Whitney Houston's most sparkling moments

On February 11 2012, at the age of 48, Whitney Houston passed away.
Having spent close on three decades in the spotlight, Whitney’s later years were muddled by controversy, as her relationships and struggle with drug addiction saw her making headlines frequently, for all the wrong reasons.

But with her starring role, alongside Jordin Sparks, in Sparkle, it seemed Whitney was back, and just as the world started hearing of her potential comeback, she tragically passed away.

With the premiere of Sparkle tonight (Friday 9 August, 20:30 on M-Net Movies Premiere), this seems a perfect time to look back and remember Whitney for the right reasons – all centred on her startling talent.

Presenting our picks for Whitney Houston’s greatest moments:

Making her television debut on The Merv Griffin Show in 1983

Whitney made her very first television appearance at the age of 19, having just been discovered and signed to Arista Records by Clive Davis. Whitney hadn’t even begun recording her first album yet, but with her rendition of Home, from musical, The Wiz, she blew viewers away.
 
Singing the US national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl

Whitney’s version of The Star Spangled Banner received such a massive response that it was released as a commercial single, climbing to the Top 20 of the Billboard 100 chart. She remains the only musician to turn the national anthem into such a big hit.


The Bodyguard – I Will Always Love You, 1992
Arguably her most memorable work, in 1992 Whitney starred, opposite Kevin Costner, in The Bodyguard. The film made in excess of $410 million worldwide, and Whitney’s song, I Will Always Love You, went on to win Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal.

Waiting to Exhale, 1995

Along with Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon, Whitney starred in the film, directed by Forest Whitaker. Opening at the top of the box office, Waiting to Exhale went on to make $81 million worldwide, and Whitney’s track, Exhale (Shoop Shoop) topped the Billboard charts.
Sparkle, 2012

Sparkle was Whitney’s fifth feature film, and the final installment in her extensive body of work. With her passing three months after filming ended, Sparkle is dedicated to Whitney, and her performance in the film has been lauded by critics. USA Today reporter, Claudia Puig, called Sparkle “a fitting curtain call” for Whitney. "Her character's ultimate willingness to acknowledge her daughter's dreams and encourage the musical aspirations of the next generation is a lovely final tribute."