Whitney Houston "Dreadful" Down Under

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This story was written by CBSNews.com's Ken Lombardi

"Disappointed" and "disgraceful" were perhaps some of the gentler terms used by concert-goers in Brisbane to describe a recent show by the legendary and often highly-acclaimed singer, Whitney Houston.

"It's the worst concert I've ever been to in my life," said one audience member while standing in the parking lot of the Australian arena during Houston's set.

In fact, some viewers were so displeased by what they saw and did not even stay for the entire show. Many left midway through the concert and expressed their severe dissatisfaction with the pop diva, who regardless still stands as one of the highest-selling recording artists of all time.

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"Definitely not worth the $165 [for a ticket]," one fan lamented. Another fan in the arena parking lot was even harsher towards Houston's singing skills and overall ability to keep the audience engaged, flatly stating, "[Houston] couldn't entertain a dead rat...to be honest."

While her singing may come into question by fans Down Under, perhaps the most amount of surprise surrounds the harsh reaction of this concert in contrast with the prior amount of accolades Houston has received throughout her long-spanning career.

Publications such as Rolling Stone and The New York Times have often ranked her as one of the greatest singers in pop-music history. And many current popular recording artists of today, including Jennifer Hudson and Mariah Carey, have frequently cited their intense appreciation for Houston's talent and profound influence on their own bodies of work.

Prior chart-topping, world renowned hits from the 80s and early '90s such as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" or "I Will Always Love You" have been severely overshadowed by highly-publicized substance abuse setbacks, and a volatile marriage and subsequent divorce from troubled R&B singer, Bobby Brown.

Emerging in the mid-1980s, Houston (the cousin of popular 60s and 70s soul-singer Dionne Warwick) rose to prominence almost immediately following the release of her debut album, "Whitney." Houston also broke racial barriers as one of the first African-American singers to have music videos featured on MTV (remember when the music channel actually played music videos?) at a period when white artists were almost exclusively featured on the then-fledgling cable network.

So, what are your thoughts on the current state of Houston's singing skills? Are the glory days now behind this singer or are the Aussies unfairly bestowing her with a bad rap? Judge for yourself here:


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[jassylady48]

A day late and a dollar short. they can say and do what ever, her soul is at rest.

[stm128]

I think this story is somewhat late in timing considering she has passed away. Is CBS that hard up for a story?

[Foxygirl223]

First of all I love whitney houston I always will everyone needs to stop putting her down .Yes the girl made a mistake doing drugs and is now paying for it and trying to get better. I still believe in whitney because I know that she is going to make it. If people would stop judging her and help her to get better she would wow us again with her graceful,happy voice . I can not stand jelouse people because believe it or not alot of persons try to sing and act like her because she had it all and she was #1 and she still is to me . I think whitney deserves a second chance despite the bad comments I've read here today . I love you whitney and keep fighting,you are a beautiful person inside and out.

[SJCanny]

Followed her since 1986. Complete tragedy if things don't change...
Note to Whitney: You need to start worrying about saving your azz instead of your face. Do it before it's too late. There is such a thing.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

[remixhombre]

Ok this message is for the intelligent, openminded & respectful people to read. First off, Clive Davis shouldn't allowed Whitney to go on tour because of this kind of backlash. Knowing that she basically starting her career all over again from scratch, knowing shes hasnt been drug-free that long, Clive shouldve suggested Whitney only do tv shows & interviews allowing to get her voice back in shape along with whatever they are currently doing to help get her voice back in shape instead being quick to make money off her by doing a tour. When I heard she was going to do a tour, I said from the beginning "IT IS TOO SOON" especially after what happenend on GOOD MORNING AMERICA and since then I have followed her on YouTube & her voice is "SLOWLY" getting better. As for her recent cd, okay, this is what have to do: "Listen to the cd as if Whitney is a new artist" & forget about the past Whitney. She has to be looked at as a new artist starting over then you can appreciate the cd.

[enough-already]

Come on now, people- anyone who grew up in the 60s and 70s knows that Whitney Houston became famous for her pretty face and powerful voice. She was doing just fine, until she hooked up with that loser, Bobby Brown. Wasn't long after their marriage that we started hearing about her missing concerts for various reasons, and it turned out she had developed a bad coke/booze habit. After leaving Bobby Brown, she's tried to get her career back on track, but it looks like she burned herself out with all the booze and drugs. Pretty sad.

[CBSisCommunist5]

How will I know...

[dastib]

i just can not understand what has happened to this woman' it's got to be --ug's or something

[7276sps]

CRACK IS WHACK!

[usadvisor101]

anyone that pays $165 for a ticket is insane.

I would not pay $75 to see her or anyone else. as long as people pay, they will keep gouging the fans.