Whitney Houston & Celine Dion

[Javito]

Ughhh, while I agree with what she said, it wasn't the right time. This guarantees she won't ever be invited to any of her tributes. I hope they offer an apology soon.

 

If the media and all the people who hates Céline (which I have unpleasantly realized its MANY out there ) are taking this so out of context and blowing it up out of all proportion like they're doing, I'm sure this is not going to help for the new album

[pat200]

come on you guys, Whitney's family knows Celine loved her so much, they know she is expressing frustration and anger, and they also know that after 22 years in the states Celine can't still speak proper english to express herself. They won't hold it against her. And Whitney fans, of whom I am a huge one, understand that. Celine is too kind and sweet to mean anything bad, and all the fans and people who matter in this ordeal know that. Edited February 13, 2012 at 11:35 PM by pat200

[manu23]

If they don't invite her because of these words, then she shouldn't be there. People is just over reacting, for me it was just an expression of her anger because of Whitney's death. She just said what everyone knows, we all know that Celine can't express in English like someone native, but anyway. They should not apologize because she didn't say anything wrong.

 

After few weeks nobody will remember this, the sad thing is that Whitney is dead

[Edwin]

I don't think her comments warrant her not being invited to any tributes. The people who are dissing are either in grief, would dislike Celine no matter what or media that want to spin her words to attract more readers. I ain't sweating this.

[CelineAndRene]

I didn't find it rude in the least. People that sugar code these celebrities' deaths don't help anything. I shook my head yes to every comment that she made. Whitney had everything: love, family and friends. The fact that she picked drugs over all that makes me want to puke. I'm not as familiar with Whitney's life story as opposed to Celine's, but from what I gather, she never had that 1 person in her life to tell her no and help her make the right decisions. Edited February 13, 2012 at 11:44 PM by CelineAndRene

[CelineAndRene]

I don't think her comments warrant her not being invited to any tributes. The people who are dissing are either in grief, would dislike Celine no matter what or media that want to spin her words to attract more readers. I ain't sweating this.

 

 

:thumbsup2: :thumbsup2:

 

Precisely. People that are blowing this out of proportion are mourning Whitney fans with an axe to grind. But the proper thing to do is let them vent. I'm sure I would feel the same if God forbid it had been Celine... Whitney.

Edited February 13, 2012 at 11:46 PM by CelineAndRene

[PuraVida]

Celine was making a broader statement on the destructive power of drugs to take the light from Whitney and other superstars long before it was time. Worse things have been said by people who care FAR less for Whitney and her talent. Celine does care. Of course, Celine's emotional rants have never quite been helpful. But she was rather articulate and did praise Whitney. I wish she would have talked about Whitney's musical impact a bit more, especially on her.

 

I feel sad for Celine. She lost an idol...first with Michael Jackson and then Whitney. She IDOLIZED these people. How could we not expect some anger and fear from her? People who think this is controversial or not the right time, please! This is the most important time to be talking about the impact of drugs on the music industry. Whitney was taken from the music world because of them. I am proud of Celine for using this moment to praise Whitney, but also use this as a lesson.

 

Someone else put it this way:

 

"I think Celine spoke like someone who suddenly lost an inspiratio­nal figure in her life and is struggling to figure out why we lose so many creative and talented people to addiction. One doesn't always speak eloquently as if from a prepared speech in that situation, but I think she did just fine coming from the heart."

 

 

I wish Robin would have asked Celine what her favorite Whitney song was, what she plans to do if anything at her show, etc.

[celine-rc]

I have now watched the interview and I have to say that I'm behind Céline 100% ! I think that what she said was very true, I'm very proud that she spoke her mind. She was obviously still very shocked about the news. What I find most frustrating in all of this is how people complain about how Céline is always so safe, she doesn't really express her opinion about many things but when she does in a situation like this (or on Larry King during hurricane Katrina), people complain and end up saying really mean things about her. I made the mistake of reading a few comments that people had posted under the video and it was just really nasty! I don't really see what René could do for all of this at this point. It was this morning, the news spread really quickly, I don't think that he can acutally do something. I find it just frustrating that people in general complain and critizise no matter what she does. She's allowed have to opinion and express it as is everyone (as long as it's done in a respectful was, which she did). I understand that she is scared of show-buisness. I think that René was right to protect her like she did. I figure that she's more scared for her kids now. When you look at what goes on, it's very understandable that she's scared and it's even a good thing, it's what's protecting her. Anyway, all this to say that I'm with Céline all the way!

[ferjaacu]

I don't think her comments warrant her not being invited to any tributes. The people who are dissing are either in grief, would dislike Celine no matter what or media that want to spin her words to attract more readers. I ain't sweating this.

 

Exactly !!

Saying "Celine didn't wait for the coroner to confirm Whitney's cause of death to say she died because of drugs" it's not accurate at all, but they do it cause they need to get more viewers. Some people don't even care to read or listen the whole interview before posting their opinions and that's the reason of most of the negative comments on her words.

She's spoken like a true friend for me... Angry, trying to understand why, sad... Saying "her music will live forever, but it's not enough" proves how much of a fan she was, how much she loved her and how much she's gonna miss her.

 

RIP Whitney...

[spunkransum]

I agree with Celine, but here is where I thank God Rene found Celine! I personally, and these are my own thoughts if you don't like it please do not flame me, this is however a forum. I think Clive worked Whitney way too hard on "I Look To You," doing an album is one thing, but the tour is what put the stress on. The tour showed how her voice wasn't perfect, (I applaud her for still singing live, it took guts too.) she became tired, stressed, and this created even more vocal strain, I fear and I don't know and I pray it wasn't true. That Whitney might have turned to some medication or a hard drug to increase energy and make her feel better. She checked back into rehab last year and was trying to get help.

 

What people do not understand, there are demons that will suck life from you and create darkness and again, I don't know, but maybe Whitney just felt there was nothing to live for anymore and it just makes you feel sad.

 

I hope Whitney receives a large memorial like Michael Jackson was granted, because Whitney was and still is one of the golden voices.

 

On a side note, again my personal opinion, the tribute by Jennifer Hudson made me feel I personally felt that it was nothing spectacular and to be given the honor to sing and remember your idol, I think I would have tried a little bit harder because I honestly felt it did not do Whitney any respect. The perfect tribute would have been Celine and Mariah choosing "I Will Always Love You", or "I Look To You" and then allowing Lady Gaga or Katy Perry to sing "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" to remember Whitney by with her fun songs.

 

What shook me was the fact I sang, "I Look To You," in church the weekend before her death, because it had helped me through my own personal demons. I just wished we could have helped Whitney better.

[CelineTheBest5]

Celine said the truth! She doesnt need to apologize for anything! Unfortunately Whitney and many others celebrities destroy their lives because of drugs...and drugs arent only cocaine and similaries, its also alcohol, pills.

And some people cant heard the truth, they are fakes and hypocrites!!!!

[Tyler1991]

I completely agree with everything Celine said. Good interview. Love these real unscripted interviews after tragedies where she just speaks her mind.

[spunkransum]

I completely agree with everything Celine said. Good interview. Love these real unscripted interviews after tragedies where she just speaks her mind.

 

I know, her emotions in the Katrina video shows that she is a real human being and not a posh celebrity.

[Tyler1991]

Yeah I agree. I loved it all. You never see anyone else with such raw emotion like that.

[LVCeline]

Yeah I agree. I loved it all. You never see anyone else with such raw emotion like that.

 

I see your point. We keep complaining that Celine always sounds so scripted and acts like a robot and then when she speaks her mind straight from the heart we get on her about it. I do think it's nice she spoke her mind, I still think the timing of some of her thoughts may have been off. I'm on the fence about it I guess, but don't fault her for speaking her mind.

[Peppercorn1991]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news...-showbiz-683935

 

The daily Mirror Newspaper in the UK

 

kev x

[donpi86]

Yeahh.. go celine!

 

I'm not an anti-drug defender, and more if it is relationated to the arts industry, You can take drugs and go for parties and have some fun and find in yourself some experience that only drugs gives you and get some better results in your art (music, paint, writing...) but you have to control it, if not, take it away. You must have a lot of responsabilities and know for what are you doing that... The problem is when you take drugs only for running away from your problems and unfortunatily Whitney had a lot of problems. That f*** husband.

 

And yes, all we know it and she is only telling the truth. WHITNEY TOOK DRUGS BECAUSE SHE HAD A HORRIBLE LIVE IN THESE LAST YEARS AND NOBODY CARED. So she said the truth; I hate all this, normally, american hypocrisy with these issues, so sometimes we could see how the media made fun of whitney's problem and now that she is dead nobody can say that it was what everybody knows... just so stupid...

 

In the other hand, like always my dear celine it is always you, and you and you..." That why I don't make parties, I'm not part of the show businnes.." Me.. Me.. Me... You put it on the spot to be criticized. Everybody knows Celine is perfect, a saint with a perfect voice and a perfect family full of joy and love, but you could only have said and understand she had problems make some autocritic about the music industry where she belongs, or being there in her vegas throne and sending her a message in Oprah is enough when you know a music mate that you adore so much and is your inspiration is in trouble...

Everybody can have drugs and parties and enjoy the show bussiness if you have a furnished mind. All this puritanism sometimes sucks...

 

Oh.. And I don't take drugs...

[CelineAndRene]

It made CTV news.

 

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20..._medium=twitter

[CelineAndRene]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news...-showbiz-683935

 

The daily Mirror Newspaper in the UK

 

kev x

 

 

I hate the media. Everything about it. These people are the reason why things get so turned around and why controversy ensues. :nono: :rolleyes:

[Dion1st]

Celine was making a broader statement on the destructive power of drugs to take the light from Whitney and other superstars long before it was time. Worse things have been said by people who care FAR less for Whitney and her talent. Celine does care. Of course, Celine's emotional rants have never quite been helpful. But she was rather articulate and did praise Whitney. I wish she would have talked about Whitney's musical impact a bit more, especially on her.

 

I feel sad for Celine. She lost an idol...first with Michael Jackson and then Whitney. She IDOLIZED these people. How could we not expect some anger and fear from her? People who think this is controversial or not the right time, please! This is the most important time to be talking about the impact of drugs on the music industry. Whitney was taken from the music world because of them. I am proud of Celine for using this moment to praise Whitney, but also use this as a lesson.

 

Someone else put it this way:

 

"I think Celine spoke like someone who suddenly lost an inspiratio­nal figure in her life and is struggling to figure out why we lose so many creative and talented people to addiction. One doesn't always speak eloquently as if from a prepared speech in that situation, but I think she did just fine coming from the heart."

I wish Robin would have asked Celine what her favorite Whitney song was, what she plans to do if anything at her show, etc.

 

I absolutely agree with your description of what Celine was expressing. Terrific......

 

One other point I'd like to make is about Celine saying how she doesn't live with show business. So many of the ignorant remarks were calling her a hypocrite because thats how she makes her living all these years, but now claims to not be a part of it. I guess she wasn't expressing it clearly enough since we know she was referring to always fiercely separating her homelife from business life to the extent of not even talking business at home and displaying all of her countless awards at their offices in Montreal, not in their home.

 

Toni

[Leo]

Celine is making the news for all the wrong reasons now, Rene must play damage control now, and schedule another interview so Celine can talk more about Whitney the singer not whitney the crack addict.

 

But... Does Celine know Whitney? We all know she was "an amazing singer", you don't need to be a top singer to know that. What more can Celine Dion add if they weren't friends and didn't share anything? In every telethon she takes part, she studies what she has to say to such an extent that it doesn't sound natural. Why didn't she do that on this occasion? A manager is needed. Even if everything Celine said is right, it wasn't the right time. It was all about remembering the best Whitney has given us.

 

Doesn't she know that gambling is an addiction too? Her husband/manager is a gambler and they are living and working in a city that is not good for a gambler.

[*Daniel]

If they don't invite her because of these words, then she shouldn't be there. People is just over reacting, for me it was just an expression of her anger because of Whitney's death. She just said what everyone knows, we all know that Celine can't express in English like someone native, but anyway. They should not apologize because she didn't say anything wrong.

 

After few weeks nobody will remember this, the sad thing is that Whitney is dead

 

Well said. Now even though I grew up with a English speaking background, there are times where I can't even express some things correctly. Now am I saying that I can say some things better than Celine? Hell no, I would never say that. In fact I would say that Celine handled this better than I could if I was to put myself in Celine's shoe.

[Flaca]

If they don't invite her because of these words, then she shouldn't be there. People is just over reacting, for me it was just an expression of her anger because of Whitney's death. She just said what everyone knows, we all know that Celine can't express in English like someone native, but anyway. They should not apologize because she didn't say anything wrong.

 

After few weeks nobody will remember this, the sad thing is that Whitney is dead

 

I agree. She didn't say anything wrong. She had the courage to talk about drugs. Problems don't go away if we hide them.

 

Doesn't she know that gambling is an addiction too? Her husband/manager is a gambler and they are living and working in a city that is not good for a gambler.

 

What's that got to do with it?

[sunnyday]

I agree with Celine. Whitney was a great singer and I've enjoyed her songs but her life choices are not what I would wish for my children.

 

I will soon be guiding my kids through the party years and I really appreciate Celine for saying it how it is. It's scary - even out here away from show buisness land.

 

My kids love Celine (didn't have much choice there really, lol) and hearing her views will have an influence on them.

 

Sure she rambled a bit although the interviewer helped (could have asked a few more questions to direct her perhaps). But the truth is it hurts when people die and whether Whitney died from an overdose or not there is huge lost potential and massive loss to her family on a personal level. Dealing with that and explaining it to your kids and being responsible for your own kids and being fearful for the people who may influence them doesn't always lead to nice and tidy conversation.

 

I think Celine may have wanted to speak out to raise awareness and perhaps influence some of the people in showbusiness.

 

I was surprised the comments under the video were so supportive of her - knowing how these comments can go.

[Peppercorn1991]

Larry King Just defended Celine and said that he said that is her opinion and Celine didn't offend Whitney directly!

 

kev

[*Daniel]

Kev, where did you find that out?^

[Leo]

What's that got to do with it?

 

She said that she is scared of showbusiness, that there are bad influences and bad people around artists. Ok, Las Vegas is not a good place for a man who has an addiction. Gambling as much as drugs are addictions.

[marc-02]

Finally! An article that highlights the good comments about Celine's GMA interview!

 

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/13/overh...ons-life-death/

 

 

Overheard on CNN.com: What can we learn from Whitney Houston's life, death?

 

Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.

 

Celine Dion is facing criticism after saying drug use "took over" Whitney Houston's life. Many tore into Dion via Twitter after her "Good Morning America" interview Monday discussing Houston's death. Nevertheless, Dion got lots of support from our readers. Many commenters said Houston made poor decisions in her life, regardless of their feelings about her work as an artist. We've highlighted a few of their remarks. What do you think?

 

Celine Dion on Houston: Drugs took over her dreams

 

Several readers said they believe Dion's assessment was correct.

 

bluegrassbiscuit: "A fan of Whitney here; however, I agree with Celine. It's sad and unfortunate. When will people learn? We say these people are our idols and they influence us to do great things, become a singer, reach for our goals, etc. Then why can't, when something like this happens, we get influenced to not fall into drugs and alcohol? It should work both ways. ..."

 

Rose: "Drug and alcohol abuse can still kill you even if you get clean and stay clean for years. It causes a lot of damage to your organs that can cause an early death. I hope that she had not fallen back into substance abuse."

 

But others noted celebrities often get what they want, even when it hurts.

 

Louisa: "I'm still so sad over her death, but how could anyone get to her? When you have money and bodyguards and people that will tell you anything you want to hear, how could anyone get close enough to help? Same with Michael (Jackson). He could afford doctors to give him what he wanted, and if they didn't, then he got someone else. We have lost some true talents."

 

There were a lot of personal stories about the consequences of substance abuse.

 

Eddie: "Truth is not always easy. How about the millions of no-name people who are dying. How come they are not getting any attention? Just lost my stepdaughter due to drugs; anybody hear? Yeah, right."

 

Caroline: "Sorry to hear this Eddie. I've dealt with this, too. It's a helpless situation. The only advice I have is stop asking yourself what you could have done. It will only persecute you and the simple answer is nothing. If they want it bad enough, they'll find a way around anything you might have done."

 

Sandy: "... There are so many who have similar problems that don't get the help or attention needed for their addictions. Addiction is something I am have seen and been a victim of some else's addiction. However, I am lucky to say that I don't suffer from addiction. I chose to be cautious not to fall into it as my dad was an alcoholic. But it isn't as easy for many. I don't understand how a substance can take you over like that. And I won't ever really know. I pray for those who have addictions, that they can find the help and support they need to acknowledge and understand how to deal with it. Addiction breaks so many hearts."

 

One reader said Dion should be praised for bringing this issue to the surface.

 

Honest Abe: "Wow! Her fans are in such denial. Celine could have added dozens of others to her list, and still only scratched the surface. Good for you, Celine, for addressing the 800-pound elephant everyone else is ignoring."

 

That comment drew several replies:

 

thetruth: "I agree 100%. We're losing excellent talent due to the soaring drug problem in Hollywood. The doctors giving the drugs to them are yet another problem!"

 

GailScott: "No one is ignoring the problem Whitney had with drugs, but some of us are grieving and would like to bury her before exploring 'what could have been' had she not taken drugs."

 

pockets: "... Thank you, Celine for telling it the way it is. 99% agree with you. RIP Whitney, your suffering is over."

 

TisJustMe: "Honest Abe, I agree with you completely. Whitney became a boozing dope head, damaging her singing and (dying) well before her time as a result. Hopefully, her fans (especially those foolish enough to be in denial) and the general public will take her lesson to heart. If that happens, she did not die in vain. I am glad there are entertainers like Celine Dion who set a good example and tell it like it is."

 

Caroline: "Completely agree. When I heard the news on Saturday I hate to say it but (I) wasn't shocked. She had every opportunity to get clean and didn't; not even her daughter was a good enough reason for her. I raised four children who lost their mother because of her addictions, and as blessed as I have been to have them in my life, I am angry with their biological mother for not loving them enough to be better; it should have been her. It's incredibly sad, but shame on her for not making (daughter) Bobbi Christina more important. Celine said what a lot of us are thinking. Good for her. I don't see arrogance, just the cold hard truth. I am aware that I have written this with the assumption that drugs killed her. If it wasn't drugs, that would shock me."

 

Commenters said Houston was already deteriorating.

 

pandoramn: "I agree with the statements already made here ... and for those criticizing Celine, I say, this is not unexpected. We didn't need to wait for autopsy results to know that drugs and alcohol would be involved. All you had to do was ... (watch) the last few times she was out in public – it was obvious to everyone that her talent had been wasted. The voice was pretty much gone ..., the breath control that had once been so stupendous was gone; she had one foot in the grave for a long time. It is also ironic and tragic that her mother (Cissy Houston), who sang backup for Elvis in the Sweet Inspirations, was apparently not able to use the experience of watching him disintegrate to convince her daughter to stay away from drugs."

 

mouse: "Yes, because we know how much control a mother has over their adult, grown children. No disrepect, but Whitney did this to herself, period, but it doesn't change the fact that this was a tragic, tragic ending for a beloved voice."

 

Some critiqued celebrity culture in general.

 

yemencamel3: "At least one celebrity is coming out and telling at least part of the truth. The truth is that the whole concept of celebrity status and stardom was rigged from the beginning – going all the way back to the 1920s and '30s in Hollywood. ... Singing a song, throwing a ball through a hoop, repeating some line in front of a camera (doesn't) really mean a damn thing and the people who do these things need to be placed much closer to earth in our minds than hung up near the stars."

 

Another commenter called Houston's death a shame.

 

Roger: "Amen!! Celine Dion only told the truth. I wish someone would wake the hell up and start really cracking down on these celebrities who abuse drugs only so they can save their lives. How many lives will we lose before we start holding these people accountable, and I not only mean the artists but these doctors that keep giving these drugs out like candy. Just think if Whitney Houston (I am a big fan) (didn't) do drugs; she would have dominated the '90s. She started the '90s with 'The Bodyguard' and 'Waiting to Exhale,' and her music was on top of the charts and that would have just been the beginning. She would have been the female version of Michael Jackson but only bigger. She was beautiful, talented and just had that charisma to be successful. Her voice was one of a kind; my word to describe her is flawless. It is a shame we will never know how big she would have been since she was already awesome, even with the drug use."

[caitlynceline56]

I read some of the comments before I actually watched the interview, and I expected it to be worse than it was. I really don't think Céline was trying to be disrespectful to Whitney or her family at all. At some points, I don't even think she was talking about Whitney specifically, just expressing how sad she is that so many talented young singers have turned to drugs. I do think it's a little bit too early to start talking about all that, since the shock is so fresh, but maybe that's why Céline blurted all those things out. She was clearly upset, and people react to death and experience shock in different ways. Being an emotional person myself, I know that when you get very worked up about something, it's hard to even remember/know what you're saying.

[puttybuddy]

It made CTV news.

 

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20..._medium=twitter

 

Well I'm glad Larry see's Celine's point of view on this!!