15 Times Whitney Houston Earned Her Nickname “The Voice”

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When it comes to the greatest singers of all time, Whitney Houston always tops the list. If it doesn’t, we don’t trust it!

Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Whitney solidified her local gospel roots with the help of her mother, beloved singer Cissy Houston. After signing with Clive Davis and Arista Records at just 19 years old in 1983, she became a global sensation, selling over 200 million albums, videos and singles worldwide. Over the course of her career, she has won six Grammys, nine Soul Train Awards, 11 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, and countless other accolades. In 2023, his self-titled debut album was even certified 14x multi-platinum, according to Rated R&B.

Although we still mourn Whitney’s tragic passing in 2011, one thing will always ring true: her remarkable voice and tone will never be forgotten. The superstar set the standard for upcoming singers.

Checking out 15 times, the vocal powerhouse has earned the nickname “The Voice” below.

1. “House” of The magician on “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1983

Davis introduced his final signee on “The Merv Griffin Show” in 1983 introducing Whitney to a wider audience. The 19-year-old performed “Home” from the 1974 Broadway musical. The magician. Although she is a rookie, she has made her presence known in the music industry. After the performance, Merv Griffin said, “You won’t forget that name, Whitney Houston” – and he wasn’t wrong!

2. “How Will I Find Out” at the 1986 American Music Awards

At the 1986 American Music Awards, the singer performed her hit “How Will I Know” from her debut project. Introduced by Diana Ross, Whitney, 23, delivered an energetic and stunning vocal performance of the third single from her album, which spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That night, she won two AMAs for “Saving All My Love For You” and “You Give Good Love”.

3. “Saving All My Love For You” at the 1986 Grammy Awards

At the 1986 Grammy Awards, the star performed her song “Saving All My Love For You” from Whitney Houston. Wearing a stunning red dress, the talented singer proved why she not only deserved to be in that room, but on that stage. Later in the ceremony, the track earned its first Grammy win for Best Pop Vocal Performance. Winning a Grammy for the song from your debut album is a difficult task, but it’s THE Whitney Houston, so this kind of greatness is no surprise.

4. “One Moment in Time” at the 1989 Grammy Awards

Whitney delivered a flawless performance of “One Moment in Time” at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards. It started with a video montage of Team USA Olympic athletes before the decorated artist appeared, singing the first phrase of the song. The track was released as the lead single from Arista Records’ album dedicated to the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea. After her powerful performance with a full orchestra, the awards ceremony audience gave Whitney a standing ovation.

Think about the best rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” you’ve ever heard. That’s Whit’s version, isn’t it? In 1991, at the age of 27, this unique talent set the tone for the future. performances of the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Donning a tracksuit with white, red and blue accents, she showcased her remarkable pipes and vocal range in one of the most remarkable and memorable Super Bowl performances of all time.

According to ESPN, the United States entered the Persian Gulf War just over a week before Super Bowl XXV. The country’s patriotism was at an all-time high, making the timing perfect for Whitney’s performance. It was later revealed that his vocals were pre-recorded and the global superstar sang live into a dead microphone during the song. Its version of the national anthem peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 27 weeks on the chart.

6. “I Wanna Dance With Someone” at Arista Records’ 15th Anniversary Celebration

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is an instant feel-good track. Marking the 15th anniversary of Davis’ Arista Records, the multi-hyphenate gave an electrifying performance of the Billboard chart-topping success. In true Whitney fashion, she delivered lively improvisations and playful call-and-response interaction with her background singers. The performance further proved that she was a natural talent born for the stage.

7. “All the Man I Need” on HBO “Welcome Home Heroes”

In 1991, Nippy honored approximately 3,500 service members returning from deployment in the Persian Gulf War. During a live HBO special called “Welcome Home Heroes,” the veteran artist sang a medley of songs, including “A Song For You” and “Greatest Love of All.” She also performed “All The Man That I Need” as highly respected military women and men looked on in awe.

8. “I Will Always Love You” at the 1994 World Music Awards

“I Will Always Love You” is arguably one of the songbird’s most popular tracks. At the 1994 World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco, the singer won a total of five awards, including World’s Best-Selling Pop Artist of the Year. She also performed Dolly Parton’s iconic rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” with David Foster, in front of her mother, Cissy. Whitney begins the legendary performance by singing the first lines of the hit in acapella. She effortlessly manages to sound exactly like the record, proving exactly why she will always be known as “The Voice.”

9. Medley at the 1994 American Music Awards

At the 1994 American Music Awards, Nippy performed his nearly 10-minute vocally demanding medley. She kicked off the famous number with “I Loves You, Porgy” from the opera Porgy and Bess. She followed the song – later remade by Nina Simone – with “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical Dream girls, which is no small feat… and it wasn’t even the final! She ended her performance with “I Have Nothing” from The bodyguardthe soundtrack of. This show wasn’t just any old showcase of her beautiful voice; it was a testament to his vocal strength and agility.

ten. The pastor’s wife

The Hall of Famer starred in several films showcasing his supreme vocal talent; The pastor’s wife is one of them. Appearing alongside Courtney B. Vance and Denzel Washington in the film, Whit filled its soundtrack with gospel songs like “I Go To The Rock” and “I Love The Lord.” Other popular tracks include “I Believe in You and Me” and “Step by Step,” in which the New Jersey native shows off her vocal prowess. The pastor’s wife is a great Christmas movie in its own right, but the late Whitney’s incredible singing adds another layer to its success. Don’t wait for the holidays to discover its soundtrack!

11. Disney Cinderella by Rodgers & Hammerstein

Did Whitney and Brandy know they were going to create a classic when they teamed up for Disney? Cinderella by Rodgers and Hammerstein? Produced by the “Higher Love” singer, the film featured an all-star cast and whimsical songs that made it a famous fairy tale film. It is also considered a musical masterpiece because of Whitney’s role as the magical, golden character Cinderella (Brandy). – covered fairy godmother. His moving take on the original Broadway-style musical was fresh and exciting. In a backstage interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” Whitney discussed recommending “The Boy Is Mine” artist for the role of Cinderella. The cover also shows her giving vocal coaching to young Brandy while they recorded one of the film’s most popular songs, “Impossible.”

12. “Count On Me” and “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” at the 1997 Grammy Awards

If the soundtrack doesn’t feature Whitney, we don’t want it! The acclaimed artist not only starred in the 1995 film Waiting to expire, but she also appears on three songs on the R&B compilation album and the film’s soundtrack. At the 1997 Grammy Awards, she delivered a standout performance of “Count On Me” with CeCe Winans and “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)”, alongside other stars who appeared on the album, including Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Brandy. and Aretha Franklin.

13. “When You Believe” by The prince of Egypt

Whit teamed up with another superstar singer, Mariah Carey, to record the duet “When You Believe” for the 1998 Disney film. THE Prince of Egypt. Originally written by Stephen Schwartz, the track received additional lyrics from beloved songwriter and producer Babyface. The ballad went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

In an interview with Shondaland, Schwartz was excited to work with the vocal powerhouse on the duet. “(Whitney’s) ability to hear Mariah’s voice and then put her own harmony on it and trace Mariah’s incredible vocal technique – in harmony – was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced in the studio.”

14. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” at the 2000 Grammy Awards

The Prom Queen of Soul put on a show for the world at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards. In an all-black leather ensemble with a matching bejeweled fedora, the singer delivered an energetic performance of “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay.” She even gave the audience a choreography – which is never a necessity in a Whitney performance as her voice was all the audience needed. With dancers gathered around the superstar, she truly got the party started.

15. “I Look to You” with Kim Burrell at BET’s “Celebration Of Gospel”

In the icon’s final television performance before his sudden passing, the Grammy Award-winning artist performed “I Look to You” with gospel legend and friend Kim Burrell on Celebration Of Gospel ” from BET, which aired in 2011. It felt like a throwback moment. in more ways than one, especially due to the constant criticism regarding the evolution of his voice over time. Facing much adversity, Whitney celebrated her gospel upbringing in a touching moment with friends on stage.