There was a line out the door and the phone rang off the hook at the store in Brentwood Tuesday.

“Can you call back in about 15 minutes to place your order?” a chocolatier said to a customer on the phone.

Jonathan Grahm was at the helm of the shop, popping out chocolates and chocolate gouache truffles on the site.

“This is the room where all the magic happens. This is our chocolate dipping room,” Grahm said, as he gave us a tour. “We make over 3,000 chocolates every day in this small little room by hand.”

“One of the reasons I love Compartes Chocolates is they have some of the most unique flavors I have ever heard of,” one customer said.

With more than 100 ever-changing flavors — like Raspberry Pink Pepper, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Kaffir Lime Coconut and Strawberry Rhubarb — there is always something fun to try.

“Today, I made a sparkling pink wine truffle for V-day with this great wine I drank yesterday and decided to put in chocolate,” Grahm said.

They even had a special box of chocolates made for R&B Grammy winner Faith Evans for her concert Tuesday night.

If you forgot a gift for your valentine, Grahm had this advice.

“Chocolate-covered strawberries. Head to the store and pick up strawberries and chocolate. You can find long stems at Whole Foods,” he said.

Just take chocolate, put it over a double boiler so it melts down to a nice consistency and then just dip away.

If you would like to check out Compartes for yourself or your sweetheart, visit them online at www.compartes.com or follow them on Twitter @compartes.

Hollywood Boulevard will be closed between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday to accommodate the construction of press risers, fan bleachers and pre-show stages. Hollywood Boulevard will remain closed until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Oscar preps will also affect the MTA Red Line.  Trains will bypass the Hollywood & Highland station after the last regularly scheduled train on Saturday Feb. 25, until 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27, when service will resume with the first scheduled train.

Several other streets and sidewalks will be closed for varying periods between Sunday and Oscar Sunday on Feb. 26. For more details and maps of the affected areas, visit navigatehollywood.com.

The 2011 Academy Awards will be held on Feb. 26 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.

PASADENA (CBS) —Playboy founder Hugh Hefner’s son is free on bail Tuesday after being arrested on domestic violence charges.

The Pasadena Police Department responded to a home in the 100 block of W. Del Mar Boulevard for a domestic violence incident around 10 p.m. Sunday, officials said.

When officers arrived, they found Hefner’s 22-year-old live-in girlfriend, 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair, with minor injuries, according to police.

Sinclair was issued an Emergency Restraining Order, authorities said.

Hefner was booked into the Pasadena Jail early Monday morning. He is free on $20,000 bail.

Hefner is due in court on domestic battery charges on Mar. 14.

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — One day after Whitney Houston’s body was flown to New Jersey, fans and friends here in Los Angeles are remembering both her career and heartbreaking final days.

Houston’s body was returned to her home state on Monday night aboard Tyler Perry’s private jet, which departed from Van Nuys Airport.

A funeral service for the pop icon will be held Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church, where she grew up.

Meanwhile, Beverly Hills police are continuing their investigation into Houston’s death. She was found unconscious and unresponsive in the bathroom of her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday afternoon.

There are reports that Houston was pulled from the tub by her aunt, Mary Jones, but the results of an autopsy completed by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office are sealed.

Officials have confirmed, however, that a small amount of prescription drugs were found in Houston’s room.

Toxicology reports are due within the next seven weeks.

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police need the public’s help to find the drivers in a hit-and-run crash that killed a ballet dancer and teacher of disabled children.

Zina Feeley, 66, known professionally as Zina Bethune, had stopped on Forest Lawn Drive to check on a small animal lying in the other side of road. As she walked toward the fallen animal, she was struck by a car, throwing her backwards, where she was struck by a second car and dragged for more than 600 feet, Los Angeles Police traffic detectives said.

“I know if she drove by a deceased animal her heart would break,” Bethune’s friend Paula Woodley said.

(credit: Newsreel)

The drivers of several cars stopped to help, but it could not be determined which car was involved in the second crash.

Detectives believe a white car was seen leaving the scene right after the second crash.

Feeley was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

“You know, I feel like the air left the room. How do you breathe after losing your best friend?” Woodley said of Bethune.

(credit: CBS)

The acclaimed dancer overcame scoliosis and lymphedema to perform with the New York City Ballet at 14 years old. Bethune also worked as an actress in television and movies.

Bethune graced the stage with her elegance and touched hearts with her generosity. In 1982, she launched Infinite Dreams, a dance and drama outreach program for children with disabilities.

Bethune’s husband was too upset to speak on camera but told KCAL9 that he lost the love of his life — and his dance partner. The couple was married for 42 years.

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A memorial to the late Whitney Houston has been growing outside the Beverly Hilton because the singer, lauded by the likes of Dionne Warwick and cultivated by ubiquitous talent finder Clive Davis, has no star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Houston, 48, was found dead in her fourth floor hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Saturday afternoon, just hours before she was to attend Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party.  An autopsy on the singer has been completed, but Beverly Hills police say a hold has been placed on the findings.

A general view of atmosphere as fans mourn Whitney Houston's passing on February 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images)(credit: Toby Canham/Getty Images)

When a celebrity dies, fans are usually able to take some comfort by bringing flowers, a candle or a card to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When King of Pop Michael Jackson died in 2009, crowd control gates had to be erected around his star in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre because of the enormous number of flowers and other items brought by fans to remember him. Another star on the Walk of Fame belonging to a radio personality by the same name drew a memorial crowd as well.

In the case of Whitney Houston, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the Hollywood Walk of Fame, says the famed singer was selected in 1995 to receive a star, but a date was never requested for a star-unveiling ceremony. The approved selection expired in 2000, but a spokeswoman said the Walk of Fame Committee would consider reinstating Houston’s status if the family asks for it.

“At this time, we believe that the family should be left to grieve for their dearly departed,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “At such time as they are ready, we would be open to discussions about setting a date to immortalize the legendary Whitney Houston with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

COMPLETE COVERAGE:

»Report: Houston’s Body To Be Flown To New Jersey For Funeral
»Bobby Brown Breaks Down At Concert Hours After Whitney Houston Dies
»Whitney Houston’s Daughter Released From Hospital
»Officials Say Autopsy On Whitney Houston Complete
»Officials: Foul Play Not Suspected In Whitney Houston’s Death
»Exclusive: Make-Up Artist Recalls His First — And Last — Meeting With Icon Whitney Houston
»Singer Whitney Houston Dead At 48

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBS) — The family Whitney Houston is preparing for her funeral after the Los Angeles County Coroner released the body of the late singer Monday morning.

Houston’s body is reportedly being flown on actor/producer Tyler Perry’s private jet to New Jersey, TMZ reports. The family will allegedly bury the 48-year-old this week in Newark.

(credit: CBS)

An autopsy on the singer was completed Sunday; however the coroner is not officially saying what killed the six-time Grammy winner.

Houston was found unresponsive Saturday afternoon by a family member in the bathtub of her fourth floor hotel room at the Beverly Hilton, according to Winter.

“She was underwater and apparently unconscious.  Ms. Houston was pulled from the tub by members of her staff and hotel security was promptly notified,” Beverly Hills police said in a statement.

Detective say Houston had been at the Beverly Hilton with a large entourage of family, friends and co-workers preparing for Clive Davis’ annual pre-award show bash at the same hotel.

Paramedics tried to revive the singer, but she was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.

The Beverly Hills Police Department has issued a security hold barring the coroner’s office from releasing details surrounding her death while toxicology tests continue.

However, the coroner’s office has said that there were no signs of foul play.

“At this time her cause of death is deferred and we are finishing with all of our testing and it will be an ongoing investigation,” said Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.

Whitney Houston: 1963 - 2012

Officials say it could take at least two weeks for toxicology findings to be returned, but a preliminary report could be available as soon as Wednesday.

“When we find out we will be in contact with the Beverly Hills Police Department and the family and give them the findings,” Winter said.

At a news conference Monday, Beverly Hills police said their investigation at the hotel was complete and stressed Houston’s death was not being handled as a homicide.

TMZ reports that officials told the singer’s family that Houston did not die from drowning but a combination of Xanax, other prescription drugs and alcohol.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that police are interviewing family members to determine what Houston was doing Saturday hours before her death.

Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Christina Brown, 18, was rushed to Cedars Sinai Hospital Sunday where she was treated and released for anxiety and exhaustion, police said.

Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, who was preforming with New Edition in Mississippi when Houston died, issued a statement Sunday regarding her death.

“I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi- Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed towards my family and I at this most difficult time.” Said Bobby Brown.

The couple wed in 1992 and divorced in 2007 after a tumultuous marriage.

Funeral plans for the late singer have not been announced.

Fans have erected a make-shift memorial outside of the hotel, leaving notes, candles and flowers.

“It’s very sad, she’s gonna to be missed. We all loved her so much,” fan Shelia Johnson said.

A candlelight vigil will be held Monday at 5 p.m. in Leimert Park, 3415 W. 43rd. Place in Los Angeles.

IMAGES: Whitney Houston Dies At 48

RELATED STORY:
» Officials Say Autopsy On Whitney Houston Is Complete

His target Monday was 100 kids at the Challengers Boys & Girls Club in south Los Angeles, some of whom knew who the Denver Broncos quarterback was and others who, somewhat surprisingly, didn’t.

During a question-and-answer session with the kids, one query in particular got the loudest reaction of all. Tebow was asked if he “has a thing” with pop singer Katy Perry.

“No, me and Katy Perry don’t have a thing, but she’s a very good artist,” he said, smiling.

Tebow’s female fans might be glad to hear there’s no special woman he’ll be sharing Valentine’s Day with on Tuesday.

“I’m single … ” he said, “but I’m doing just fine though. I’ll just be around my brothers and friends. We’ll just have a good time.”

Tebow squeezed in a quick haircut in the club’s mirrored aerobics room before his appearance. Later in the day, he had a workout scheduled with his quarterbacks coach, something he’ll be doing for the next few weeks in Los Angeles.

His offseason plans include a trip to the Philippines, where Tebow was born. He wants to visit the construction of a hospital his foundation is funding and visit an orphanage he supports.

“And also find a little bit of time to relax,” he said.

Tebow was promoting books and reading, with nary a video game in sight.

“So many times in today’s society, we can get caught up in Xboxes, video games, watching TV,” he said before meeting the kids, “and forget about reading, about educating yourself and learning how to communicate with people. I just think that’s so important.”

He told the kids how he was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was younger.

“I would get words rearranged in my head and wouldn’t say them right,” he said.

Tebow has been cited as an influence by New York Knicks rookie point guard Jeremy Lin, who like the QB, is public about his Christian faith. Lin’s explosive performances in leading his team to five straight wins have prompted descriptions like “Linsanity.”

“It’s awesome to see what he’s done,” Tebow said. “It’s going to be fun to see where it goes from here.”

Maia Pittman, an 11-year-old girl, was among those who didn’t recognize the guy who made “Tebowing” a cultural phenomenon this season. She said she doesn’t know anything about football.

“I was excited to see him because I really never saw anybody famous like that,” she said.

Kaleb Scott was beaming at the chance to meet the QB of his favorite team.

“I like how he pulls his team in tough situations, like when it’s grind time, he gets the job done,” Scott said.

And for those Tebow critics who say he isn’t a very good QB, Scott replied, “For him to take the underdogs and take them to the playoffs and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, I think it speaks for itself.”

Tebow tossed a few left-handed spirals to some of the boys, and autographed the left shoulder of the kids’ blue Book!It T-shirts as they shuffled through a line.

“My brother is going to be so jealous,” Pittman said.

Others handed him footballs and one girl had him sign a dog-eared copy of “Breaking Dawn,” part of the “Twilight” series.

A couple of the boys showed off their version of “Tebowing.”

Tebow urged the kids to establish priorities, telling them his are “faith, family, football.”

Away from the youngsters, he said he has to make choices about his appearances all the time.

“Maybe I could go do this and be blessed to make some money or maybe I could go do this where I’d be blessed to impact some kids,” he said.

On Wednesday, Tebow will host America’s Biggest Storytime in which he’ll read his favorite childhood book, Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham” to kids worldwide via the Internet. In exchange for Tebow’s participation, the Pizza Hut/BOOK IT! Reading Incentive Program is making a donation to his foundation.

“It’s pretty much the book I learned to read on,” said Tebow, who was homeschooled by his mother. “The rhyming, it’s just fun. At 5, 6 years old, it was fun and I enjoyed it. Looking back, it’s just a lot of good memories for me as well.”

“The Simpsons” is TV’s longest running comedy of all time with its 23-year-and-counting run. The series has won 12 Emmy Awards and a slew of cartooning and comedy awards.

The endowment was made public the day before Groening receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to celebrate the show’s 500th episode.

UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television has also been on the receiving end of an annual gift of $50,000 by Groening, in support of animation students producing short animated films with social responsibility themes.

“With this amazing gift, Matt has given our students enormous support and ensured that we will be able to take our program to even greater levels of excellence,” Dean Teri Schwartz said in a statement.

Marston Hefner was taken into custody at the Pasadena home he shares with his girlfriend at about 10 p.m. Sunday, Pasadena police Lt. Rick Aversano said. Hefner posted $20,000 bail and was freed about 2 a.m. Monday.

Police were called to Hefner’s home to investigate a report of domestic violence. No one was transported for medical treatment, Aversano said.

Details about Hefner’s girlfriend were not released, but Hefner has been dating 2011 “Playmate of the Year” Clair Sinclair since 2010.

Hefner’s booking photo would not be released, according to Pasadena police.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

By Jenn McBride

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Between emotional tributes honoring the late Whitney Houston and fiery performances by some of music’s biggest stars, all eyes were on Adele at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.

The British queen of soul returned to the spotlight Sunday night for the first time since undergoing throat surgery last year to repair a hemorrhaged vocal cord.

Adele, who picked “Rolling In The Deep” for her comeback performance, is most certainly rolling in Grammy gold after claiming all six of the awards for which she was nominated.

“My life changed when I wrote this song, and I felt it before anyone even heard it,” 23-year-old Adele told the crowd after winning Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You.”

Ironically, she took home the same number of awards Houston earned during her illustrious career in just one night. With her two previous awards from 2009, including Best New Artist, Adele is now an eight-time Grammy winner.

However, just hours after Houston’s Feb. 11 death at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, her 2000 compilation album topped iTunes charts, bumping Adele’s “21” to second place.

Oscar-winning actress and Grammy-winning singer Jennifer Hudson paid homage to Houston with an acapella rendition of “I Will Always Love You”, which she finished with, “Whitney, we love — we love you.”

“It’s like there’s a hole in the heart of music now, and I don’t know if it can ever be filled,” Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott said after the group accepted the award for Best Country Album.

Despite the ceremony’s often somber mood, performances by Glen Campbell and The Beach Boys brought the audience to its feet.

The Foo Fighters, who recorded their seventh album, “Wasting Light”, in frontman Dave Grohl’s garage, also had a great evening with four wins.

New talent was yet another highlight as The Civil Wars took to the Grammy stage for the first time to perform the title track of their debut album, “Barton Hollow”.

One of the most critically acclaimed new artists of 2011, the duo, comprised of John Paul White and Joy Williams, received awards for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album.

“We made a pact that we would only make music that pleased us,” White said backstage. “We’ve made music the other way around before.”

“It’s completely surreal,” a pregnant Williams said of their wins. “And to be welcomed, too, in the realms of both country and folk.”

With the recent deaths of Houston, Etta James and Amy Winehouse – who posthumously won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her “Body and Soul” duet with Tony Bennett – the 54th Annual Grammy Awards offered several nods to artists who, sadly, are now beyond this earthly realm.

“We shouldn’t be here. Our darling daughter should be here. These are the cards that we’re dealt,” Winehouse’s father, Mitch, said when Bennett called him onstage.

That’s the question posed by the Catholic League, which is denouncing the rapper’s choice of fashion and performance theme at the Grammy Awards Sunday night.

On the red carpet, Minaj walked the red carpet in a satiny red hooded cloak, embroidered with black beads along the edges, arm in arm with an unidentified, older white man dressed like the pope, complete with headdress and flowing gold cloak.

The red carpet was just a hint of things to come.

Minaj performed her new single “Roman Holiday,” with scenes of a confessional and an exorcism – complete with Minaj floating horizontally – amid dancing choir boys and monks.

“Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer,” Catholic League president Bill Donohue said in a news release.

Donohue also blasted the Recording Academy, saying they would never allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.

The broadcast delivered 39 million viewers, according to Nielsen. It was the second largest Grammy audience in history.

Fueled by star performances by Adele, who returned to the stage following throat surgery in 2011 and picked up six statues, and Chris Brown’s first Grammy appearance since his domestic violence case with former girlfriend Rhianna stemming from Grammy weekend in 2010, the show drew in audiences from around the world.

But what perhaps fueled people to tune in was the untimely death of six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston. Her death cast a shadow over the awards show.

Houston died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon at the Beverly Hilton, just hours before her mentor Clive Davis’ annual pre-awards show bash.

Officials have not determined what killed the singer.

Several stars paid tribute to Houston, including Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and LL Cool J.

“There is no way around this. We’ve had a death in our family, and so at least for me, the only thing that feels right is to begin with a prayer for a woman we love, for our fallen sister, Whitney Houston,” Grammy host LL Cool J said as he opened the telecast.

The biggest tribute came from Jennifer Hudson who stole the show with a piano-backed rendition of Houston’s 1992 cover of “I Will Always Love You” from “The Bodyguard.”

Hudson ended her performance by saying, “Whitney, we will always love you.”

RELATED LINKS:
» Complete Coverage Of The 54th Annual Grammy Awards
» Rolling In Grammy Gold: Adele Makes Her Comeback With 6 Wins
» PHOTOS: Red Carpet Fashion

Adele, who last year couldn’t sing — or talk — for months due to a vocal chord hemorrhage — she likened it to a black eye in her throat — sang publicly tonight and got a standing O — not to mention six Grammy awards.

But CBS2 Health Reporter Lisa Sigell tells us that if not for Dr. Steven Zeitels, tonight’s acclaimed return to live singing might not have happened. Sigell profiled Dr. Zeitels — called a miracle worker by many — on the CBS2 News following this evening’s Grammys.

After her voice literally gave out last October, Adele had to cancel her tour. Her career was in jeopardy.

She went under the knife last November. Adele talked to Anderson Cooper for “60 Minutes” and explained that non-cancerous polyps had to be removed.

Voice restoration specialist Zeitels, stepped up to the plate.  He tells Sigell, “The laser technology is called a KTP or a greenlight laser…it’s exactly the technology I used with Steven Tyler and its exactly what I use to treat almost all cancers endoscopically, it is a wonderful.”

In addition to Adele and Steven Tyler, Zeitels has also performed career-saving surgeries for  the Who’s Roger Daltry, Julie Andrews and Cher.

While the Boston-based Dr. Zeitels has high-profile clients like the aforementioned superstars of music, most of his clients are run-of-the-mill average Joes and Joannes. And the same problem — using the voice too much — can affect a superstar just as easily as it can a teacher or Wall Street banker.

To completely heal, Dr. Zeitels had to talk Adele into not talking for two months post surgery. “It was really hard to get my point across,” he says, matter-of-fact.

Dr. Zeitels is regarded as a prolific surgical innovator having designed numerous new voice restoration procedures and instruments. He also holds a number of patents for innovative operating techniques.

As for Adele, considered herself as an innovator, tonight is only a precursor to life ahead. There is no reason, Dr. Zeitels believes, to think Adele is going to need tune ups. “I think she is repaired,” he says, “and I think she is going to continue to do wonderfully.”

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Between emotional tributes honoring the late Whitney Houston and fiery performances by some of music’s biggest stars, all eyes were on Adele at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.

The British queen of soul returned to the spotlight Sunday night for the first time since undergoing throat surgery last year to repair a hemorrhaged vocal cord.

Adele, who picked “Rolling In The Deep” for her comeback performance, is most certainly rolling in Grammy gold after claiming all six of the Grammy Awards for which she was nominated.

“My life changed when I wrote this song, and I felt it before anyone even heard it,” 23-year-old Adele told the crowd after winning the award for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You.”

Ironically, she took home the same number of awards Houston earned during her illustrious career in just one night. With her two previous awards from 2009, including Best New Artist, Adele is now an eight-time Grammy winner.

However, just hours after Houston’s Feb. 11 death at the Beverly Hills Hotel, her 2000 compilation album topped iTunes charts, bumping Adele’s “21” to second place.

Oscar-winning actress and Grammy-winning singer Jennifer Hudson performed “I Will Always Love You” acapella to honor Houston, which she finished with, “Whitney, we love you.”

“It’s like there’s a hole in the heart of music now and I don’t know if it can ever be filled,” Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott said of Houston after winning the award for Best Country Album.

Despite the ceremony’s often somber mood, tributes to and performances by Glen Campbell and The Beach Boys brought the audience to its feet.

The Foo Fighters, who frecorded their seventh album, “Wasting Light”, in frontman Dave Grohl’s garage, were close behind Adele with an impressive four awards.

New talent was also a highlight as The Civil Wars, who toured with Adele last year, took to the Grammy stage for the first time to perform the title track of their debut album, “Barton Hollow”.

One of the most critically acclaimed new artists of 2011, the duo, which is comprised of John Paul White and Joy Williams, received awards for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album.

“We made a pact that we would only make music that pleased us,” White said backstage. “We’ve made music the other way around before.”

“It’s completely surreal,” a pregnant Williams said of their wins. “And to be welcomed, too, in the realms of both country and folk…”

With the recent deaths of Houston, Etta James and Amy Winehouse – who posthumously won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her “Body and Soul” duet with Tony Bennett – the 54th Annual Grammy Awards offered several nods to artists who, sadly, are now beyond this earthly realm.

“We shouldn’t be here. Our darling daughter should be here. These are the cards that we’re dealt,” Winehouse’s father, Mitch, said after he was called onstage by Bennett.

Chris Daughtry: Jennifer Hudson has some serious pipes!

CBS2 Anchor Pat Harvey: Whoa…have goosebumps! Liked the way Jennifer came out with no introduction. None needed.

CBS2 weathercaster Jackie Johnson: Jennifer Hudson looked, and sounded like an angel. #grammys

Talk show host, former “America’s Got Talent” judge Piers Morgan: Just saw @IAMJHUD ‘s tribute to Whitney online (Thanks again @CBS ) – simple, beautiful, powerful, perfect. #Grammys

Khloe Kardashian Odom: I think they should have saved Jennifer Hudson’s tribute for the finale.

Noted music producer/”X Factor” judge LA Reid: Thank you @IAMJHUD

Political commentator Donna Brazile: Wow. Can we do a repeat? Another song… National Anthem? More…RT @EW Jennifer Hudson @IAMJHUD pays tribute to Whitney Houston #grammys

iTunes Music: Jennifer Hudson’s moving tribute to Whitney was heartwrenching. #GRAMMYs #wewillalwaysloveyou

Pandora Radio: Even the Media Room here at @TheGRAMMYs was absolutely silent & reverent as Jennifer Hudson sang “I Will Always Love You” #GRAMMYs @IAMJHUD

Huffington Post: Jennifer Hudson nails Whitney Houston tribute with “I Will Always Love You” http://huff.to/Afsins #Grammys

TV Guide Magazine: How about that Jennifer Hudson tribute to Whitney Houston? #Grammys

E! Online: Jennifer Hudson Performs Pitch-Perfect Whitney Houston Tribute at Grammys

“Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts: Is anyone else crying like I am after listening to Jennifer Hudson at the #Grammys? Such a beautiful tribute to Whitney. Blessings to all.XO

“90210″ star Trevor Donovan: Jennifer Hudson struggling to keep her composer, but pulls it off. Great Tribute to Whitney Houston #Grammys

Billboard: Jennifer Hudson ends with the line “We will always love you,” blows kiss toward pictures of Whitney. Chills. #grammys

Editor Bonnie Fuller: Jennifer Hudson crying as she sings 4 Whitney! Standg ovation! Beautiful moment of remembrance, honor

Cosmopolitan On line: We know we’re not the only ones who got chills when @iamjhud sang “I Will Always Love You.” #Grammys

Glamour Magazine: Jennifer Hudson, we will always love you for this perfect tribute. #grammys

People Magazine: Jennifer Hudson is flawless #iwillalwaysloveyou #whitney #grammys

IHeartRadio: Jennifer Hudson is performing her tribute to #WhitneyHouston. This is sending chills down our spine! So powerful. #GRAMMYs

“The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd: You did Whitney Houston @IAmJHud and looked fabulous!!! Girl can you bottle up some of those hips in a 6oz jar & sell ‘em to me! xoxo

Shannon Elizabeth: Jennifer Hudson’s Whitney tribute was BEAUTIFUL!!

“Glee” star Amber Riley: That was absolutely beautiful Jennifer Hudson. Absolutely beautiful! Made me smile. Great tribute

“Young and Restless” star Michelle Stafford (Phyllis): Jennifer Hudson!!!! Gorgeous!!!

“Tonight Show” contributor Ross Mathews: JHUDJHUDJHUDJHUD. #jhud

CBS2/KCAL9 Reporter Suraya Fadel: #JenniferHudson nailed it! #grammys2012

“Dancing With the Stars” Derek Hough: It’s amazing how the lyrics to I Will Always Love You had a whole new meaning tonight . Bravo Jennifer . RIP Whitney

Former “Bachelorette” contestant Kiptyn Locke: Big winner tonight is Adele, hands down. Second biggest winner though is American Idol — Kelly, Carrie, Jennifer killed it! #Grammys

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Bobby Brown reportedly broke down Saturday night at a planned concert in Southaven, Mississippi following the news of Whitney Houston’s untimely passing.

According to Us Weekly, the superstar’s ex-husband looked teary-eyed on stage with New Edition at the end of a song.

The 43-year-old then shouted, “I love you, Whitney” before blowing a kiss in the sky, the celebrity magazine reported.

Earlier Saturday, Brown released the following statement:

“First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, I love you Whitney. The hardest thing for me to do is come on this stage.”

Brown and Houston were married for 15 years.

CNN reported Sunday that Brown was canceling an appearance with New Edition in Nashville and flying to Los Angeles to be with his daughter.

Also Sunday, Brown issued a statement through his attorney. “I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston. At this time, we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter, Bobbi-Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences that have been directed towards my family and I at this most difficult time.”

BEVERLY HILLS (CBS) — Whitney Houston’s daughter Sunday was rushed to Cedar-Sinai Medical Center for an undisclosed medical emergency.

Officials with the the Beverly Hills Fire Department confirmed to CBS2 that about 10:20 a.m. they responded to the Beverly Hilton Hotel on a medical call involving Bobbi Kristina Brown.

CBS2/KCAL9 was on scene and captured video of paramedics loading the teen into an ambulance.

The teen has since been released from the hospital, according to the Associated Press.

At the time, Brown was with three young men who were clearly distraught, CBS2′s Joy Benedict reported. The men rushed to their car to follow the ambulance.

Police told Benedict that that the teen is expected to be OK.

Bobbi Kristina Brown is Houston’s daughter by ex-husband Bobby Brown.

CNN reported Sunday that Bobby Brown was canceling an appearance with his group New Edition in Nashville and flying to Los Angeles to be with his daughter.

[Update a/o 3:36 p.m.] An autopsy has been conducted on Whitney Houston, but Beverly Hills police say that a hold has been placed on the findings.

[Update a/o 11:30 a.m.] Officials report that Whitney Houston’s body was moved to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office in Boyle Heights where an autopsy is expected to be performed sometime Sunday. » READ MORE

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music’s queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died. She was 48.

Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

Reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, Edward Lawrence said she was found on the 4th floor of the Beverly Hilton. He said paramedics tried to revive her but she was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.

Houston was set to attend Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy party.

Notable music producer Scott Bomar told CBS, “Whitney performing was always the apex of this party. It is surreal that she passed here earlier today. You can feel in the room that we have lost one of our own and an icon. It was all made more real when I got into an elevator with Dionne Warwick and many of her family…you realize how much of a loss this is not only to her fans but her family as well.”

Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson will reportedly sing a tribute to Houston at Sunday’s Grammys. Khan, of course, first sang one of Houston’s biggest smashes, “I’m Every Woman.”

At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world’s best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.

Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.”

She had the he perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise.

She influenced a generation of younger singers, from Christina Aguilera to Mariah Carey, who when she first came out sounded so much like Houston that many thought it was Houston.

But by the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use. Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.

“The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy,” Houston told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.

It was a tragic fall for a superstar who was one of the top-selling artists in pop music history, with more than 55 million records sold in the United States alone.

She seemed to be born into greatness. She was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick and the goddaughter of Aretha Franklin.

Photo Gallery: Universal City, Ca Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston at the MTV awards. (Photo by Brenda Chase Online USA, Inc.)

Houston first started singing in the church as a child. In her teens, she sang backup for Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson and others, in addition to modeling. It was around that time when music mogul Clive Davis first heard Houston perform.

“The time that I first saw her singing in her mother’s act in a club … it was such a stunning impact,” Davis told “Good Morning America.”

“To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine,” he added.

Before long, the rest of the country would feel it, too. Houston made her album debut in 1985 with “Whitney Houston,” which sold millions and spawned hit after hit. “Saving All My Love for You” brought her her first Grammy, for best female pop vocal. “How Will I Know,” ”You Give Good Love” and “The Greatest Love of All” also became hit singles.

Another multiplatinum album, “Whitney,” came out in 1987 and included hits like “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

The New York Times wrote that Houston “possesses one of her generation’s most powerful gospel-trained voices, but she eschews many of the churchier mannerisms of her forerunners. She uses ornamental gospel phrasing only sparingly, and instead of projecting an earthy, tearful vulnerability, communicates cool self-assurance and strength, building pop ballads to majestic, sustained peaks of intensity.”

Her decision not to follow the more soulful inflections of singers like Franklin drew criticism by some who saw her as playing down her black roots to go pop and reach white audiences. The criticism would become a constant refrain through much of her career. She was even booed during the “Soul Train Awards” in 1989.

“Sometimes it gets down to that, you know?” she told Katie Couric in 1996. “You’re not black enough for them. I don’t know. You’re not R&B enough. You’re very pop. The white audience has taken you away from them.”

Some saw her 1992 marriage to former New Edition member and soul crooner Bobby Brown as an attempt to refute those critics. It seemed to be an odd union; she was seen as pop’s pure princess while he had a bad-boy image, and already had children of his own. (The couple had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993.) Over the years, he would be arrested several times, on charges ranging from DUI to failure to pay child support.

But Houston said their true personalities were not as far apart as people may have believed.

“When you love, you love. I mean, do you stop loving somebody because you have different images? You know, Bobby and I basically come from the same place,” she told Rolling Stone in 1993. “You see somebody, and you deal with their image, that’s their image. It’s part of them, it’s not the whole picture. I am not always in a sequined gown. I am nobody’s angel. I can get down and dirty. I can get raunchy.”

It would take several years, however, for the public to see that side of Houston. Her moving 1991 rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, amid the first Gulf War, set a new standard and once again reaffirmed her as America’s sweetheart.

In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with “The Bodyguard.” Despite mixed reviews, the story of a singer (Houston) guarded by a former Secret Service agent (Kevin Costner) was an international success.

It also gave her perhaps her most memorable hit: a searing, stunning rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” which sat atop the charts for weeks. It was Grammy’s record of the year and best female pop vocal, and the “Bodyguard” soundtrack was named album of the year.

She returned to the big screen in 1995-96 with “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” Both spawned soundtrack albums, and another hit studio album, “My Love Is Your Love,” in 1998, brought her a Grammy for best female R&B vocal for the cut “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay.”

But during these career and personal highs, Houston was using drugs. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2010, she said by the time “The Preacher’s Wife” was released, “(doing drugs) was an everyday thing. … I would do my work, but after I did my work, for a whole year or two, it was every day. … I wasn’t happy by that point in time. I was losing myself.”

In the interview, Houston blamed her rocky marriage to Brown, which included a charge of domestic abuse against Brown in 1993. They divorced in 2007.

Houston would go to rehab twice before she would declare herself drug-free to Winfrey in 2010. But in the interim, there were missed concert dates, a stop at an airport due to drugs, and public meltdowns.

She was so startlingly thin during a 2001 Michael Jackson tribute concert that rumors spread she had died the next day. Her crude behavior and jittery appearance on Brown’s reality show, “Being Bobby Brown,” was an example of her sad decline. Her Sawyer interview, where she declared “crack is whack,” was often parodied. She dropped out of the spotlight for a few years.

Houston staged what seemed to be a successful comeback with the 2009 album “I Look To You.” The album debuted on the top of the charts, and would eventually go platinum.

Things soon fell apart. A concert to promote the album on “Good Morning America” went awry as Houston’s voice sounded ragged and off-key. She blamed an interview with Winfrey for straining her voice.

A world tour launched overseas, however, only confirmed suspicions that Houston had lost her treasured gift, as she failed to hit notes and left many fans unimpressed; some walked out. Canceled concert dates raised speculation that she may have been abusing drugs, but she denied those claims and said she was in great shape, blaming illness for cancellations.

Simon Cowell was reportedly considering Houston to fill a judges seat on Fox’s second season of “X Factor.”

Houston had recently finished filming a starring role in the remake of the 1976 film “Sparkle.” Saturday evening, a spokesperson for Sony Pictures said the movie’s August 17th release date remains firm.

Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement, “Six-time Grammy-winner Whitney Houston was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.”

In a later report for CBS2 and KCAL9, Edward Lawrence said scores of fans have gathered outside the Hilton. “Many are holding candles and many are singing her songs.”

He spoke to fan Melody Daff who said the singer’s death hit close to home. “I’m 48. She was 48.”

IMAGES: Whitney Houston’s Amazing Life And Tragic Death

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

[Update a/o 3:30 p.m.] An autopsy has been conducted on Whitney Houston, but Beverly Hills police say that a hold has been placed on the findings.

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Just hours before Sunday’s Grammy Awards, the music industry and fans are mourning the loss of Whitney Houston.

» PHOTOS: Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Houston’s body arrived at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office in Boyle Heights 11 hours after she was declared dead at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The pop superstar was pronounced dead 3:55 p.m. Saturday in her fourth-floor room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Kirk Hawkins, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said paramedics performed CPR for 20 minutes prior to that after they were called by a member of Houston’s entourage.

Houston was found unresponsive in a bathtub in her fourth floor hotel room.

Houston’s family says they talked to her earlier Saturday and didn’t believe anything was unusual.

But during a rehearsal last week, some witnesses said she was sweating profusely while others said she was doing handstands by the pool at the hotel.

Coroner’s officials say they can’t talk discuss what they saw in her room.

“It didn’t appear that there was foul play and that’s all I can say about it,” said Los Angeles County Asst. Chief Coroner Ed Winter.
Houston has been treated at least twice for her addictions.

In a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she said she used cocaine for several years with her then-husband Bobbi Brown.

Toxicology tests will determine if legal or even illegal drugs played a role in her death. The results of those tests could take several weeks.

However, an autopsy is expected begin at some point Sunday.

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» Exclusive: Make-Up Artist Recalls His First — And Last — Meeting With Icon Whitney Houston
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» Singer Whitney Houston Dead At 48

BEVERLY HILLS (CBS) — Stars and fans are grieving the loss of music legend Whitney Houston.

Outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Houston died late Saturday afternoon, fans came to remember the icon by placing flowers, candles and a card at a memorial.

(credit: Joy Benedict/CBS)

The 48-year-old singer was scheduled to attend Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy gala with the famed music executive.

Joy Benedict, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, said many in attendance thought twice about going to the event but say they changed their minds knowing that the night would be in honor of the star.

“Her legacy, of course, is the fact that she has influenced so many amazing singers and who themselves are influencing younger singers. So what she had to offer world will be handed down from generation to generation,” said Producer Jimmy Jams.

“She touched all of our hearts. There isn’t anybody who wasn’t moved by the great talent that she was. She was one of the greatest talents,” said Actor Jon Voight.

Houston was introduced to the world at the Davis party decades ago. As a young girl, she was discovered by Davis who molded her into a superstar.

On Sunday, Davis was quoted as saying:

“So, by now, sadly, you’ve all learned of the unspeakably tragic news of our beloved Whitney’s passing. I don’t have to mask my emotions, not in front of this room full of so many dear friends. I do have a very heavy heart, and I am personally devastated by the loss of someone who has meant so much to me, for so many years. Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight. She was not at all scheduled to perform, she loved music. And she loved this night that celebrates music.”

Houston died Saturday at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The cause of death hasn’t been determined.

Show Ken Ehrlich says Hudson will be featured in a “musical tribute.” He said it’s too fresh to do more now, but they had to note the Grammy-winner’s amazing accomplishments.

Prior to the news of Houston’s death, Hudson attended a pre-Grammy event where she discussed the impact Houston had on her career.

The Chicagoan talked about her love for Houston’s hit “I Will Always Love You” and said that she would “create duets with her because I wanted to sing with Whitney Houston.”

Houston actually presented Hudson with her first Grammy. Hudson said meeting her idol “almost overshadowed getting the Grammy.”

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Whitney Houston needed a make-up artist Thursday and Reginald Dowdley, through a connection, got a surprise call and then the gig.

He spoke exclusively Saturday night with Louisa Hodge — reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9 News — hours after he learned of the icon’s death. She called him earlier Saturday to do her make-up for Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy party.

Dowdley had never met Houston before Thursday and her death hit him hard.

“I was elated to do her make-up,” he told Hodge, “I finally got to work with her…someone I idolized. And I thought, ‘wow, now I’m working with her.”

Although some media reports said Houston was “erratic” on Thursday, Dowdley said he found her nothing but great, professional, friendly and fun to work with.

“She asked me some personal questions, she told me how great life was, how happy she was,” he said.

He showed Hodge a series of photos on his cell phone showing the singer ebullient and beaming. She enjoyed his work so much, she called him Saturday and wanted to book his services. “I was … honored,” he said, choking back tears.

“I still can’t believe she is gone,” he says, “just two days later. I’m shocked. I cried earlier. But I don’t believe it.”

During their make-up session, Dowdley says Houston chatted while enjoying gospel music and described her as “joyful…vibrant. She was just relaxing. And so excited. She talked a lot about the party tonight … and how she was so looking forward to it.”

Publicist Kristen Foster said Saturday that the singer had died, but the cause and the location of her death were unknown.

Reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, Edward Lawrence said she was found on the 4th floor of the Beverly Hilton. He said paramedics tried to revive her but she was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.

Houston was set to attend Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy party.

Notable music producer Scott Bomar told CBS, “Whitney performing was always the apex of this party. It is surreal that she passed here earlier today. You can feel in the room that we have lost one of our own and an icon. It was all made more real when I got into an elevator with Dionne Warwick and many of her family…you realize how much of a loss this is not only to her fans but her family as well.”

Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson will reportedly sing a tribute to Houston at Sunday’s Grammys. Khan, of course, first sang one of Houston’s biggest smashes, “I’m Every Woman.”

At her peak, Houston the golden girl of the music industry. From the middle 1980s to the late 1990s, she was one of the world’s best-selling artists. She wowed audiences with effortless, powerful, and peerless vocals that were rooted in the black church but made palatable to the masses with a pop sheen.

Her success carried her beyond music to movies, where she starred in hits like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.”

She had the he perfect voice, and the perfect image: a gorgeous singer who had sex appeal but was never overtly sexual, who maintained perfect poise.

She influenced a generation of younger singers, from Christina Aguilera to Mariah Carey, who when she first came out sounded so much like Houston that many thought it was Houston.

But by the end of her career, Houston became a stunning cautionary tale of the toll of drug use. Her album sales plummeted and the hits stopped coming; her once serene image was shattered by a wild demeanor and bizarre public appearances. She confessed to abusing cocaine, marijuana and pills, and her once pristine voice became raspy and hoarse, unable to hit the high notes as she had during her prime.

“The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy,” Houston told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in an infamous 2002 interview with then-husband Brown by her side.

It was a tragic fall for a superstar who was one of the top-selling artists in pop music history, with more than 55 million records sold in the United States alone.

She seemed to be born into greatness. She was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick and the goddaughter of Aretha Franklin.

Photo Gallery: Universal City, Ca Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston at the MTV awards. (Photo by Brenda Chase Online USA, Inc.)

Houston first started singing in the church as a child. In her teens, she sang backup for Chaka Khan, Jermaine Jackson and others, in addition to modeling. It was around that time when music mogul Clive Davis first heard Houston perform.

“The time that I first saw her singing in her mother’s act in a club … it was such a stunning impact,” Davis told “Good Morning America.”

“To hear this young girl breathe such fire into this song. I mean, it really sent the proverbial tingles up my spine,” he added.

Before long, the rest of the country would feel it, too. Houston made her album debut in 1985 with “Whitney Houston,” which sold millions and spawned hit after hit. “Saving All My Love for You” brought her her first Grammy, for best female pop vocal. “How Will I Know,” ”You Give Good Love” and “The Greatest Love of All” also became hit singles.

Another multiplatinum album, “Whitney,” came out in 1987 and included hits like “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

The New York Times wrote that Houston “possesses one of her generation’s most powerful gospel-trained voices, but she eschews many of the churchier mannerisms of her forerunners. She uses ornamental gospel phrasing only sparingly, and instead of projecting an earthy, tearful vulnerability, communicates cool self-assurance and strength, building pop ballads to majestic, sustained peaks of intensity.”

Her decision not to follow the more soulful inflections of singers like Franklin drew criticism by some who saw her as playing down her black roots to go pop and reach white audiences. The criticism would become a constant refrain through much of her career. She was even booed during the “Soul Train Awards” in 1989.

“Sometimes it gets down to that, you know?” she told Katie Couric in 1996. “You’re not black enough for them. I don’t know. You’re not R&B enough. You’re very pop. The white audience has taken you away from them.”

Some saw her 1992 marriage to former New Edition member and soul crooner Bobby Brown as an attempt to refute those critics. It seemed to be an odd union; she was seen as pop’s pure princess while he had a bad-boy image, and already had children of his own. (The couple had a daughter, Bobbi Kristina, in 1993.) Over the years, he would be arrested several times, on charges ranging from DUI to failure to pay child support.

But Houston said their true personalities were not as far apart as people may have believed.

“When you love, you love. I mean, do you stop loving somebody because you have different images? You know, Bobby and I basically come from the same place,” she told Rolling Stone in 1993. “You see somebody, and you deal with their image, that’s their image. It’s part of them, it’s not the whole picture. I am not always in a sequined gown. I am nobody’s angel. I can get down and dirty. I can get raunchy.”

It would take several years, however, for the public to see that side of Houston. Her moving 1991 rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl, amid the first Gulf War, set a new standard and once again reaffirmed her as America’s sweetheart.

In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with “The Bodyguard.” Despite mixed reviews, the story of a singer (Houston) guarded by a former Secret Service agent (Kevin Costner) was an international success.

It also gave her perhaps her most memorable hit: a searing, stunning rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” which sat atop the charts for weeks. It was Grammy’s record of the year and best female pop vocal, and the “Bodyguard” soundtrack was named album of the year.

She returned to the big screen in 1995-96 with “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” Both spawned soundtrack albums, and another hit studio album, “My Love Is Your Love,” in 1998, brought her a Grammy for best female R&B vocal for the cut “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay.”

But during these career and personal highs, Houston was using drugs. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2010, she said by the time “The Preacher’s Wife” was released, “(doing drugs) was an everyday thing. … I would do my work, but after I did my work, for a whole year or two, it was every day. … I wasn’t happy by that point in time. I was losing myself.”

In the interview, Houston blamed her rocky marriage to Brown, which included a charge of domestic abuse against Brown in 1993. They divorced in 2007.

Houston would go to rehab twice before she would declare herself drug-free to Winfrey in 2010. But in the interim, there were missed concert dates, a stop at an airport due to drugs, and public meltdowns.

She was so startlingly thin during a 2001 Michael Jackson tribute concert that rumors spread she had died the next day. Her crude behavior and jittery appearance on Brown’s reality show, “Being Bobby Brown,” was an example of her sad decline. Her Sawyer interview, where she declared “crack is whack,” was often parodied. She dropped out of the spotlight for a few years.

Houston staged what seemed to be a successful comeback with the 2009 album “I Look To You.” The album debuted on the top of the charts, and would eventually go platinum.

Things soon fell apart. A concert to promote the album on “Good Morning America” went awry as Houston’s voice sounded ragged and off-key. She blamed an interview with Winfrey for straining her voice.

A world tour launched overseas, however, only confirmed suspicions that Houston had lost her treasured gift, as she failed to hit notes and left many fans unimpressed; some walked out. Canceled concert dates raised speculation that she may have been abusing drugs, but she denied those claims and said she was in great shape, blaming illness for cancellations.

Simon Cowell was reportedly considering Houston to fill a judges seat on Fox’s second season of  “X Factor.”

Houston had recently finished filming a starring role in the remake of the 1976 film “Sparkle.” Saturday evening, a spokesperson for Sony Pictures said the movie’s August 17th release date remains firm.

Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement, “Six-time Grammy-winner Whitney Houston was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.”

In a later report for CBS2 and KCAL9, Edward Lawrence said scores of fans have gathered outside the Hilton. “Many are holding candles and many are singing her songs.”

He spoke to fan Melody Daff who said the singer’s death hit close to home. “I’m 48. She was 48.”

IMAGES: Whitney Houston’s Amazing Life And Tragic Death

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Celebrities — fans and friends — took to Twitter to express their shock and grief about the untimely death of singer/actress/legend Whitney Houston at 48. And they get so emotional…

Ex-husband Bobby Brown was performing with his old group New Edition in Mississippi. He admittedly had trouble taking the stage. He told the crowd, “I love you, Whitney.”

“Dancing With the Stars” dancer Cheryl Burke: So sad to be writing this. My prayers go out to her family. RIP Whitney Houston.

Aretha Franklin: My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.

Dolly Parton: Houston did a famous remake of Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” Mine is just one of millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston.

Eddie Murphy: R.I.P. Whitney Houston. #Retweet for Respect 1-Love, 1-Legend, 1-Nation!

Jane Fonda: Stunned by #Whitney’s death. So sad. Going to Clive’s pre-Grammy party. She was his darling. Whew

Lady Gaga: R.I.P Whitney Houston – She has won 415 Awards, 2 Emmys, 6 Grammys, 22 American Music Awards, 30 Billboard Awards, >300,000,000 Albums Sold

Actress Holly Robinson Peete: Please please please don’t let this be true….

“The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd: “Whitney I hope you found the peace in Heaven that you could never seem to find down here. RIP Ms. Houston “where do broken hearts go”

TV personality and husband of Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” RIP to Whitney Houston a true queen.”

“Jessica Simpson:I found my voice singing Whitney Houston’s music. Today I lost my idol.

Mariah Carey: Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.

Russell Simmons:R.I.P. Whitney Houston, really can’t believe this

Reality star Kim Kardashian: Just heard the tragic news that Whitney Houston passed away. I pray for her daughter & loved ones. We will always love you Whitney…

Joan Rivers: Whitney Houston. What a sad tragedy-the end of the life of an incredible talent. RIP to an amazing singer and legend.

Talk show host Rosie O’Donnell: Dear God … There is a grief that can’t be spoken #DEVASTATED

Tennis great Serena Williams: #OneMomentInTime has propelled me to many of my grand slams victories. #whitneyhouston

Kelly Osbourne: i truly hope you are in peace #WhitneyHouston i feel so honored to have known you! i love you RIP!

Simon Cowell: “I am so sad to hear about Whitney. We have lost one of the greatest singers of all time.”

Oscar winner Goldie Hawn: I am so very sad to hear of Whitney Houston’s passing. She was one of our great artist that graced us all. May she rest in peace.

Singer Gloria Estefan: Shocked we’ve lost the immensely talented Whitney Houston! Sending prayers of peace & solace 2 her family, friends & fans! Such a loss!

Estefan also tweeted her grief in Spanish. Siento mucho la perdida de Whitney Houston! Enviando oraciones a su familia, amigos y fans para que tengan paz durante este momento difícil!

Author Terry McMillan: And what about her daughter?

CBS News’ Byron Pitts: Hers was a gift from God. A gift that gave us all joy

Singer Toni Braxton: She’s paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble…1 the best in the world

Newark Mayor Cory Booker: RIP Whitney Houston, a Legend and great American artist. And always, one of Newark’s and New Jersey’s treasured daughters.

LaToya Jackson: I can’t fathom the fact that #whitneyhouston has died! My heart goes out 2 her mother, daughter & her love ones. #Whitney U will be missed!

Comedian Kathy Griffin who often made jokes about Houston in her act: “She was A TALENT & A LEGEND. She was never a “reality star” No jokes from me about Miss Houston today.”

Bravo’s Andy Cohen, host of “Watch What Happens Live” So sad. One of my favorites. The golden, pure voice will live forever. #RIPWhitney

Director Adam Shankman: I choreographed I’m your baby tonight miss you angel

CBS2 Anchor Pat Harvey: I’m so sad. Praying for her family. Whitney’s first album came out the year my daughter was born. Rest in peace.

Reality star and Kardashian mom Kris Jenner: So so sad that Whitney Houston died.. praying for her daughter and her family…tragic..just heartbreaking..amazing talent, amazing voice..

Political observer Donna Brazile: #Whitney Houston achieved cross over appeals with hit after hit. Sitting on the train next to a man playing her songs one after another.

“Entertainment Tonight” co-host Nancy O’Dell: “I am in shock and so sad…Whitney Houston reported dead.”

“Bold And Beautiful” star Brandon Beemer (Owen): RIP Whitney Houston. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. She was blessed with such an amazing talent.

“Young And The Restless” star Greg Rikaart (Kevin): I remember being wow’ed the first time I saw the video for ‘The Greatest Love of All’ on MTV. Terribly sad news. Thoughts r w/ her family.

Jennifer LopezSuch a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family.”

Robin Leach: Whitney’s mentor, record mogul CliveDavis holds annual Grammy Eve party in LA set for tonight- how will he cope with her death?

Author Jackie Collins: Whitney Houston is dead. A beautiful & talented woman RIP Whitney

Actor LeVar Burton:Damn! I don’t even known what to say… #RIPWhitney

Actress Rita Wilson: “So terribly sad. Whitney Houston should have lived a long life. Her gift was God given.”

“Chopped” judge and celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli: I grew up on Whitney Houston songs. Her voice had a way of getting you thru the hard stuff and celebrating the good stuff She will be missed

Howard Stern sidekick Robin Quivers: Whitney, we missed you even before you were gone. RIP.

Tori Spelling:N shock about Whitney Houston’s death.Not shocked media already talking abt wht led2 it. She was a legend. Let her family&fans mourn&shut up

“The Early Show’s” Jeff Glor: Super Bowl performance may have been the most carefree, soaring, perfect performance I’ve ever seen #Whitney

Singer Sam Harris: I am just so so sad. I can’t believe the news about Whitney Houston. I first saw her perform when she was about.

Actress Lauren Holly:So sad about Whitney. Years ago we shot catalogues together, she singing to me all the days, telling me it was her dream. I was so lucky.

Radio deejay Rick Dees: Such a voice, such an incomparable, moving talent. There will never be anyone like Whitney. God bless

Film critic Roger Ebert:For addicts, using has long, long since ceased being any form of pleasure. It’s a sentence. My heart goes out to its captives.

Singer Solange Knowles:I will always remember Whitney Houston as a true, outstanding, talent. A radiant beauty. A magical smile. A voice that made you shiver.

Forest Whitaker: May gods breath surround you, Whitney. And may you be held in the arms of the angels. Please, pray to comfort all those who hold her dear

Chris Kattan: I remember how sweet Whitney Houston was [to] us cast members on SNL. The world just lost an incredible voice. Just like that. Tragic.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: We mourn the passing of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest voices of all time.

Legend Tony Bennett:It’s a tragedy. Whitney Houston is the greatest singer I ever heard and she will be truly missed.

Katie Couric:So sad to hear the news of Whitney Houston’s passing. What a tragic loss. She was an unbelievable talent.

MC Hammer:Whitney Houston, I will always miss you I always loved you and my heart grieves for my sister gone to soon. (RIP Whitney)

Fergie:Whitney was a vocal idol for me as a young girl. I am so sad.

Larry King:At Clive Davis’ annual pre Grammy party. It’s surreal. The only topic is Whitney Houston..,as it should be.

Quincy Jones:I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly.

Smokey Robinson:I’ve known Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her.

Bruno Mars: “This is terrible news. I’m sick to my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney.”

IMAGES: Whitney Houston’s Life Remembered