Mixed Reaction...

BBC News: Mixed reaction to Whitney Houston's UK concert return

Singer Whitney Houston's first UK concert for 11 years has prompted a varied reaction from fans and critics.

One fan told BBC Radio 5 live the star had occasionally been "awful", while another declared she was "brilliant".

The gig, in Birmingham, suffered a few hitches. A 15-minute costume change left fans restless, while a microphone had to be replaced at another point.   Houston, 46, tours the UK throughout April and May, including three nights at London's O2 arena.

'Really enjoyed it'

The 46-year-old had originally planned to kick off the UK leg of her tour in Manchester last Thursday, but was forced to pull out due to respiratory illness.   But the US star told the audience at Birmingham's LG Arena: "I'm feeling pretty good".

One audience member told the BBC: "She was good when she was good, but when she was not on form, she was awful."   Another concert-goer said: "There was a lot of talking and not enough singing. When you used to go to see Whitney Houston you expected a big show."  "I really enjoyed it no matter what anyone else says," a third fan added.

"Taking into account that she had a sore throat, she gave 100%. I thought she was brilliant and I'd pay again to see her."   BBC 5 live played a clip of Houston singing her signature hit I Will Always Love You at the concert, which showed that the star failed to capture its soaring top notes.

The Sun newspaper concluded that "it was not the performance that fans had been hoping for".  It added that her voice was now deeper and huskier and that she "ended up rambling" between songs, while her lengthy costume change prompted boos from the audience.

Writing in The Independent , Elisa Bray said Houston still demonstrated impressive vocal abilities, but added she was "tired" by the time she got to I Will Always Love You.    "It was definitely a spectacle - and for the most part in a good way," she concluded.
 

NEWSFILE: 14 APRIL 2010