On November 17, 2023, the special concert event “The Greatest Love of All – A Tribute to Whitney Houston” took place, featuring Belinda Davids paying homage to the late American singer Whitney Houston, who passed away in 2012.
Belinda Davids’ voice as a proustian memory
For me, this concert was a true Proustian moment. It felt like a pilgrimage through time, stirring up bittersweet memories and transporting me back to those days, more or less carefree, where I clung to every note that Whitney let soar into the air like a gentle fragrance. Belinda captured Whitney’s essence perfectly. With each note, she wove an intimate connection between the audience and Whitney’s memory, filling the Pleyel hall with tangible warmth and energy.
From the opening notes of “The Greatest Love of All,” a shiver ran through me. These lyrics, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all,” sung by Whitney Houston, had cradled my childhood, shaped my youth, and guided my path to self-acceptance. Whitney was more than just a diva to me; she was a light in the darkness, a voice that resonated with my own struggles and dreams. She embodied what I dared to imagine for myself: a talented, strong, beautiful Black woman triumphing in a world that didn’t always make it easy.
Those who know me will tell you how much I admire Whitney. How many times have I sung her songs in karaoke, swept away by the passion and power of her voice, dreaming that, for a moment, I could touch even a fraction of her brilliance? Whitney was a force of nature, with an unmatched stage presence and a voice that seemed to touch the soul directly. She defined what it meant to be a Diva, not only with her supernatural vocal ability but also with her vulnerability and grace.
Whitney Houston: the voice of a generation and the legacy of a legend
Whitney Houston was not just a diva; she was a legend. Whitney marked history as one of the greatest voices of all time. Her performances were stunning displays, where every gesture and expression was infused with pure emotion. Her powerful, emotive voice won over millions of hearts, and her albums sold in the millions. “I Will Always Love You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “One Moment in Time,” “I Have Nothing” became classics, songs that defined a generation and still resonate with equal force today.
Whitney also left her mark on the big screen with iconic performances in films like “The Bodyguard.” Her transcendent talent was honored with numerous awards, including Grammys, Emmys, and even entries in the Guinness World Records. But it wasn’t without struggles; the pressures of public life, personal challenges, and battles against very private demons often made headlines. Yet, even in her darkest moments, Whitney remained an inspiration, proof that talent and humanity can coexist, even under the weight of adversity.
Belinda Davids: reinventing Whitney, a vocal tribute beyond imitation
Belinda Davids’ performance was a fitting tribute, a celebration of the life and legacy of an artist who forever changed the musical landscape. As a longtime fan, I was deeply moved by the fidelity of her interpretation, the accuracy of every note.
Belinda Davids, hailing from South Africa, always had a special connection with Whitney Houston. Her voice, discovered in church choirs, carries that same ability to deeply move. When chosen from thousands to portray Whitney in “The Greatest Love of All – A Tribute to Whitney Houston,” it was a defining moment in her career. Belinda doesn’t just imitate. She embodies Whitney’s spirit and passion.
Her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” was hailed as an authentically rare tribute, capturing not only the vocal technique but also the emotional essence of Whitney. Personally, I was particularly touched by her cover of “Saving All My Love for You.” It wasn’t a mere imitation but rather a respectful reinterpretation that retained the essence of the original while adding her own touch. Belinda Davids paid homage to Whitney Houston with a vocal performance that was both a tribute and a unique expression of her own art.
This tribute concert was an emotional journey. For all Whitney fans, it served as a reminder. Despite her absence, she lives on through her music. Belinda Davids, with her impressively pure and powerful voice, delivered an exceptional performance. Leaving the concert, the echoes of “I Have Nothing” and other iconic Whitney songs resonated in me, assuring me that, though the years may pass, Whitney Houston’s voice is eternal. She was and remains the soundtrack of my life: “The Greatest Love of All,” a daily reminder that the greatest love of all begins with self-love. And for that, I am forever grateful.
#5000VOICES is an initiative made possible thanks to our partners Engie, Accor, La Fondation RAJA, Aurel Bgc, Veolia, and Mastercard.