Whitney Houston: Return of the diva – Can a new album rejuvenate her career?
I thought I could tell her story a bit, says Warren.
Everything that shes gone through publicly.
Houston, 46, has been through a lot.
Once one of the worlds biggest stars (54 platinum certifications, 11 No.
What happened with Michael Jackson, that could have happened to Whitney, says Warren.
She could have not gotten clean.
It doesnt end well unless you change your life and fix yourself, which she did, thank God.
Others who have recently worked with Houston describe a recharged, refocused artist.
Shes in a great space, says Keys.
I feel that shes more ready than ever to give everybody what theyve been missing from her.
But will that personal progress translate into sales?
Even Davis, who discovered Houston in 1983, sounds cautious.
I take nothing for granted, he says.
You dont know if its the right time.
You dont come with any smug attitude.
Youve really got to earn it.
So far, Houston hasnt done that.
The albums first single, the R. Kelly-penned title track, debuted at No.
74 onBillboards Hot 100 and then quickly dropped off.
Theres a credibility issue.
Its going to take a while for the audience to warm back up and love her.
Fresher-sounding second single Million Dollar Bill has a better shot, but its no sure thing.
Its too soon to tell.
Theres certainly some past baggage.
And if she comes across as healthy, coherent, and repentant, her fans may very well return.
Everyone loves a comeback, says Stephen Hill, BETs president of programming for music and specials.
Whitney Houston really falls into that.
Additional reporting by Tanner Stransky
