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Christina Aguilera’s Whitney Houston Tribute Had Some Wondering Why Deborah Cox Wasn’t Called

Posted byBy Kiersten Willis | Published on: CommentsComments (0)

 

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…

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.

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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.”

As for what Cox — who is presetly on tour — thinks of the hubbub, Atlanta Black Star has reached out to her for comment.

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