Whitney Houston remembered by music stars at pre-Grammy Gala

Music stars including Dave Grohl, Janelle Monae, LA Reid and Miguel have paid tribute to Whitney Houston, a year after her death, at the age of 48.

Whitney Houston died in her hotel room on February 11, 2012.

Speaking at a pre-Grammy gala in Los Angeles, Dave Grohl said Whitney Houston would be remembered “as one of the most iconic vocalists of all time.”

“Not only did she sell 800 bazillion records, but she’s [an] amazing singer.”

Dave Grohl was speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at music industry mogul Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party.

Whitney Houston had been due to attend last year’s event, but died hours before it took place.

R&B singer and actress Brandy said: “She was the greatest voice of all time and nobody will ever come close to touching her. I will never forget her.”

Miguel, who received a Grammy for best R&B song on Sunday night, added: “Whitney’s voice was powerful. She was dynamic. I would like her to be remembered for her voice and smile. I think she’d want to be celebrated.”

Contemporary soul singer Janelle Monae said she wanted to keep Houston’s “vision” alive.

“The <<regalness>> that she had, the class that she had. That’s something that I value.”

Record executive and X Factor judge Antonio “LA” Reid, who was being honored at the event, worked with Houston on the soundtrack to her hit movie The Bodyguard.

He said he liked to remember the more personal moments he had with Whitney Houston.

“I can’t sing, but I used to sing with Whitney, just for fun,” he said.

“Just that beautiful spirit and warm personality and that amazing voice.”

American Idol judge Randy Jackson said she would be remembered “as one of the greatest ever to grace a microphone. Greatest ever – that’s big”.

Johnny Depp, Sting, Ne-Yo, Quincy Jones and Patti Smith also attended the event at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, which was held in honor of Whitney Houston.

Whitney Houston accidentally drowned in her hotel bathroom. A coroner ruled that chronic cocaine use abuse and heart disease were also factors.

Her death sent shockwaves around the music industry, which was gathered in Los Angeles for the annual Grammy ceremony.

A last-minute tribute was arranged for the 2012 show, with singer Jennifer Hudson performing Whitney Houston’s biggest-selling single, I Will Always Love You.