Cissy Houston and Divas Pay Tribute to Whitney Houston at BET Awards

The legendary Whitney Houston was remembered with a star-studded tribute at the BET Awards on Sunday. Mariah Carey fought back tears as she spoke about her friend and fellow diva. “The first time I heard Whitney Houston’s voice I was mesmerized like the rest of the world,” said Mariah.

One of the singers Whitney inspired most, Monica, brought down the house with the gospel hymn “I Love the Lord.” Her collaborator Brandy put her best foot forward with “I’m Your Baby Tonight” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” Whitney’s brother Gary Houston was up next, singing “Where You Are” before making way for Whitney’s mother Cissy.

There was not a dry eye in the house as the 78-year-old matriarch performed “Bridge over Troubled Water.” “This is for you, Nip,” said Mrs. Houston.

Whitney’s Waiting to Exhale castmates Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon recalled memories of working with the singer-actress and Chaka Khan had everyone on their feet as she closed with “I’m Every Woman.”