Whitney Down Under in Australia

submitted by: Kim Leow

Why does it hurt so bad?? Last night, I arrived at the Palladium, Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne for Whitney's second concert only to be told she had cancelled!
Guests were told that Whitney had a "severe throat infection" and was "advised by her throat specialist not to perform". I am sure we will all pray for her and hope she has a quick recovery.
All guests were provided with a complimentary 4-course dinner with "salmon carpaccio and caviar", "veal noisette with a Cognac and morel sauce, potato lasagne and sugar peas with red shallots" and a great selection of fine wines. The Australian support act kept us entertained but Whitney did not show and a full refund was provided.
I was and am very disappointed.

Rachel,
Sad news Whitney's melbourne concert for the 22/05/97 was cancelled due to ill health by whitney. I was very disappointed as I was going to this concert. Whitney Got great reviews for her other melbourne concert on the 21/05/97. It is unclear at present if this concert will take place at another time. It is also unclear why Whitney cancelled this concert.
Submitted by: Yohan

The good news however was that Whitneys' first concert on the 21st was very well received. Here's what The (Melbourne) Age reviewer had to say:
" Always happy to deviate from the traditional arrangements, Houston opened on an uptempo note, pumping out I'm Every Woman, So Emotional and a funky version of her '80s ballad (!) I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Many of the songs gave Houston a chance to show off with some vocal gymnastics, her voice dipping and soaring with ease. Backed by a 12-piece band, Houston was confident and full of energy, whether pouring out gospel songs from her recent movie The Preacher's Wife, older hits such as All At Once and The Greatest Love of All, or her highest selling single, I Will Always Love You. That last song was a bravura performance, the highlight of a quality show that had few weak points."
Bobby Brown performed with Whitney and Dionne Warwick "joined in with some harmonies". Dionne Warwick performed at the Melbourne Concert Hall on Tuesday, the 20th of May.
I wish I could wish everyone G'day but I'm still getting over the cancellation. I hope Whitney takes good care of herself.
Kim Leow, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

Here's more info on Whitney's appearance Down Under in Australia's cultural and sports capital, Melbourne...
(Apparently you North Americans know almost nothing about Australia! Koalas and kangaroos don't wander around cities and life's not all beaches!)
Whitney will be performing two shows at the newly opened Crown Entertainment Complex on the banks of the Yarra river in Melbourne. The complex is the largest all in one entertainment venue in Australia and indeed the Southern hemisphere. It has a Planet Hollywood, Official All Star Cafe, loads of expensive boutiques like Versace, Gucci and Armani, a 24-hour 14-screen cinema, nightclubs, theatres, restaurants, casino etc. etc. BUT.. the hot spot will be...
The Palladium, Australia's largest ballroom, where Whitney will be performing on the 21st and 22nd of May, 1997. Most seats have been reserved for invited guests but some public tickets were available for $400. Yes, four hundred. (US$300) Drinks and dinner will be served before Whitney takes to the stage.
Whitney will be staying at the adjoining Crown Towers, Australia's largest and most extravagant hotel, probably in one of the entire-floor(!) "suites".
I will be going to her concert on the 22nd. (Am afraid I couldn't afford seeing her twice!) Will get back to you and fellow Whitney fans about the event soon after.
G'day from Melbourne!
Kim Leow

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