The comeback album of American singer Whitney Houston titled, I Look To You, released last August drew mixed reaction from critics and casual listeners alike. While some people praised the record and its content, some quarters who were expecting to hear Houston's trademark sound expressed disappointment citing the alleged dip in Whitney's range as a letdown.
But for Whitney's cousin, legendary American singer Dionne Warwick, Houston's courageous return to the recording scene and live circuit after years of battling personal demons was admirable enough worthy of a standing ovation.
"I feel elated for her!" Warwick told the entertainment press last October 1 at Crowne Plaza Hotel. Dionne met the local press a day before her scheduled one-night concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City titled A Memorable Evening with Dionne.
Dionne contradicted the lukewarm response posted by critics on Houston's latest record saying, "I love it. The character of the record, that's her and I think it's what people are waiting for and expecting."
Whitney's personal struggle to overcome drug addiction and her turbulent marriage to R&B singer Bobby Brown grabbed tabloid headlines all over the world for several years. Houston's court battle over divorce proceedings from Brown likewise gained public attention until the court granted Whitney full custody of their children and leaving her former husband with no spousal support.
It was in March 2007 when the announcement came out that Whitney will once again enter the recording studio upon the behest Arista Records main man Clive Davis to record a comeback album following a series of greatest hits offering.
Looking back at Whitney's struggles and her triumphant return, Dionne said with a sigh of relief: "Like everyone else I said a lot of prayers for her and a lot of love and she received it very, very well. Thank God she's doing exceptionally well... She's doing fine."