I’m sorry but I need to upload this #WHITNEYxCHRISTINA pic.twitter.com/5h98tETBVx
— FIGHTER LAMB MONSTER (@StrippedXtina9) November 20, 2017
Christina Aguilera’s Whitney Houston tribute performance at the American Music Awards drew some negative reactions from social media. The petite singer graced the stage and ran through Houston’s classics from “The Bodyguard” soundtrack in celebration of its 25th anniversary, but some felt Deborah Cox would have been better suited to belt out hits from the best-selling soundtrack of all time.
After Viola Davis introduced Aguilera Sunday, Nov. 19, the vocalist began with a rendition of “I Will Always Love You” before finishing with a choir-backed performance of “I’m Every Woman.”
While some gushed over Xtina’s vocal acrobatics…
You sho DID THAT! @Xtina#WHITNEYxCHRISTINA #AMAs pic.twitter.com/OCzMFrw095
— NATALIE AGUILERA (@HailXtina) November 20, 2017
Sing it @xtina #WHITNEYxCHRISTINA #AMAs pic.twitter.com/pmSswZphO1
— Shameika 'Check the Rhymes' (@Mofochronicles) November 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/debostic/status/932431104405065728
…many felt Cox, who plays Houston’s role as Rachel Marron in the current U.S. tour of “The Bodyguard Musical,” should have been in Aguilera’s place.
I like Christina but they should’ve had Deborah Cox do this Whitney the body guard tribute … no shade #AMAs
— ❤️🔥 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡’𝙨 𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙇 🫧 (@iamc4i) November 20, 2017
#AMAs I DON'T CARE HOW THEY TRY TO CONVINCE US THAT CHRISTINA DID A GREAT PERFORMANCE. WE AREN'T DEAF, NEXT TIME JUST CALL @Deborah_Cox IF YOU WANT THE WHITNEY TRIBUTE DONE CORRECTLY! pic.twitter.com/EUvoeRY1KG
— CallmeMrCowan (@thecccowanshow) November 20, 2017
News On Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and Deborah Cox
Deborah Cox Set to Play Black Music Legends Josephine Baker and Whitney Houston
Christina Aguilera Returns to ‘The Voice’ With New Slim Figure
Whitney Houston Documentary Approved by Family, Will Feature Rare Recordings, Demos
It’s seems so surreal that Whitney Houston is not with us. Now Christina not shade but Deborah Cox should’ve did this tribute.
— Vincent Walker (@VincentWalker) November 20, 2017
The sad part is the AMA’s shoulda gotten Deborah Cox to do The Whitney Houston tribute but didn’t because she’s not as famous as Christina Aguilera.
— 🧃C A z w E L L 🧃 (@CAZWELLnyc) November 20, 2017
Was @Deborah_Cox busy tonight? Why isn't she singing this Whitney Houston tribute? Christina Aguilera is certifiably flat. #WHITNEYxCHISTINA #AMAs
— TK Sugarbaker (@All_In_One35) November 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/crh947/status/932481403253555200
Aguilera has cited Houston as her idol and Houston’s estate picked her to perform the tribute due to the late singer’s high compliment at the 2001 BET Awards.
“Whitney herself stated in 2001 that Christina Aguilera sang the best version of her song ‘Run to You,'” the Estate of Whitney E. Houston said in a statement obtained by E! News. “It is with great appreciation and honor that she is returning to participate on the American Music Awards for a special tribute honoring the 25th anniversary of The Bodyguard. Whitney said that Christina is without a doubt one of the best voices she enjoyed in this generation of music. From the Estate of Whitney E. Houston, we thank you with great joy!”
When the performance was announced in October, Aguilera said it “will forever be cherished.” And in a Twitter video posted after her set, the singer didn’t acknowledge the criticism. Instead, she thanked Houston’s family for “making a little girl’s dream come true.”
🙏🏼💜 @amas #whitneyxchristina pic.twitter.com/7aOKkevcmp
— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) November 20, 2017
As for what Cox — who is presetly on tour — thinks of the hubbub, Atlanta Black Star has reached out to her for comment.
