Jennifer Hudson delivers moving tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammys 2012

R. Spivey -

On last night, the biggest night in the world of music, R&B songstress Jennifer Hudson delivered a heartfelt and moving rendition of Whitney Houston's classic song (originally song by Dolly Pardon), I will always love you. Dressed gorgeously in all black and wearing hair that was very symbolic of the Pop Icon, Jennifer fought to hold back tears as she sang a song to one of the most profilic women in Pop music today and one of her musical influences.

It was reported on February 11, 2012 that Whitney Houston was found dead at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California; ironically, the location of the famous Clive Davis Pre-Grammy party that she was scheduled to attend. The news of her untimely death went viral instantly. The world has definitely lost another angel of R&B/Pop music.

Houston's illustrious career began in a night club, where she was discovered by producer Clive Davis at age 20, and includes holding the record for awarded female artist in history. She was also the only artist to have seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, and three songs simultaneously in the Top 11. In the 1990s she made a splash in Hollywood with three back-to-back hit films: The Bodyguard (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). Her fourth film Sparkle is set to hit theaters on August 17.

Check out Jennifer's tribute at the 2012 Grammy's below. RIP WHITNEY, and as you sang, WE will always, LOVE YOU!

Thabeet Out, Shane Battier In, OJ Mayo deal a NOGO

With starting forward Rudy Gay out with a shoulder injury for at least three more weeks, the Grizzlies acquired forward Shane Battier from the Houston Rockets for 2009 No. 2 pick Hasheem Thabeet at the NBA trade deadline today.

The Grizzlies also worked with Indiana on a deal that would have sent guard O.J. Mayo to the Pacers for forward/center Josh McRoberts and a Pacers' first-round draft pick. Despite reports of the deal being done, it never reached completion by the deadline. Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace confirmed that Mayo was not traded in a tweet this afternoon.
In the deal with Houston, the Grizzlies traded Thabeet, a 7-3 center, and a future first-round draft pick to reacquire Battier, once one of the most popular members of the Grizzlies.
Battier was a first-round choice of the Grizzlies in 2001 and played five years here before being sent to Houston in a deal that brought the Grizzlies the draft rights to Rudy Gay.
It was long believed that Thabeet would be dealt. He is largely considered a bust as the No. 2 overall pick in 2009.
“I approved Shane because while I thought Rudy (Gay) is out he could basically help us get into the playoffs. And I am committed to getting into the playoffs,” Heisley said. “He’s the best player I could find to replace Rudy. And he’ll be a positive influence in Memphis.”


Source: www.commercialappeal.com