The contrast between WH & MC in delivery and demeanor only served to underscore the vast difference in their talent: MC gives good studio, but WH gives good *love.* It was a solid, if uninspired, performance devoid of emotional conviction, connection, and focus. Both were in decent voice -- though WH evinced more clarity, resonance, and force as the song progressed. WH's opening verse was assured w/an aptly restrained delicacy. The trouble arose in the harmonizing mid-section during which they seemed confused and apprehensive about the rearrangement that inexplicably eliminated Whitney's first chorus. WH, though, w/typical aplomb, drew upon her stage experience to respond with her trademark soulful riffs, demonstrating her more natural vocal artistry even if her ad libs did not enhance the song as they seemed incongruous w/the meandering melodic structure -- particularly since MC seemed lost and overwhelmed, betraying the insecurity of her inability to improvise. MC simply lacked confidence and seemed to be straining, glancing nervously at WH throughout the performance, as if intimidated by her and the event. She likewise appeared genuinely startled when WH tore into the harmony at the bridge, and never seemed to recover as WH dominated and overpowered her in the final chorus, punctuated by a breathtaking husky gospel blue tone flourish to end the song in counterpoint to MC's routine high note.