UPDATE: Chaka Khan announced on Twitter that she would not be participating in the performance. "As I grieve the loss of my friend and ‘little sister,’" she wrote, "I don’t feel it appropriate to perform at this time. Continue to pray for the family."
One of the many questions following the tragic death of legendary singer Whitney Houston Saturday was how it would alter the Grammys tonight. The show's executive producer, Ken Ehrlich, announced on CNN that the show will honor Houston, who was nominated 26 times and won six awards.
"It's too fresh in everyone's memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn't recognize Whitney's remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and in particular her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years," Ehrlich told CNN.
Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to Houston. Both singers were close to Houston. Other changes to the show to honor Houston have yet to be disclosed.
Recording Academy President Neil Portnow released a statement on the loss of Houston:
Six-time GRAMMY winner Whitney Houston was one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.
Khan tweeted immediately following the death, "I'm speechless … I'm in shock right now. Just pray for her and the family."
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