Songstress Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday, one day ahead of the 2012 Grammys. As daughter Bobbi Kristina, Bobby Brown, her family await a cause of death, Las Vegas recalls her "comeback" tour.
Watch Whitney Houston's Best Performance Ever!
In 2009, the stage was set for a "comeback" by the "Body Guard" singer in -- above all places -- Sin City. Ahead of her hype-up album "I Look to You," rumors ran rampant that Houston would join Celine Dion and others, who've signed multi-year deals as "Strip" residents.
However, in Las Vegas Deluxe, Robin Leach suggested that Whitney Houston's return to the stage would be no more than a few concerts or boutique-style shows to promote her album. Turns out that his sources were reliable after all; the diva never inked a so-called two-year deal at a Las Vegas venue.
But what would things have been like on "The Strip," for music, and for the life of the late singer? Celine Dion is on her second round as a Vegas resident. Elton John and Rod Stewart continue packing Caesars Palace weekly. And R&B singer Toni Braxton wrapped up her residency at the Flamingo a few years back.
In Las Vegas and on social media, fans shared their feelings after learning Whitney Houston was dead:
In downtown Vegas, tourists are somber as the news hit about Houston's death. The normal light show at the Freemont Experience was replaced by a moving tribute instead (shown in this video).
"R.I.P Whitney Houston - The Greatest Love Songs of all Time! GOD BLESS YOU! @ Las Vegas, Nevada http://instagr.am/p/G52c78LWPF/" ~ Tweet from @pretyboynxtdoor
"We're Downtown las Vegas memorial of Whitney Houston!!! & I'll always Love you! RIP http://yfrog.com/esa1xunj" ~ @BGModels from Las Vegas
Sadly, Whitney Houston died on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, one day ahead of the 2012 Grammys to be held at the same place, according to CNN.
Immediately, rumors surfaced on social media and other gossip tabloids about a cause of death, from drugs to drowning in a bathtub. However, police are still awaiting the results of an autopsy.
Whitney Houston's death follows a string of other high-profile celebrities in recent memory. Michael Jackson died in 2009, followed by Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away in 2011 from congestive heart failure.
In the same year, Amy Winehouse died after a long battle with drug and alcohol abuse. Most recently, Soul Train founder Don Cornelius died at 75 on Feb. 1. His cause of death was suicide.
Whitney Houston is dead, but her legacy and the fond memories she left behind will live on in the timeless music she created and the people she inspired. She was only 48.
© 2011 Bruce Baker, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior permissions from the author or Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com
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