The Clive Davis Grammy Pre-Party Was Whitney Houston's Show

Clive Davis said it best last night at his annual pre-Grammy party: "Welcome back to music, Ms. Whitney Houston."

But Ms. Houston did not sing. Davis is slowly gearing fans up for Houston's comeback. He keeps giving everyone a little peek. It was in October when Houston made her first public appearance since announcing her split from Bobby Brown. She was Davis' date to the Carousel of Hope Ball. Last night, she held court at a table in the middle of the room.

Sitting right in front of me was an almost unrecognizable Meg Ryan (what has she done to her face?). Other boldfaced names included Katharine McPhee, Berry Gordy, Barry Manilow, Earth Wind & Fire, Ciara, Rihanna, Priscilla Presley, Janet Jackson, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Mary J. Blige, Randy Jackson, Chris Daughtry, Mario Vasquez, Jon Voight, Lynn Redgrave, Larry King, JC Chasez and John Mayer.

Justin Timberlake was also on the bill, but he had to cancel at the last minute because he apparently had the flu. Sources tell me he appeared ill earlier in the week during Grammy rehearsals. "He was coughing and sneezing and sounded a little hoarse," one eyewitness told me.

Davis certainly saved the best for last. Jennifer Hudson performed "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" for the first time since she sang it while filming Dreamgirls. Davis said it would be the only time Hudson would perform the legendary torch song in public. And that wasn't all. Ms. Hudson had everyone hootin' and hollerin' when she ended the night with "I Am Changing."

(Flynet)

Tons more photos (Sean Combs, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson, Ashlee Simpson, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Christina Aguilera, JC Chasez, LeeAnn Rimes, Katharine McPhee, Kid Rock, Sharon Osbourne, Carrie Underwood, Dave Grohl, Lisa Marie Presley, Pink, Vanessa Minnillo, Nick Lachey, Wyclef Jean, Natalie Cole, Riahanna, Al Gore, Tipper Gore, Pricilla Presley, Slash and Mary J. Blige) from the Clive Davis Grammy Pre-Party after the jump.

(Flynet)

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