WHITNEY HOUSTON BURIAL

We'll always love you: Whitney is carried from funeral to sound of her greatest hit - but Bobby Brown storms out in row over seating

Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the church shortly before the service began
Gave a statement afterwards saying: 'I fail to understand why security treated my family this way'

Boyfriend Ray J reached out and touched the casket as it was led out, overcome with emotion

Kevin Costner fought back tears as he shared memories of his long friendship with the star

Aretha Franklin 'too ill' to sing or attend service
Alicia Keys wept as she remembered her friend

Cousin Dionne Warwick officiated the ceremony
Mentor Clive Davis said: 'You wait a life time for a voice like that to come along'
Revealed singer told him she was kicking her old habits and said she would be 'ready by August'
Stevie Wonder said Whitney was his crush in his fantasy world

Mother Cissy Houston wrote on the program: 'I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years'

With the world watching, Whitney Houston's silver casket was carried out of the church where she first sang as a child and driven a mile to her final resting place yesterday - exactly a week after the singer's body was found dead in a bathtub in her Beverly Hills hotel room.

Her casket will reportedly be watched by 10 security guards until her body is buried alongside her father John Houston on Sunday.


The music world's biggest stars flocked to the highly-charged service in Newark, New Jersey, including Chaka Khan, Brandy, Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson. Singer Ray J, who spent time with Houston during her last days, broke down crying before the funeral had even begun.

At the service's close, with Whitney's greatest hit I Will Always Love You playing, her mother Cissy followed behind the casket supported by two helpers as she tearfully watched her only daughter’s coffin being taken out. Her wails of 'My baby!' could be heard throughout the church.

Before the service began, the star's ex-husband Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the church after arguing with Houston's family over the number of guests he was allowed to bring.



Final journey: Whitney Houston's silver casket was carried out as her greatest hit I Will Always Love You was played



Whitney Houston's boyfriend: Ray J emotionally reaches out to her coffin at the end of her funeral. The rapper put his hand out and touched the casket as it passed him down the aisle of the church, before collapsing into his seat overcome with emotion



Death of a star: Pall-bearers carry the casket of pop singer Whitney Houston to a hearse following her funeral service at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark






Escort: A procession of cars with flowers - one of which is the golden hearse carrying her casket - drive down the Newark street after the service escorted by police

Mother Cissy and Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina, 18, were in the front row, both in black, both with heads bowed in grief.

After storming out, Bobby Brown was driven away from the funeral but later returned in time for the start of the home going service.

Brown got into an argument with Whitney's family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him. He was invited and told he could bring two people but instead showed up with an entourage of nine.

Bobby reportedly became upset when he was told his party could not be seated. He was also refused to sit beside his daughter Bobbi Kristina in the front row.

In a statement put out by his representative after the funeral ended on Saturday afternoon, he explained: 'My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions.

'I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene.



Saying goodbye: The hearse carrying Whitney Houston leaves the New Hope Baptist Church after her funeral service







High-profile guests: The tragic star's former husband Bobby Brown, left, arrives at the service with friends and family members, who were moved by security. Singer Alicia Keys, right, leaves the church at the end of the service, in which she sang a tribute to her late friend






Denied: Brown is believed to have got into an argument with Whitney's family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him. He was invited and told he could bring two people but instead showed up with an entourage of nine and stormed out when he was told they could not be seated




Security: The casket will reportedly be watched over by 10 security guards before Houston's burial on Sunday







'My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.'

Speaking to CNN, Rev Al Sharpton said: ‘I talked to Bobby. He came to show love and respect to Whitney and Bobbi Kristina. He said all he wanted was to show respect and love. Bishop T. D. Jakes and I spoke to him earlier and he just wanted to show his respects.’

Speaking afterwards, Narada Michael Walden, who produced some of Houston's hits, said it was a 'beautiful service'.


He said: 'Everyone was feeling Whitney's spirit in there, it was beautiful. Steve Wonder changed the lyrics of his song to honour her. It was a great way to remember her'.



Last journey: Whitney's body was taken back to the funeral home right after the service and took the mile journey along streets she grew up in







Paying their respects: Singers Mary J. Blige, left, and Roberta Flack, right, attended the funeral. Flack said Whitney would have loved the musical service






Mourning: Civil rights activist and baptist minister Reverend Al Sharpton (left) told reporters he had spoken with Bobby Brown and said he had wished to pay his respects to his ex-wife

Legendary singer Roberta Flack, who was among the mourners, said: 'It was incredible and very emotional. It was very much something that Whitney as an exquisite and exceptional musician would have loved. During the service I could not help but think how young she was.'

Whitney’s body was taken back to the funeral home directly afterwards and took the mile journey along the streets that she grew up in.

The service started off with a brief welcome by City Mayor Cory Booke, pastor Joe Carter took to the altar to read some scripture and start the celebration of Whitney's life. He said: 'Whitney you are the only woman who could bring all of us together, Whitney today is your day.'


A program featuring a picture of Houston looking skyward read: 'Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God'. Pictures of Houston as a baby, with her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston and daughter, Bobbi Kristina filled the program.



Front row: Whitney Houston's mother Cissy and daughter Bobbi Kristina sat in the front pew at today's funeral (in red circle)



Comfort: Alicia Keys embraces Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina and her mother Cissy, both in black, who were sitting in the front row of the church


Whitney Houston's funeral program referred to the singer as 'A Child of God'

'I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long,' Cissy Houston wrote her daughter in a letter published in the program. 'And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years.'


'Rest, my baby girl in peace,' the letter ends, signed 'mommie'.

Gospel singer Donnie McClurken was the first soloist to sing. He performed Stand which was a request from the Houston family. As he came up to sing he briefly stopped to greet Whitney’s mother Cissy and her daughter Bobbi Kristina.


Members of the congregation stood up and started raising their hands and praising as Donnie McClurken sang to the congregation accompanied by the large gospel choir.


Dionne Warwick, who was officiating the service and introduced the guests to the congregation, told McClurkin after his performance: 'This song means a lot to Cissy and a great deal to Whitney so thank you.'


She then invited Tyler Perry to come and say a few words.


He started by saying: 'It was Pat (Whitney’s sister-in-law) that introduced me to Whitney. I met her a few years ago. She told me about things that she went through. I saw this sadness and heaviness.


'But before she would say what was bothering her she would interrupt and say "But the Lord... But my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ". I’m thankful for all that God has done in her life.


'There was a grace that followed her through her life. There was a grace that kept on carrying her. She loved the Lord.'


He ended by saying: 'God bless you family. We love you Whitney.'

He told the story through tears and laughter at how giving their long term friend was.


Bebe Winans sang a heartfelt rendition of I Really Miss You. The lyrics of which speak of how much he will miss her ‘wit, charm, just want to hold you in my arms.’


'I’ll miss her voice when she will call. I’ll miss her smile most of all. I’m gonna miss you.’


During the song, Bebe’s voice broke as he became emotional and he ended the song in tears.



The Bodyguard co-star: Kevin Costner paid tribute to Whitney Houston today and shared fond memories of his time with the singer with the rest of the congregation




Legend: Stevie Wonder said in his fantasy world he had a crush on Whitney before serenading the audience with Ribbons In The Sky




Celebrity mourners: Stevie Wonder arrived a few minutes late to the service and was helped to his seat. Speaking at the service, Tyler Perry said, 'There was a grace that followed her through her life. There was a grace that kept on carrying her. She loved the Lord'





Mentor: Clive Davis told the congregation, 'You wait a life time for that kind of voice to come along








My love is your love: Sister-in-law and manager Pat Houston is the first of her family to pay tribute to the star at the end of the service

Dionne Warwick said: ‘That’s someone who truly knew Whitney. He loved the lord and still does.'

She then invited gospel singer Bebe Winans to come up and sing.


Bebe Winans and his sister CeCe Winans came up to the altar. CeCe was a close friend of Whitney’s and is Bobbi Kristina’s Godmother.

'Whitney invited us over to her home and we sat in her closet. It was a huge closet,’ Bebe said.


He told the story of how Whitney changed her tour so they would be the ones to headline instead of her which made ‘Clive Davies’ mad.


He said that she was doing it because they were ‘poor’ and she was ‘rich’ and she wanted to help them and get them more exposure.



Performer: Singer Alicia Keys was tearful as she walked to the piano and spoke about her friendship with the singer






Leader: Houston's aunt, singer Dionne Warwick, officiated the service today and took to the altar several times to welcome the singers and speakers to the congregation


Grieving daughter: Bobbi Kristina claps for Stevie Wonder after one of his performances




Order: Whitney Houston's Home-Going Service list

Warwick then invited renowned pastor Bishop T. D. Jakes to the pew who met her on the set of the remake of Sparkle, Whitney’s final movie which will be released in August, which he helped to produce.


'Surrounded by friends and admirers enthralled by the beautiful Whitney Houston. But that’s not what brings you here because you knew who she was. Not what she did. You shared her with the world and we just want to take a moment to say thank you,’ he opened up with saying.

He embarked on a sermon where he talked about the Bible and spoke of love being stronger than death.

'One day you’ll be driving and hear Whitney’s voice in your head, something that she said or did, and you’ll giggle. They may leave you outwardly but they never leave you inwardly,' he finished.


Kim Burrell was next to take to the altar. The gospel singer and pastor says Whitney helped her in the start in her career.


She was supposed to sing I Believe In You and Me, a favourite of Whitney’s, but she instead did a personalised version of A Change Is Going To Come, where she sang that a change had to come in Whitney’s life.


Her lyrics were directed to Whitney’s mother Cissy and sang about how she would get on her knees and pray for her daughter during all the trials and tribulations in her life.


'Whitney a change has come,’ she ended the song with, before going to hug Cissy.

The Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner got up to share memories of his time with his beloved friend.

He started by saying: 'I would like to thank Cissy and Dionne for the honour of being here. Everyone treating my wife and I so gracefully.'


'The song I Will Always Love You almost wasn’t. She was meant to sing What Becomes of the Broken Hearted. So what becomes our broken hearts.


'For a moment we should dry our tears, suspend our sorrow and anger. Never forgot that Cissy and Bobbi Kristina are sitting among us.


'Your mother and I had a lot in common,' he said to Bobbi Kristina. 'He’s a boy, she’s a girl. I’m white, she’s black. You’d think we had nothing in common but we did.


'We both grew up in a Baptist church. My grandmother led the choir and played the piano.


Kevin told stories of his childhood in the church that Whitney enjoyed him telling her when they worked together including him 'drinking grape juice' in the back of the church.

He laughed: 'I can see her as a skinny girl running around this place, using her smile to get out of trouble and Cissy having enough of it. Whitney said she was waiting no whisper, her mother Cissy and cousin Dionne.


'As I’m sure of Whitney’s place in musical history. I’m also sure of how she felt about her mother. Was she good enough. Could I have done better. Did they really like me or were they just being polite because they’re scared of you Cissy?’



Weeping: Singer Alicia Keys struggled to contain her emotion as she sang at friend Whitney Houston's funeral, who she called 'a beautiful human being'


He spoke about how there was initial anxiety about Whitney, a black woman, to play alongside Kevin Costner.


DIONNE WARWICK'S POEM



Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free


I'm following the path God laid for me.


I took His hand when I heard Him call;


I turned my back and left it all.


I could not stay another day,


To laugh, to love, to work or play.


Tasks left undone must stay that way;


I found that place at the close of day.


If my parting has left a void,


Then fill it with remembered joy.


A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;


Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.


Be not burdened with times of sorrow


I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.


My life's been full, I savored much;


Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.


Perhaps my time seems all to brief;


Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.


Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.


He said that there was a sigh of relief when it turned out that Whitney was going to be able to do The Bodyguard because she was going to be one tour. But Kevin said he would wait a year for so she would be available.


'Whitney was nervous and scared that she wasn’t good enough for the role. But I told her I would be with her every step of the way.


'I wanted to tell her that the fame was rigged. That I didn’t care how the test went, that she could fall down and start speaking in tongues. That somehow it was a kind of acting method.

'The Whitney I knew despite her worldwide fame always worried. Am I good enough. Am I pretty enough. Will they like me. The part that made her great and the part that made her great was also the part that made her stumble.


'A lot of men could have played my role. But you Whitney were the only person who could have played Rachel Marron.


'People didn’t just like you Whitney. They loved you. I was your pretend bodyguard once. And now you’re gone too soon.


'What you did was the rarest of achievements. You set the bar so high. That your colleagues don’t even sing that little country song. What’s the point. I think Whitney would tell you, little girls wanting to become singers. Guard your bodies and guard the precious miracle you have.'


Fighting back tears he said: 'Off you go Whitney, off you go. Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father. When you sing before him. Don’t you worry. You will be good enough.'

Singer Alicia Keys was next to perform and, introducing her Dionne Warwick said she was 'a young lady that Whitney adored'.


Alicia was tearful as she walked to the piano and spoke about her friendship with the singer.


'We called each other Meema. She was such a beautiful human being. Call you for no reason at all but just to say hi. And that’s rare I think sometimes.


'I feel like in so many ways she reached back to me and to Michael and Brandy and Jordin and all these young artists and made us feel strong and capable and loved. I think she is an angel to us. She has been an angel to us.'


Alicia then sang a medley of songs on the piano starting with Send Me An Angel, changing the lyrics to Whitney is an Angel.

She tightly embraced Cissy and Bobbi Kristina as she stepped off the altar.