Whitney Not At Second Michael Jackson Show...

Whitney Misses Concert

Friend says drug abuse key to singer's problems

By MITCHELL FINK and CORKY SIEMASZKO
Daily News Staff Writers

Whitney Houston shocked fans last night by bowing out of Michael Jackson's anniversary concert without explanation.

Whitney Houston, performing during Michael Jackson's concert Friday at Madison Square Garden, was a surprise no-show for last night's second show. The pop diva's no-show came just days after she drew gasps at Jackson's first Madison Square Garden show when she appeared onstage looking skeletal and frail — and moved stiffly as she performed her song.

Although Houston's emaciated appearance sparked speculation about her health and rumors she is suffering from anorexia, sources told the Daily News last night that Houston has a substance abuse problem — and refuses to do anything about it.

"We're trying to do something for her," said one friend.

Houston's spokeswoman, Nancy Seltzer, refused to address rumors of drug abuse. "Whitney has been under stress due to family matters, and when she is under stress she doesn't eat," she said.

More than a year ago, US magazine reported that Houston's family and friends tried to get the singer to deal with her drug problem — but she refused.

Houston was supposed to open last night's show with a reprise of the "Wanna Be Starting Something" number she sang Friday that opened Jackson's 30th anniversary celebration.

Instead, singer Deborah Cox belted out Houston's part with Usher and Mya.

Houston — who recently signed a new recording deal worth more than $100 million with her longtime label, Arista Records — has repeatedly denied she has a drug problem.

But in January of last year, airport security officers in Hawaii allegedly found pot in the 37-year-old singer's bag. She avoided being arrested by leaving the bag behind and boarding a plane before cops arrived.

Houston's problems are a family affair. Her husband, R&B singer Bobby Brown, checked into the Betty Ford Center for alcohol abuse in 1995. Then in 1999 he was whisked off to a hospital after he was caught "ranting and raving" in a hotel lobby, US magazine reported last summer.

Last month, the singer's brother, Michael Houston, 40, was charged with criminal possession of cocaine and marijuana and with being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The same night, Brown, 34, was rushed to a Morristown, N.J., hospital after he was overcome by heat and exhaustion.

Brown also did not appear at the Garden last night. There had been reports he also might perform, but those were never confirmed.

Controversy has dogged Houston and her husband for years.

Last year, when she took home home her sixth Grammy for the dance hit "It's Not Right," she tried to allay persistent rumors that her marriage to Brown was on the rocks.

"Honey, this one is for you," Houston gushed from the stage as she performed at the ceremony.

But the next month, Houston failed to show at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in Manhattan, where she was supposed to serenade Clive Davis.

Houston also had to be scratched from the list of singers slated to perform at the Academy Awards because the silky-voiced siren could barely muster up a croak.

"The poor lady couldn't sing," Oscar spokeswoman Jane LaBonte told People magazine.

In another incident, Houston arrived four hours late for a photo shoot for the May 2000 cover of Jane Magazine. Witnesses said she appeared to be stoned and reportedly referred to a jeweler as "this Jew guy on Diamond Row" and compared the President to a junkie.

Seltzer denied the singer made the cracks. But since then Houston has avoided the spotlight.

With Lauren Rubin

Original Publication Date: 9/11/01

NEWSFILE: 11 SEPTEMBER 2001