Jennifer Hudson Headlines 4th Annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love Gala
On what would have been Whitney Houston’s 62nd birthday, her family, friends, and fans came together at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta for a night that was part tribute, part celebration, and all heart. The occasion marked the 40th anniversary of Whitney’s debut — a milestone for a career that still echoes around the globe.
Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier and Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and head of her legacy foundation, hosted the four-hour event, packed with music, tributes, and a silent auction that looked like a cross between the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a sports museum. We’re talking Dolly Parton’s handwritten sheet music for “I Will Always Love You,” a Shaq-signed jersey, Mike Tyson’s gloves, a Julius Erving basketball, plus Whitney’s own stage outfits — the kind Bob Mackie and Marc Bouwer designed for her iconic moments.
Pat Houston didn’t mince words: “Whitney was the best, and she deserved the best. Millions of fans celebrate her every day. We’re going to keep that going — for music, for kids, for the world.”
The night’s biggest ovation came when Jennifer Hudson didn’t walk onto the stage — she came in from the back, stopping the room cold. Phones went up, people stood, and she tore through a medley that ended with her Oscar-winning “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Earlier performances included Meli’sa Morgan, newcomer Jada Nikole, and a preview from The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Whitney’s brother Gary Houston closed the night leading “Where You Are” with family and friends.
The gala also spotlighted Kids In The Spotlight, the year’s grant recipient, which empowers foster youth through filmmaking and storytelling. Proceeds from the Julien’s Auctions partnership — which featured Whitney’s gowns, awards, and personal treasures — will fund scholarships, arts education, and programs for underserved youth.
Whitney’s foundation, built on the charitable work she began in the late ‘80s, continues her mission: giving young people the resources and confidence to dream bigger than the circumstances they were born into. Judging by the room in Atlanta, that mission’s in good hands.
