Christina Aguilera Will Honor Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard's 25th Anniversary at 2017 AMA's

"I am honored and humbled to be asked to participate in such a special tribute," the singer says

By Zach Johnson Oct 30, 2017 3:45 PMTags
Christina Aguilera, 2017 AMAsCourtesy of the AMAs

ABC and dick clark productions announced Monday that Christina Aguilera will sing a 25th anniversary tribute to Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard at the 2017 American Music Awards on Nov. 19. The performance will include songs from the soundtrack, released in 1992.

Aguilera, who has often cited Houston as one of her childhood heroes, memorably performed one of Houston's hits at the 2001 BET Awards. "Whitney herself stated in 2001 that Christina Aguilera sang the best version of her song 'Run to You,'" the Estate of Whitney E. Houston said in a statement. "It is with great appreciation and honor that she is returning to participate on the American Music Awards for a special tribute honoring the 25th anniversary of The Bodyguard. Whitney said that Christina is without a doubt one of the best voices she enjoyed in this generation of music. From the Estate of Whitney E. Houston, we thank you with great joy!"

Houston won 22 American Music Awards before her untimely death in 2012. Aguilera, who received her sole nomination in 2001, joins a performance lineup that includes Selena Gomez.

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Whitney Houston: A Life

"I am honored and humbled to be asked to participate in such a special tribute of a timeless soundtrack that has been a huge inspiration not only in my own personal life and career, but to countless aspiring singers—touching music lovers worldwide and influencing the history of music itself," Aguilera said in a statement. "To be honoring the one and only Whitney Houston is a blessing and I am grateful to celebrate the spirit of her songs and legend that lives on."

Academy Award winner Viola Davis will introduce Aguilera's performance.

"I feel eternally fortunate to have personally met her on and off the stage," the "Dirrty" singer told E! News in a statement. "My deep appreciation for her kindness to me while coming up in the business—her graciousness, generosity, humanity and beauty—lived up to everything I could have hoped for in meeting my idol and will forever be cherished in my memory of her."

Originally released on Nov. 17, 1992, The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide and is the top-selling soundtrack album of all-time. Houston, who produced it with Clive Davis, provided vocals on six songs: "I Will Always Love You," "I Have Nothing," "I'm Every Woman," "Run to You," "Queen of the Night" and "Jesus Loves Me."

The 2017 AMAs will air Sunday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.