Houston's Wall Street Surge

Date: November 20, 1998
By Denis Ferrara and Diane Judge

From Los Angeles Times
Submitted by: Rachel D.


New York- Whitney Houston put on quite a show the other night at the Wall Street Ciptiani Hotel ballroom. This was a special event. The crowd had paid a $1,500 per person to drink champagne, dine, and listen to the divine Whitney lifting that incredible voice in song.

Houston, once criticized for her onstage stiffness, is now loose and earthy, moving and dancing with surprising sensuality. Her voice remains a miracle, though she tended to a bit hoarseness-- brought on, probably, by her smoking, a habit her mom, Cissy Houston, says,"We're working on."

She directs a lot of her onstage sexual energy toward her hubby, Bobby Brown, who spends most of his time at the side of the stage, clearly relishing the sight and sound of his wife. Whatever their problems-- and they have a volatile relationship, without a doubt-- the two seem still madly in love. She paused mid-song to kiss Brown passionately.

If this is acting, they both deserve Oscars! (In a skin tight gown, Whitney looked appealingly full-bodied. Some suggested she might be expecting. her handlers insist not.)