Ariana Grande Powers Through Sparkling Whitney Houston Medley on ‘Greatest Hits’
Ariana Grande has often garnered comparisons to Mariah Carey, but on August 4 the Dangerous Woman resurrected the spirit of another iconic '80s and '90s pop diva: Whitney Houston.
The two-hour season finale of Greatest Hits aired on ABC Thursday night, where Grande was a special guest performer, kicking off the live TV event with a brief but electrifying medley of two of Houston's most beloved career singles: 1985's sparkling "How Will I Know?" and "Queen of the Night," off The Bodyguard soundtrack.
Strutting onto the stage in metallic silver thigh high boots, a massive scrunchie and an appropriately crimped high ponytail, the "Into You" singer powered through an electronically-elevated, choir-backed rendition of Houston's sweet '80s bop about falling in love, putting a slightly more modern club twist on the tune.
Flanked by male dancers, the pop star then followed up the first song with a segue into Houston's campy early-'90s pop prowler, "Queen of the Night," participating in some spirited, high attitude voguing towards the end of her set.
"Honored to be paying homage to my angel," she wrote on Instagram before her performance on the finale, which included additional performances from artists including Celine Dion, Sheryl Crow, Kelsea Ballerini and Adam Lambert.
Thankfully, no holograms were used — nor necessary — for Grande's tribute. Watch below:
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