Whitney Houston was mournfully remembered at the 54th annual Grammy Awards Sunday (Feb. 11) with an emotional performance by Jennifer Hudson. Houston, who was a six-time Grammy winner, shockingly passed away on Feb. 11 in her room at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The mood was definitely somber as the show took a pause to remembered musical artists who have died within the past year including Amy Winehouse, ‘Soul Train’ founder Don Cornelius, Heavy D, saxophonist Clarence Clemons and many others.

With a spotlight shining on top of her, J.Hud sung Houston’s most-revered torch ballad, the Dolly Parton-penned ‘I Will Always Love You.’ During the opening lines of the song, Hudson’s vocals quiver just a bit, but she quickly recovered as she continued to sing the rest of the song’s touching lyrics. Unlike what happened at rehearsals, the ‘Dream Girls’ star didn’t tear up.

Near the end of her rendition, Hudson’s ear-piercing vocals reach the top of the auditorium as she sang the unforgettable lines, “I Will Always Love You.”

Like Grammy executive producer Ken Erhlich told the media on Saturday (Feb. 11), the tribute to Houston was very respectable. As expected, Jennifer Hudson did a phenomenal job honoring the late pop icon. It certainly reminded us why America loved Nippy so much.

Rest in peace, Whitney Houston. You will be sorely missed.

Watch the Whitney Houston Tribute at the 2012 Grammy Awards

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