Kevin Costner, who was Houston's co-star in the 1992 film "The Bodyguard," was among those who spoke and performed at the singer's funeral at a New Jersey church where Whitney sang as a child growing up.
Houston's memorial service took place at the New Hope Baptist Church in the city of Newark in the singer's native state of New Jersey. Costner opened his speech talking about what he had in common with Houston, including their Baptist church-going childhoods.
Costner recalled asking Houston to star opposite him in what would be her first movie, "The Bodyguard" and though there were reasons to be worried about the casting, he remained confident in the decision.
"At the height of her fame as a singer I asked her to be my co-star in a movie called 'The Bodyguard.' I thought she was the perfect choice, but the red flags came out immediately," Costner recalled. "I was reminded that this would be her first acting role. 'We could also think about another singer,' was a suggestion. Maybe somebody white. Nobody ever said it out loud, but it was a fair question, it was. There would be a lot riding on this - maybe a more experienced person was the way to go. It was clear, I needed to think about this. I told everyone that I had taken notice that Whitney was black. The only problem was, I thought she was perfect for what we were trying to do."
He also said that Houston lacked confidence in her performance in the film, but the 57-year-old actor assured the congregation that she was the only woman for the job.
Costner added. "Now, the only ones who sings your songs are young girls like you, who are dreaming of being you some day. And so to you, Bobbi Kristina and to all those young girls who are dreaming that dream, that maybe thinking, are they good enough? I think Whitney would tell you, 'Guard your bodies, guard the precious miracle of your own life, and then sing your hearts out,' knowing that there's a lady in heaven who is making God himself wonder how he created something so perfect. So off you go, Whitney, off you go. Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father, and when you sing before him, don't worry... you'll be good enough."
To eulogize is to be real and to make it real and Kevin Costner did. Costner made it real. Made it human. Made it where we all could relate, to feel the same things together. We are all the same!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 12:03AM 
