Amber Riley Glee Tribute to Whitney Houston an Accident?
Glee star Amber Riley payed an accidental tribute to Whitney Houston on Valentine's Day singing, "I Will Always Love You."
Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes in the hit television musical "Glee", has paid what started as an accidental tribute to the late Whitney Houston. The song, which was also covered by Jennifer Hudson at the Grammy's, has created an emotional experience for both singers.
"Glee" had already planned on covering the Whitney Houston song before her death was announced. Radar Online reported that the episode was submitted on the Friday before her death was announced.
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"Glee" co-creator Ryan Murphy and the show's musical supervisor P.J. Bloom admitted that the song was first chosen simply because it was considered a great hit. "We chose to do the song and Ryan Murphy chose to do the song to honor one of the great hits of all time," Bloom told the Hollywood Reporter.
"Obviously, we could not predict the unfortunately circumstances that happened this weekend but at the same time instead of focusing on the dark stuff, it's nice to have an opportunity to hear her in this way and celebrate the magic that Whitney brought to this industry," he added.
The producers later decided to dedicate the episode to Houston. Aside from Riley's rendition of "I Will Always Love You, they also added "Whitney Houston 1963-2012. We will always love you," to the end of the show.
"OK, I got through it, only minimal tears. I hope you are proud Ms. Houston. [T]hanks guys for the kind words," Riley tweeted after the show. Hudson was also grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to Houston with the song, "It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to be the one to pay tribute to Whitney's memory. It was from my heart. I haven't stopped crying since she passed. Her family is in my prayers," she told CNN.
