62 replies to this topic

[Butterflyj30]

Hi Everyone this is my first thread I hope it hasn't already been posted I got this from CW I can't wait to see it!!!


As part of a renewed focus on music, the network will tape the performance in Los Angeles in December, with Houston's longtime musical director Rickey Minor on board as executive producer.

VH1 will pay tribute to Whitney Houston for its next installment of VH1 Divas, Billboard has learned. The network will tape the performance in Los Angeles in December, with Houston's longtime musical director Rickey Minor on board as executive producer. No artists have been confirmed for the tribute to Houston, a three-time performer on "Divas" in 1999, 2002 and 2003.

The tribute has already received the blessing of Houston's family and her label partners at Sony. "We all felt that if any show could pay tribute to Whitney's music, it would be Divas, VH1 president Tom Calderone tells Billboard. "December felt like enough time where it wouldn't be sad anymore, you'd want to celebrate her music."

Since debuting in 1998, "Divas" has become one of VH1's most-watched and best known franchises. Previous performers include Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Cher, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Adele and Kelly Clarkson. The 2011 installment, VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul, attracted 1.3 million total viewers and doubled the previous year's average rating, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Houston's Divas tribute will cap off a year of renewed investment in music programming for VH1, which has been talking up its 2012-13 "upfront" slate to advertisers and agencies since January in private presentations (the network did not hold a formal upfront event this year, unlike Viacom sibling MTV). Calderone says music accounts for about 33% of the network's airtime, including re-energized franchises Storytellers, Unplugged (a partnership with MTV), Behind The Music and Pop Up Video as well as newer programs like The Greatest and weekday talk show Big Morning Buzz Live. VH1 is expected to debut a new take on a "Where Are They Now?"-style series later this summer.

Online, VH1 has amped up its music coverage via a new blog, Tuner, dedicated to premiering new VH1 music content as well as music news that has no correlation to on-air programming. Since debuting to 202,000 unique visitors in November, the blog saw significant gains in February (715,000) and March (318,000), according to Omniture. Calderone calls it a "concierge"-like service to VH1's music fans. "They go to maybe three or four shows a year, and if Coldplay is the band they want to see, who else might they like? Through Tuner and 'You Oughta Know,' now we can introduce them to bands like Gotye who's kind of like Peter Gabriel meets Coldplay and create a really cool, immersive experience with music."

Emerging-artist platform "You Oughta Know" continues to spotlight new talent through on-air promos and featured synchs with VH1 programming. Current artists featured include Gotye, Scars on 45, Ed Sheeran, K'Naan, Graffiti 6 and Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.

Music also factors into VH1 reality programs like T.I. and Tiny, starring the "Bring 'Em Out" rapper, and Couples Therapy, which co-stars DMX, as well as scripted drama Single Ladies, produced by Queen Latifah and set to co-star T.I., Eve, Romeo and Latifah during its second season.

The renewed focus on music seems to have paired well with reality series like Mob Wives and Basketball Wives -- the network was up 33% year-over-year among adults 18 to 49 in the first quarter of 2012, according to Nielsen Media Research, and just finished April with another 33% increase in the demo. Episodes of Behind The Music featuring Aaliyah, Brandy and Nas helped fuel the ratings growth, as did specials like Whitney Houston: Death of a Diva and The 100 Greatest Women In Music.

As VH1 narrows its focus on an audience it calls "adultsters," or older millennials in the 26-to-30-year-old age group, expect more music-themed programming geared toward late-90s nostalgia hitting the network's prime-time and online platforms. "As fans want to learn more about the stories the artists have, and maybe they can't maintain a full hour of Behind The Music or another one of our programs, you can imagine how Tuner would be a nice complement," Calderone says.



http://www.hollywood...-tribute-321682

[total23]

http://thelavalizard...for-the-lineup/


Prepare yourself for the the ultimate Whitney Houston tribute! The Vh1 Divas series will honor the fallen icon in December with an all-star lineup of artists; revamping the structure of the legendary show for a final diva goodbye.

Houston performed on the Vh1 Divas stage in 1999, 2002 and 2003, and helped to popularise the franchise alongside other recurring acts such as Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin. The lineup for the show, which will be filmed in December, has yet to be announced but The Lava Lizard is giving you the chance to vote for your top choice!
Read the statement about Houston’s tribute and cast your vote below:[indent]
VH1 will pay tribute to Whitney Houston for its next installment of VH1 Divas, Billboard has learned. The network will tape the performance in Los Angeles in December, with Houston’s longtime musical director Rickey Minor on board as executive producer. No artists have been confirmed for the tribute to Houston, a three-time performer on “Divas” in 1999, 2002 and 2003.
The tribute has already received the blessing of Houston’s family and her label partners at Sony. “We all felt that if any show could pay tribute to Whitney’s music, it would be ‘Divas,’” VH1 president Tom Calderone tells Billboard. “December felt like enough time where it wouldn’t be sad anymore, you’d want to celebrate her music.”[/indent]

[remamamama]

Very excited! VH1 Divas is probably the best show to do the "tribute" we've been waiting for.

I hope that a Whitney Houston tribute means that only real singers are going to perform. Last year was pure hot mess, all I could remember were Chaka and Erykah screaming at the top of their lungs. The year before was even worse with Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus on the show. IMO the show went downhill ever since Whitney stopped performing.

Glad that Rickey Minor will be in charge because that man would not tolerate any foolishness.

[truthspeaker06]

this is exciting. I think Imma look into getting tickets & going to this.

[Every1lovesNippy]

truthspeaker06, on 09 May 2012 - 11:20 AM, said:

this is exciting. I think Imma look into getting tickets & going to this.

If you find out how to get tickets, please post the info. It might be interesting.

[liz06]

I'm really hoping they pay a good tribute, I mean, Whitney was the ultimate Diva!

And I hope they get some good artists too. I swear, if I click on one day and see it's gonna be Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift, imma go OFF! I really want some talented artists and even some male artists too.

[Sweet P]

liz06, on 09 May 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

I'm really hoping they pay a good tribute, I mean, Whitney was the ultimate Diva!

And I hope they get some good artists too. I swear, if I click on one day and see it's gonna be Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift, imma go OFF! I really want some talented artists and even some male artists too.

Amen!! Totally agree.

[J1994]

liz06, on 09 May 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

I'm really hoping they pay a good tribute, I mean, Whitney was the ultimate Diva!

And I hope they get some good artists too. I swear, if I click on one day and see it's gonna be Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift, imma go OFF! I really want some talented artists and even some male artists too.

I would not say Christina and Kelly are not talented...
By any means, those two are some of the best vocalist we have now.

[KSL415]

Definitely excited about this but a bit nervous as to Who they get to perform.

Who do you guys/gals think should be on the list of performers???

[clemsonfight]

liz06, on 09 May 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

I'm really hoping they pay a good tribute, I mean, Whitney was the ultimate Diva!

And I hope they get some good artists too. I swear, if I click on one day and see it's gonna be Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift, imma go OFF! I really want some talented artists and even some male artists too.

Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera are not untalented imo. You could make that argument for plenty of others today but I think both of them can sing their tails off. They aren't Whitney but they aren't bad either.

[liz06]

Not to go off on how some singers may be talented or untalented. I do own some CA songs and even a KC song (no TS though). It isn't that they aren't talented. What I am saying, in my opinion, is to get the right people for the right songs. It isn't fair to give a huge song to someone, in current day, that may not be able to do it. What I'm really just hoping for is a well done tribute. I guess it doesn't matter if you're a fan of whoever is singing, seeing as how it is a tribute anyway. And this only My opinion.

[truthspeaker06]

Every1lovesNippy, on 09 May 2012 - 12:32 PM, said:

truthspeaker06, on 09 May 2012 - 11:20 AM, said:

this is exciting. I think Imma look into getting tickets & going to this.

If you find out how to get tickets, please post the info. It might be interesting.

I sure will. Some fans & I have already began to start the early stages of a plan. I will keep the board posted on what I find.

[salute88]

Since they are obviously going to include IWALY I am thinking I would like to see the song covered by a few artist in a "We Are the World" style. Not just randoms who adored her but those who loved her and she actually had a connection with like Cece, Kim, Monica, Brandy, Chaka ( I want her for the sentiment but I can't imagine the vocals not sounding horrid), Dolly (I want her to start the song) and it would be even great to include Bobbi Kris if she was up to it.

Just an idea, but if I were RM thats what I would do. It would be a tear fest and considering the fact that no one can properly perform the song...the most we can hope or is something emotional and sentimental.

[liz06]

Just realized that no matter how it's done or who does it, I just know I'll be crying my eyes out. Just thinking of a tribute does it.

[CoNcLusIveTrUthZ]

remamamama, on 08 May 2012 - 11:50 PM, said:

Very excited! VH1 Divas is probably the best show to do the "tribute" we've been waiting for.

I hope that a Whitney Houston tribute means that only real singers are going to perform. Last year was pure hot mess, all I could remember were Chaka and Erykah screaming at the top of their lungs. The year before was even worse with Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus on the show. IMO the show went downhill ever since Whitney stopped performing.

Glad that Rickey Minor will be in charge because that man would not tolerate any foolishness.

Thank You. This is one thing I'm looking foward to. I keep thinking "Divas" damn, they're gonna have no names singing her biggest hits! But then I'm reminded Ricky is behind it so I'm at ease.