Mid Day International News

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At Whitney Houston's funeral, stars sing and fans grieve Posted: Some of the biggest names in the music industry gathered to pay tribute to Whitney Houston in New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. Whitney Houston's former husband Bobby Brown walked to her flower-covered coffin and touched it before walking out. Sweet send-off: Singer Alicia Keys attended Whitney Houston's funeral and even performed at the church Gospel choirs filled the church, where Houston herself performed as a child, while Alicia Keys, described her as an "angel" and a "beautiful human being", also performed. Meanwhile, actor Kevin Costner, described her during the service as the "greatest pop star in the world". The death of the star prompted a worldwide outpouring of grief, but her family decided that they wanted her funeral to be a private invitation-only event. Stevie Wonder also performed, describing it as "such an emotional moment". "I had so much respect for her love for music," he said. Aretha Franklin was also meant to sing but was too ill to attend. Meanwhile, fans made a makeshift memorial for her outside the church. Pics/afp Describing working with her Costner said Houston was "as beautiful as a woman could be". He went on, "The people didn't just like you Whitney, they loved you." Thousands of fans of the singer were also gathered outside the church to pay their last respects. Houston's final resting place will be next to her father John at the Fairview Cemetery. Houston bought drugs 2 days before death Houston allegedly bought three-and-a-half grams of cocaine two days before she died. The drug dealer concealed the stash in a pen and acted like an excited fan looking for a signature, as Houston partied at a nightclub Angeles days before she was found dead. Storming out Houston's ex, Bobby Brown, showed up at the service with an entourage. When he tried to have everyone seated, he was told that he could stay -- but the others had to go. So he left too.

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