If you asked millions of Americans a week ago if they were Whitney Houston "fans," they probably would have shrugged or shook their heads. But the online streaming of her funeral from a Newark, New Jersey church is being done for all of us. Because all it took was the shocking news that the singer had died in a Los Angeles bathtub at just 48 to send us rushing for our iPods.
One strain of I Will Always Love You, and the love for Whitney came rushing back. For eighties kids like me, she was the soundtrack to our childhoods. And who hasn't dreamed of dancing with somebody, somebody who loves them?
As we stream the live AP video of Whitney Houston's goodbye right here, here's what you need to know about what's going down today:
What Time Does it Start: The funeral will start at noon EST (9 a.m. PST), and the live streaming will coincide.
Where Is It Going On: Whitney's childhood church, the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, will welcome mourners to the place where Whitney's voice was first heard in the choir when she was a small girl. She will be buried later at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ, near her late father, John Russell Houston.
Who Will Sing: Legends Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder are expected to pay tribute in song, among others.
Who Will Speak: Whitney's long-time producer Clive Davis and actor Kevin Costner, who co-starred with the singer/actress in The Bodyguard, are among those slated to say a few words.
Who Will Attend: Whitney's ex-husband Bobby Brown has pledged he will be there, along with the couple's only daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Also expected to attend are Whitney's boyfriend Ray J and his sister Brandy, cousin Dionne Warwick, Bobbi Kristina's godmother CeCe Winans and celebrities ranging from Tyler Perry to Alicia Keys.
What's With the Flag?: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is holding firm on his plan to lower the American flag to half staff today in Whitney's honor, despite massive protest.
Where To Watch: Right here:
What was your favorite Whitney Houston song? Will you be playing it today in her honor?
Image via asterix611/Flickr