Held at the Beverly Hills Hilton, Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party was a solemn one last night after the news broke that legendary singer Whitney Houston had died just hours before the soiree, where she was expected to attend. Whitney was only 48 years old, and in 2009, she was cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most-awarded female act of all time — with a total of over 400 awards (6 of which were Grammys) spanning the life of her career.

Britney has always cited Whitney Houston as one of her longtime musical inspirations and told Harper's Bazaar in 2011, "I've loved [Whitney] since I was a kid." Brit also quotes "I Will Always Love You" as her favorite track by the talented songstress.


Photo via BreatheHeavy.com.
Britney did attend last night's pre-Grammy party, beautifully clad in a black Herve Leger dress and matching YSL heels. She provided a brief, heartfelt statement (below) on Whitney's passing shortly before walking into the party with fiance Jason Trawick and managers Larry Rudolph and Adam Leber. Britney mingled with a few of the A-list guests, including Kim Kardashian and Richard Branson.

"I was the biggest fan of hers. She influenced me so much. She sent so much love out to the world and she was an inspiration for so many people, and we're there with her." —Britney Spears (via CNN)





Photos via Zimbio.