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Jennifer Hudson to perform Whitney tribute

Feb 12, 2012, 11:01 GMT

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson will perform a tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammy Awards tonight (12.02.12).

Executive producer of the music awards Ken Erhlic has confirmed the Oscar-winning singer-and-actress will make a 'respectful musical tribute' at the event, as it would be impossible to mark the Grammys - of which Whitney won six - without acknowledging her passing.

He told the Los Angeles Times: 'It's too fresh in everyone's memory to do more a this time, but we would be remiss if we didn't recognise 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.'

He added it had been difficult for him to watch the 'I Look to You' singer's voice decline after years of addiction issues.

He said: 'It's hard to think of an artist who had such an incredible instrument, not to mention beauty, which made her difficulties in recent years even harder to accept.'

Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy, added in a statement on the Grammy's official website: '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.'

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards take place at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles tonight.