Whitney Houston's Funeral: Stevie Wonder And R Kelly Perform In Tribute
18 February 2012, 19:59 | Updated: 18 February 2012, 20:54
The legendary Motown singer paid tribute to the 'When You Believe' star with a personalised performance of 'Ribbon In The Sky'.
Stevie Wonder gave an emotional performance at the funeral of Whitney Houston today (18th February) in Newark, New Jersey.
The 'I Just Called To Say I Love You' singer performed a personalized rendition of his 1982 hit 'Ribbon In The Sky', before breaking into 'Loves In Need Of Love Today'.
"This is such an emotional moment," Stevie said, during the service. "I wanted to stop and give praise to God for allowing me to be in life at the same time as Whitney.
"To all the family I wanted you to know, as have millions of people said, not just at this time but throughout her career, we love her so much and that won't stop.
He added: "In my little fantasy world I had a little crush on Whitney okay. I just have so much respect for her love of music."
Stevie Wonder's tribute performance was followed by a speech from Whitney's sister-in-law and manger Patricia Houston.
"Even when she was tired or a bit lost, she gave and gave some more," Patricia told the gathered congregation.
R&B star R Kelly was then introduced and he performed a cover of Whitney Houston's 2009 single "I Look To You'.
He said: "We love you Whitney, rest in peace".
Alicia Keys and BeBe Winans also gave emotional performances at Whitney's funeral earlier today.
Whitney Houston's cousin Dionne Warwick and close friend CeCe Winans then both gave their own tributes to the late singer, who died last weekend (11th February) at the age of 48.
Whitney Houston's funeral ended with the late singer's coffin being carried out of the New Hope Baptists Church in New Jersey while her iconic single 'I Will Always Love You' was played over the loudspeaker.
