Top 10 Whitney Houston Live Performances of All Time
#10: “So Emotional”
“Moment of Truth World Tour” (1987-88)
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When Whitney Houston graced a live audience, she gave her performances that certain je ne sais quoi that you’d find hard to come by today. Arguably nothing exemplifies that more than her rendition of “So Emotional” during this World Tour. Can we just take a moment to acknowledge that she’s singing live?! She’s moving and grooving while each note comes out crisp, sharp, perfectly enunciated, but also different from the recording. Her stage presence is also captivating as she dances in perfect unison with her backing dancers and makes it look like the world’s best party is on that stage. We get “So Emotional” every time we watch this performance.
#9: “I’m Every Woman”
“The Bodyguard World Tour” (1993-94)
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Always a crowd-pleaser, Whitney closed almost all of her “Bodyguard World Tour” setlists with an encore of “I’m Every Woman.” It’s a bop at the best of times, but if you can believe it, this live version is even better. Her dulcet voice teases the audience, and once she unbuttons her blazer, it’s on. Considering this is the end of the night, we’re blown away by how incredible her voice sounds and how much energy she still has left to give. Her unbelievable performance and jaw-dropping vocal showcase serve as a reminder of just what a powerhouse she was. Plus, the atmosphere is so electric we want to get up and jump along with the crowd.
#8: “How Will I Know”
“3rd MTV Video Music Awards” (1986)
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Whitney was nominated for Best Female Video, so it only makes sense that there’s a nod to the music video’s aesthetic as she made her way to the VMAs stage. After her grand entrance, she proves that she only needs a microphone and her stellar vocals to deliver though. It’s a simple performance with little staging that puts Houston’s vocals under the spotlight - not that she really needs much help with that. But if you thought those high notes were impressive on the album, just wait until you hear them live! It’s a powerful and invigorating performance, and the fact that she won in her category is just the cherry on top.
#7: “The Star-Spangled Banner”
“Super Bowl XXV” (1991)
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We all know that these performances can go brilliantly right or incredibly wrong. But how many people can say that they nailed the United States National Anthem so impeccably that they released it as a charity single that peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became platinum certified? This was no ordinary occasion either, as the game took place 10 days into the Gulf War when countless Americans were fighting overseas. Houston described the atmosphere as “intense” and said that her performance was about instilling hope. She also said that she felt an “overwhelming love coming out of the stands.” While there’s been some debate about whether she actually sang live on the day, this is still one of the best, if not the best, National Anthem performances.
#6: “Home”
“The Merv Griffin Show” (1962-86)
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In 1983, Whitney made her TV debut, performing “Home” from “The Wiz” on “The Merv Griffin Show.” Now considering that at this time, the young singer was relatively unknown, no one could have expected the overwhelming magnitude of the voice they were about to hear. She starts soft and soulful, but it’s instantly obvious that there’s something special there. As the song builds, we’re treated to more of her impressive range and magnetic sound, and it’s clear that she’s a natural entertainer. Houston sings from her soul, compelling the audience to tune into every heartfelt lyric. Anyone who saw this knew this wouldn’t be the last they'd hear of Ms. Whitney Houston.
#5: “I Have Nothing”
“4th Billboard Music Awards” (1993)
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A phenomenal vocalist and born entertainer, there’s really no one quite like Whitney Houston. And when you have that much talent, you don’t need lavish sets or extravagant theatrics to put on an unforgettable showstopper. At the 1993 ceremony of the Billboard music Awards, Houston looks and sounds gorgeous as she showcases her enviable sound simply by singing her heart out into a microphone. The way she builds into the song’s crescendo still leaves us with chills, and the emotion behind every note has us feeling raw. Whitney’s so in control that she can play with the tempo and sound and have us hang onto her every word. Is it any wonder she’s not only affectionately known as “The Voice,” but also made history with her 11 wins that night?
#4: “I Will Always Love You”
“36th Annual Grammy Awards” (1994)
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Despite being a cover, this song is practically synonymous with Ms. Houston. And perhaps that’s partially because whenever she performed it, she slayed hard. Some notable examples include the 1994 “World Music Awards” and a revamped version for the 1999 “DIVAS LIVE” concert. However, the one we still can’t get over occurred at the 1994 Grammy Awards. By this point, the song had spent the better part of the previous year dominating the charts and breaking records. Yet, Houston found a way to make it fresh and even more stunning than the version we already knew. Her simple, stripped down performance is so gripping it practically has us in a trance that only Whitney’s powerful belt can break.
#3: “I Loves You, Porgy/And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going/I Have Nothing”
“21st American Music Awards” (1994)
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Although she never tread the boards herself, Houston was partial to the occasional show tune. In fact, at the 1994 AMAs, she performed a medley that featured a spine-tingling rendition of “I Loves You Porgy” from “Porgy and Bess” and her take on “Dreamgirls’” “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” that could give Jennifers Holliday and Hudson a run for their money. She finished her set with the stirring “I Have Nothing,” reminding everyone that Whitney is the bar against which we— albeit unfairly— judge all performances. This showcase proves she could have powered up the bright lights of Broadway with the strength of her voice alone. Talk about leading lady material!
#2: “Greatest Love of All”
“29th Annual Grammy Awards” (1987)
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Did you know that this song is also a cover? “The Greatest Love of All” was first recorded by George Benson in 1977, achieving moderate success. However, Houston propelled it into worldwide popularity, and Grammy performances like this only show why. The sincerity and conviction she puts into every note and lyric are spellbinding; you can really feel how much the message of the number resonates with her. Houston’s voice is flawless, but this song allows her to demonstrate every part of it in its fullest grandeur. She knows how to entice us by letting a lyric linger for longer and how to knock us off our seats with the money notes. She’s truly in a league of her own.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“When You Believe” with Mariah Carey, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” (1986-2011)
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“One Moment in Time,” “31st Annual Grammy Awards” (1989)
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“It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” “19th BRIT Awards” (1999)
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“Greatest Love of All,” “Liberty Weekend” (1986)
We Have the Greatest Love for This Number
“A Quiet Place,” “Superstars and Their Moms” (1987)
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#1: “All the Man That I Need”
“Welcome Home Heroes with Whitney Houston” (1991)
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We don’t need to tell you how hard it is to narrow down Whitney’s greatest performances, so choosing just one song from this concert was near impossible. “A Song For You” is stunning, and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is a bop. However, we just had to go with “All the Man That I Need.” Her ability to deliver a perfect performance is second to none. She’s vocally flawless, and every inch of her expresses the emotion and passion that the song demands in such a hypnotic way. The sound that comes out of her after the sax interlude is otherworldly and still has us leaping up in awe and adoration. There will never be another Whitney Houston.
