The 65th Annual Grammy Awards are just weeks away. Many of the biggest names in music gather for a week full of events across Los Angeles, California ending with the coveted ceremony on February 5, 2023, hosted by Trevor Noah. However, since the tragic death of the late singer Whitney Houston prior to the 2012 ceremony, a dark cloud has continued to hover over the event.
The late singer’s recent biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody starring Naomi Ackie, authorized by Houston’s estate, was a surface examination of the complexities of her life and career. Now, the estate has launched the Whitney Houston Hotel to dive even deeper look into her illustrious career, life, and her impact that was left out of the biopic. Noted as one of music’s greatest voices, the week-long event will center Houston’s music.
Partnering with Primary Wave and presented by Sony, the Whitney Houston Hotel, held inside the W Hotel in Hollywood, will host a week full of events, including live musical performances by Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child), Amber Riley, Baby Tate, Teddy Swims, Coco Jones, Georgia Ku, Kiana Ledé, Natalie Jane, a memorabilia exhibit, a pop-up shop, and more. See below for the full schedule.
While fans of the late Houston see this as another gross exploitation to capitalize on her death at the industry event, the family may be using this as an opportunity to change the narrative around it. However, considering the location and cause of her death, the framing presents as problematic at best. As distasteful as comedian Jerrod Carmichael’s joke about Houston’s accidental drowning at the Beverly Hilton, it is just a recent reminder of how the industry has continued to gloss over her troubling end.
Wednesday, February 1
- The official unveiling of the Whitney Houston Hotel
- Opening of the Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge
- Opening of the Whitney Houston Pop-Up Retail Shop
- Opening of the Whitney Houston Gallery featuring rare and iconic photos, as well as several gowns worn by Whitney throughout her career
Thursday, February 2
- Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge Artist Showcases
Friday, February 3
- Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Immersive Listening Lounge Whitney Houston Brunch and Panel Discussion Panel hosted by Kevin Frazier
- Artist Showcases
Saturday, February 4
- Primary Wave 16th Annual Pre-Grammy Carpet & Party
The Whitney Houston Hotel is sponsored by MAC Cosmetics, Proflowers, and City National Bank.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.