Whitney Houston hologram sparks backlash after performing on talk show: 'Leave her to rest in peace'
A controversial Whitney Houston hologram performed live on the British talk show This Morning on Wednesday morning ahead of its U.K. tour.
The singer — who died in 2012 — appeared in digital form accompanied by real live backing singers performing her hit “Greatest Love of All.”
“It felt like she was really here,” This Morning host Ruth Langsford said: “At one point it felt like she was looking at me.”
She was our greatest love of all, and now Whitney's back for a hologram tour! 🎶#ThisMorning pic.twitter.com/Djrf6Fwjbi
— This Morning (@thismorning) February 19, 2020
The Whitney Houston hologram is set to begin its tour of Europe in Sheffield, England on Feb. 25. The tour will then move on to North America.
Pat Houston, the late singer’s sister-in-law and executor of her estate, is producing the show in collaboration with BASE Hologram.
“Now is just the right time,” she said. “In the spirit of Whitney, I know we're doing all the right things right now.”
Houston died aged 48 in 2012 from an accidental drowning in a hotel bathtub the night before she was about to make her comeback performance at the Grammy Awards. An inquest found the "effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use" were contributing factors to her death.
The star had battled drug addiction for many years.
Many fans of The Bodyguard star have called the hologram tour disrespectful. And some This Morning viewers agreed.
Just seen #Whitneyhouston hologram on #ThisMorning . As a fan it looks nothing like her . It moves nothing like her . It’s a money spinner . I’ll stick to playing her on iTunes forever and leave her to rest in peace 🙄
— Daniel Murphy (@DANZOFFICIAL) February 19, 2020
I love Whitney Houston, but that hologram is bizarre. IMO it doesn't really even look like her. I'm sure it's all been done with the best of intentions, but I find it a bit creepy. #ThisMorning
— ?????? 🤖 (@gavinworby) February 19, 2020
The late Whitney Houston's hologram 'singing' on #ThisMorning
I just don't know what to say at this point.
Rest in peace, dear Whitney.— Lola Jaye (@LolaJaye) February 19, 2020
But other viewers loved the idea of seeing the legendary singer perform once again.
Wow! Just watched #WhitneyHouston perform on @thismorning AMAZING #hologram #howdotheydothat it made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. #Whitneysworldtour
— Jennifer Harrod BSc (@JennyTeamBadger) February 19, 2020
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