs said: "She always, she always hit you with that beautiful smile, she always hit you with that incredible energy, she gave you that hug, that grandma hug that just shook your body.”

Alicia Keys dedicated her performance to Whitney and said: "I started to think back, think about just how much this person has touched your life, and it's incredible, it's incredible, I mean, from being a little girl, like a little girl growing up, watching this beautiful, incredible woman, who was a girl at the time too. I'm talking about Whitney, and I'd be like 'Oh, I want to dance with somebody'.”

Tonight, The Grammy Awards will also remember Whitney, with Jennifer Hudson set to perform a "respectful musical tribute.” Whitney won six Grammy Awards throughout her career.