Whitney was the belle of the ball as old and new hollywood paid homage to the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children.

The stellar evening began with Shirley Ceasar rendering a stunning performance of "Amazing Grace" to an enchanted audience. The evening's host Rpbert Wagner came out and introduced Whitney who submitted a captivating performance of "I Will Always Love You" in honor of David Foster. Her pitch was at perfection and the audience hung onto her every note. David Foster commented during his acceptance speech that both he and Whitney had spent the last few days together in his Malibu home recording a new song for her album. Mariah showed up shortly after Whitney's performance. In fact, my friend nudged me when she walked in because she had just walked passed our table. When Whitney took the stage again she acknowledged Mariah by saying, "Hey, girlfriend. You finally made it, huh?" Shortly afterwards Whitney delivered a rousing rendition of "I Believe I Can Fly" in honor of her friend Will Smith. After Whitney was done Mariah gave her a standing ovation!!!!

Later on in the evening both Whitney and Bobby took the stage to present Mariah with her award. Whitney and Mariah did not sing the duet. Bobby acknowledged that he and Whitney had made a new friend in Mariah. Whitney told the crowd that she and Mariah don't fight, they sing. She then asked the audience if we would like to hear Mariah sing. Of course we appauled which prompted Mariah to deliver a heart tugging rendition of "Hero", followed by a stellar performance of "Vision of Love".

In the evening's program the message from Whitney to Mariah states, "I had a 'Vision of Love' that we would do a wonderful inspiring duet together and we did it!"

The final number of the evening found Whitney belting out her signature anthem "Greatest Love of All". Nothing short of fabulous. Again we were on our feet.

The evening was truly magical. I must say she sounded fantastic. Her voice was in sublime condition which surprised me because I thought since she had be "working out" with David that she'd be a little weak. Not at all. She's definitely still a force to be reckoned with. I think what was so great about the evening was seeing Whitney receive dazzling compliments from old school Hollywood players like Lauren Bacall and Roger Moore. Bear in mind that these individuals have seen a lot of folks come and go, but how many have made indelible impressions? For me that means Whitney is entering a playing field on the level of Streisand and Aretha where her name will become synonomous with R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

-- Reggie