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Aretha Franklin on Whitney Houston; New Jersey Church Grieves Hometown Icon; Grammys Mourn Whitney Houston; Remembering Whitney Houston; Bobby Brown Comments on Houston's Death; Whitney Houston's Final Days; Whitney Houston's Global Impact; New Details on Whitney's Death

Aired February 12, 2012 - 19:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

TED ROWLANDS, CNN ANCHOR: We continue our coverage of the death of Whitney Houston. Aretha Franklin is back with us on the phone.

When we left off, we were talking about your reaction. You found out by seeing it on a television screen. Take us through what went through your mind at that point and who you have talked to since and your general reaction once again.

FRANKLIN: Well, I said I was just sitting on the side of the bed reading the paper, I think and happen to -- no, no, no. I know what it was. I went -- I was watching TV. I had just finished watching -- what it is -- Rosemary Clooney's nephew --

ROWLANDS: George Clooney, yes.

FRANKLIN: George Clooney, yes, OK. That, and also a couple other movies. And then I didn't want to see anymore, and I said, let's go to regular TV because it doesn't look like there's anything else good on here. I went back to the regular TV and, maybe 30, 40 seconds later, it flashed across the TV. And I could not believe what I saw coming across the TV. It was just not to be believed. It was so stunning and so sad. And I couldn't believe it was true. I just couldn't believe it was true. And then I saw something about the API confirming it and FOX News, and I just said, oh, my god. Oh, my god.

ROWLANDS: And this is -- you were saying that she was really taking control of her life and -- and this was really the last thing that people close to her expected at this point given her recovery and her projects she was involved in.

FRANKLIN: She was fighting. Absolutely fighting and she was winning. Because she really, really looked great in the previews that I saw from the new movie coming, "Sparkle" and I thought that it was a wonderful, wonderful thing that they gave her that opportunity to come back in that way. What a wonderful thing. For him to --

ROWLANDS: You have lived your life in the public eye. You're -- you're performing tomorrow night in Charlotte and later at the Radio City Music Hall. You're still a very, very, very active performer. What type of toll does it take on a musician, a legend like you are and like Whitney Houston was, not only the actual tour dates, but also having the paparazzi and the people watching your every move? FRANKLIN: Well, I think for the more experienced artist, one is pretty much used to that as just being part for the course. But for a young artist, perhaps of Whitney's age, it may have been very disconcerting to her. I don't know, I never heard her say that but that's a possibility.

ROWLANDS: Well, you will be performing --

(CROSSTALK)

FRANKLIN: It's a possible and I know (INAUDIBLE).

ROWLANDS: You will be performing tomorrow night. Will you be -- I would assume doing some sort of tribute to Whitney?

FRANKLIN: Yes. There will be a moment of silence and a tribute for Whitney Houston here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There's one other thing that I would like to say though before I hang up. And that is this. I would just like to caution younger artists, male and female, and particularly those who are in the very high level income. And that is that they should be prepared for what you're going to do when your -- your success plays out.

And I would like to put it in the words that my dad put it into me. He cautioned me very early on. Saying, that no matter who you are and no matter how good you are, one day the applause is going to stop. One day the halleluiahs and the amens are not going to be active. And one day, the fans may not be there.

So be prepared for whatever it is you're going to do when that happens because it is definitely going to happen. There's always someone coming behind. And you have to be prepared in terms of -- of future income, how you're going to retire, and so on, so that you don't wind up just being in a position you don't want to be in.

So those things are so very, very careful. The money, if the money that's rolling in now for a lot of artists, that -- that the money (INAUDIBLE) is going to stop and that was the truth. The money is not going to always be coming like it may be coming now. So you've got to really look ahead and plan ahead on what you're going to do when it stops, because it is going to stop.

ROWLANDS: All right, some wonderful advice for -- for everybody really. Aretha Franklin, thank you very much.

An honor to talk to you and our condolences for the loss that you and the others that were so close to Whitney Houston and what you are going through. Again, thank you, Aretha Franklin.

I'm Ted Rowlands sitting in for Don Lemon this is a special edition of CNN NEWSROOM: "THE DEATH OF WHITNEY HOUSTON". It's music's biggest night, but all the attention will be on the one super star who won't be at the Grammy's, Whitney Houston dead at age of 48. The cause of dead is still unknown. CNN has confirmed that an autopsy is taking place today, but the results could take weeks. TMZ is citing informed sources who say the singer was found unconscious in the tub of her Beverly Hills hotel room where she was pronounced dead. The site also claims her bodyguard attempted CPR and pill bottles were found at the scene.

This is also courtesy of CNN, it is a picture of the 18-year-old daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Bobbi Kristina rushed to a Los Angeles hospital earlier today. This photo courtesy of TMZ -- no word on why she was rushed to the hospital, but her condition was not thought to be life threatening.

Fans gathered outside the hotel where Houston died, laying down roses and candles. And iReport tributes have been rolling into CNN all day.

Tonight the music industry will honor Whitney Houston at the Grammy Awards. Jennifer Hudson will lead what is sure to be a stirring musical tribute.

But let's begin with Casey Wian who is following the investigation from Los Angeles. Casey you have confirmed the autopsy is -- is happening.

CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right. The Los Angeles County Coroner's office Ted is telling us that the autopsy is happening today. They won't say whether that autopsy has been completed yet. And part of the reason for that is the Beverly Hills Police Department has requested that a security hold be put on the results of those on that autopsy while their investigation is conducted.

The coroner's officials are telling us that it might take up to eight weeks for toxicology results to be completed. So it's going to be some time possibly before we know what the coroner believes killed Whitney Houston. We do know that her body will be released to next of kin as soon as that autopsy is completed.

Also on the story of Bobbi Kristina Brown, her daughter who was rushed to the hospital earlier today here in Los Angeles, two of our affiliates here in the Los Angeles area reporting that she has now been released from the hospital. Police were telling us all along that her condition was not life threatening. It was a medical transport situation.

The hospital, though, citing federal privacy guidelines refusing to confirm or deny whether she was actually even there -- Ted.

ROWLANDS: All right. Clearly a very difficult time for Whitney Houston's 18-year-old daughter. Casey Wian, thanks from Los Angeles with latest on the investigation.

Before she was a Grammy winner, Whitney Houston practiced her power house singing in a church as a child. Deb Feyerick is outside her hometown church at Newark, New Jersey.

Deb, it was an emotional day for the congregation there as we talked about. This is a group of folks that actually watched Whitney Houston grow up. DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes absolutely. The pastor gave a sermon today basically talking about the fleetingness of life, how suddenly it can just all come to an end. While there were members of the extended Houston family in the church today, Whitney Houston's mother Cissy Houston, who is a famed gospel singer but also is the choir director here for more than 50 years. She remained at her home in Edge Water, New Jersey. She was surrounded by family and friends.

The reverend Jesse Jackson also who had come here for midday services, he went and visited her afterwards to lend his support. Here's what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. JESSE JACKSON, CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER: I spoke with Cissy last night. I'm just going to meet with her at the home now. Obviously, they have (INAUDIBLE), they have to process this. This was not some long debilitating sickness. This was sudden. And so when this happens, there is no rational explanation. Just you have to lean to your -- to your faith and hold on until -- until the morning comes.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Now according to somebody who is close to the family, there was a lot of talk amongst the family members today about the possibility of bringing Whitney Houston home here to New Jersey. This was a place where she grew up, where she found her voice, her spark; had a deep spiritual connection to the New Hope Baptist Church here. You can see some of the balloons behind me. A lot of people who were coming just to pay their respects, trying to get close to where the star came out basically as this -- as this person of great talent.

Take a look at this video, Ted. This is her when she was in the teen choir here. The Junior Choir at New Hope Baptist Church. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(WHITNEY HOUSTON AS CHOIR MEMBER)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: You know, so pure, the voice, but also without artifice, and you can almost not even recognize her. But yes, she felt a very deep connection here. She said this is the place she learned to sing. The place she learned the four-part harmony, the place she learned a cappella.

So now the family will decide whether they do bring her back to New Jersey, what kind of ceremony they have, if they decide to have it here. And you also have to remember that her father, who passed away about five years ago, he is buried in a cemetery not too far from here. It's actually named the Hollywood Cemetery, Ted.

So a lot of talk about where will be her final resting place -- Ted.

ROWLANDS: All right. Deb Feyerick for us this evening in New Jersey. Thanks Deb.

Next we're going to take you live to the Red Carpet where the Grammys are about to begin.

Also we're in Tennessee tonight where the group New Edition is set to perform. That's the group of -- that Whitney Houston's former husband Bobby Brown is a member of. A live report from Nashville with reaction to Houston's death coming up after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(EXCERPT FROM WHITNEY HOUSTON'S MTV)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROWLANDS: Before her sudden death, Whitney Houston was expected to attend the Grammy party hosted Saturday by her mentor, Clive Davis. CNN's Larry King was at that party. He joins us NOW by the phone from Los Angeles with more on Houston's passing.

First of all Larry, your reaction to Whitney Houston, a legend, passing at such an early age.

LARRY KING, CNN HOST: Oh Ted it was such a -- kind of a double shot. This great singer, this young age and having it happen on the day before the Grammys. And hearing about it a couple hours before I'm about to attend the big party Clive Davis Grammy dinner, which I go to every year.

And then suddenly, finding myself talking on CNN about a death of someone I had just seen last year at this party. I've interviewed her twice in my life. It was just a -- and then the party itself was surreal. I mean, it was a -- it was both somber and festive at the same time. If that's possible, that's what that party was.

ROWLANDS: So people obviously talking about Whitney and sharing stories and the good -- and the good moments. Is that -- is that the festive part of it?

KING: Yes, that was the festive and then the sad part. So people looked both really down knowing we're standing on the ground floor of a hotel and -- and her remains are on the fourth floor of that hotel. And police are down underground and preparing to remove her body which they didn't move until 3:00 in the morning.

So the whole time the party was going on, she was upstairs. The great Tony Bennett was just incredible and Alicia Keys and Diane Crawl (ph). It was Ted -- Branson receiving the -- the honoree, they give out once a year to the -- to the -- the man of the year and I was -- to the founder of Virgin Airways and it was just -- it was -- but she was -- she overshadowed everything.

So while everything happy was going on, sad was going on at the same time. You were raising toasts to someone who wasn't there. It was a -- and the last -- didn't last, it didn't end, I left at 10 after 12. It was still going on.

ROWLANDS: Clive Davis's party, did you talk to him? Did he -- did he address -- what was -- what was his mood like, we hear that he has really, really shaken up.

KING: Clive began the evening very somber. And then said listen, this is a party that we were -- there were thoughts about canceling it, but that would have been wrong. And then the usual, we would say always say Whitney would have wanted it to go on. I've never heard anybody die with it that they didn't say they didn't wanted it to go on.

I still am not sure it should have gone on. But I'm in the minority.

And then he was upbeat. He was -- the old Clive Davis. You know introducing the acts, introducing the record officials that were in the audience and the personalities. He was Clive Davis. He never retains his youthful exuberance for music.

ROWLANDS: All right. Larry King, joining us from Los Angeles. Thank you very much. Larry, it's great to talk to you.

Whitney Houston's death won't stop tonight's Grammy Awards, but the mood there, of course, is incredibly subdued. Nischelle Turner is on the Red Carpet as Houston's friends and colleagues stream into the award ceremony and share their memories.

Nischelle what are you hearing?

NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well Ted, you know, I have actually wrangled Maroon 5 here with me now. And -- and I've been telling -- talking all day that it has been a bit of a different mood here on the Red Carpet. These guys are lightening it up for me a little bit and we appreciate that.

Because on music's biggest night, we're talking about music's biggest story. And even though you guys, you know, you know you played popular music, you play rock music, but I'm sure that Whitney had some sort of influence as artist.

ADAM LEVINE, MAROON 5: Whitney had a tremendous influence on everybody. And I think that everyone is realizing that the hard way right now, you know after all this time. But it's just so shocking and so sad.

To be honest with you we don't really know what to say. It's a somber vibe a little bit here, understandably so.

And I think that now, what we've got to do is maybe spend the day and spend the night celebrating Whitney because that's the most important thing to take this and try to spin it into something -- something good. Take whatever good we can. We love her. Everybody loves her. And it's a really tragic horrible loss.

TURNER: You know some people have said, "We thought it was a cruel joke. We didn't believe it. We thought it was one of those bad Twitter stories."

LEVINE: It doesn't feel -- it doesn't feel real -- it doesn't feel real at all. And I just -- it makes us really sad. I know it's a very basic way to say it, but it's just -- you can't talk too much about it. All you can do is just say, oh, why? I don't get it.

TURNER: But you know I was speaking with LL Cool J just a few minutes ago and he was saying, we still want to celebrate music and celebrate as a music family.

LEVINE: Yes.

TURNER: So having said that, is there anything that you guys are just really looking forward to tonight? Because this show is always a great show.

LEVINE: Yes, well, I mean, I think that also in the wake of something like this, you can kind of realize that, we should be celebrating music, we should be celebrating life whenever you -- whatever possible chance you get to do it. We're doing something with the Beach Boys, who are newly reunited. We are so happy and so excited to be doing this.

So you know sometimes it takes a wakeup call to realize where you're at and what's going on. But we love what we do. We're happy to be representing music tonight and of course, Whitney who we love so dearly. So I think we can turn this into a good night. I think we really can, you know.

TURNER: Yes you know and that's what we love about the Grammys, though. Because they put these pairings together that in your mind you never would have thought of.

LEVINE: Yes.

TURNER: But I can imagine you guys are saying, wow, we get to play with the original Beach Boys.

LEVINE: We grew up with the Beach Boys. They were the first thing put on the car, Beatles and the Beach Boys I was raised on them, so.

TURNER: So can I -- can I just ask you to -- to go back to Whitney for a second. Do you have a favorite Whitney Houston song?

LEVINE: A Whitney Houston song --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "How Will I Know." Because -- because you know yesterday on the Internet there was a -- her tracks from "How Will I Know", just naked, just her vocal tracks, you can find them online. It's amazing to hear her voice. It's just unadorned, incredible.

LEVINE: She's one of the best that's ever existed in the world.

TURNER: So you don't have a favorite? You're just like all of them.

LEVINE: I mean, "How will I know" is a great one. I don't want to say the ones that everyone knows because that's -- that's too obvious you know.

TURNER: Everyone knows all of them.

LEVINE: Though it is her biggest song probably, arguably, "I'll Always Love You", her version of that tune was maybe the best vocal I ever heard in my life. I never heard anything like it, it was even from earth, it was just, it was crazy.

TURNER: And Jennifer Hudson will be performing that tonight here on the show.

LEVINE: I didn't know that.

TURNER: Yes she will be, that's her -- that was part of the tribute for Whitney. And we do know in rehearsal, she was having a real hard time getting through it.

LEVINE: Yes, I can imagine. That's astonishing. And hopefully she'll be all right and get through it.

TURNER: Thank you guys.

LEVINE: Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you very much.

LEVINE: It's bittersweet, you're right.

TURNER: Indeed. I appreciate it. Maroon 5, Ted here on the Red Carpet talking about their Whitney memories. Their favorite songs just like so many others have done.

We also spoke with Kelly Price, who had the party on Thursday night where Whitney was last seen and who last performed with Whitney and she said that it was such a joyous time. She wanted everyone to know that her friend was in good spirits and had a great time on Thursday night at her pre-Grammy party. We send it back to you.

ROWLANDS: All right, so you mentioned that Jennifer Hudson. What else do we know about what will be done tonight in memory of Whitney Houston?

TURNER: Well, you know Ted, earlier today we had been reporting that Chaka Khan could be part of a Whitney tribute as well. But we are just getting word that Chaka Khan will not be performing a tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammys here tonight. She actually will not even be in attendance at the show tonight.

And we're told she was asked to be part of a tribute. It was planned that she may sing "I'm Every Woman", but Chaka was just too emotional. And she just could not do it. So she will not be part of this tribute here tonight.

ROWLANDS: All right. Nischelle, thank you on the Red Carpet. We'll be back to you undoubtedly at some point this evening. Thanks. Nischelle Turner from the red carpet. Well, your memories of Whitney Houston, iReports and calls to radios stations. That coming up after a break, stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(WHITNEY HOUSTON'S MTV)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROWLANDS: Well, we've been hearing a lot from the stars of Hollywood and the recording industry about their memories of Whitney Houston, but what do you think?

Our Jacqui Jeras has been watching the feeds as CNN iReporters share their personal recollections of the pop star. What are people saying, Jacqui?

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Well, they are all very emotional, Ted, that's for sure. It seems everybody has a story they want to share whether it brings them back to a specific moment in time that her music reminds them of or perhaps it was the song that helped them through a difficult time in their life.

Now this iReport that I want to show you comes from the concert last night outside of Memphis, Tennessee, where Bobby Brown and New Edition had their reunion tour. Take a look at some of the video that he was able to shoot during that.

An iReporter (INAUDIBLE) says that Bobby Brown did break down several times during the concert and did have a tribute as well saying Whitney's name and saying that "I love you". Take a listen. He spoke with -- he spoke with CNN earlier this evening.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED IREPORTER: What was so amazing when you walked out on the stage, he looked toward heaven and he looked up and he just said, "I love you Whitney" and the crowd just screamed and hollered. And as he broke down, members of New Edition went back to hug him. And -- and everybody began to clap for him. And then he went backstage and stayed for awhile. And the crowd began again to holler, "Bobby, Bobby".

(END VIDEO CLIP)

JERAS: And as we know tonight Bobby Brown will not be performing with the rest of New Edition in Nashville, Tennessee.

All right our next iReporter showed us this picture, this takes us back to 1991. We all remember the very emotional beautiful rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" that Whitney Houston did during the Super Bowl. Remember, that.

Well Patrick Wilkinson says he remembers being out in the desert, a big burly man on the brink of war failed to hold back tears. He said, they were gathered around their small radio listening to her sing. He said, there were tears going and that they let out a big cheer at the end of it. He said, it was a wonderful memory that he will never forget. So he thanks Whitney Houston for that.

Another one of our iReporters here, she tells us about how Whitney Houston was an icon and a hero for Gen X black girls. She quote, "A black teenager going to a predominantly white high school in California, Whitney was my style icon and my hero. She was the first black female pop star who was as beautiful as she was talented."

And she remembers her video "You Give Good Love" first aired on MTV and it gave girls like her and others that they didn't have to be blond and blue-eyed in order to be beautiful.

And last I want to show you a big fan here. This one is from Tony Carney, he's from Atlanta. He said he was in Montreal in 2009 when he heard that Whitney was making a comeback and was going to have a concert in Central Park in New York City. He called Delta up, he says changed his flight plans, he said that she was the sound track of his life.

ROWLANDS: Wow.

JERAS: So everybody has a little something to say. And some really great pictures maybe that none of us have ever seen before.

ROWLANDS: Yes, yes fantastic. Everybody has their memories. It's great to see all the different peoples' take on such a tragic death. Thanks Jacqui.

Whitney Houston's former husband Bobby Brown -- Bobby Brown was supposed to perform tonight in Tennessee. We'll tell you if he's going take the stage. We'll have a live report from Nashville that is coming up next. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROWLANDS: Don Lemon anchored our coverage of the death of Whitney Houston last night. It was on the air until 1:00 a.m. He has just arrived in Los Angeles and he will pick up our coverage now -- Don.

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Ted, it's really unbelievable. And to be here now and to be on the streets and see people and, you know, go close to the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and I'll probably make my way over there a little bit later. It's really just surreal. And you've been doing a great job of the coverage. I've been watching from the airplane. Good stuff. I need to tell all of you that Whitney Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown has just announced that he will not be performing tonight. Brown was scheduled to perform with his longtime band New Edition at a reunion tour at a stop in Nashville.

George Howell is outside the Metro National Municipal Auditorium.

And, George, what are you hearing at the venue tonight?

GEORGE HOWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Don, fans are just starting to show up here for this concert that's supposed to start here in about an hour. Many of them just learning that Bobby Brown will not be part of this. In fact I spoke with one person who showed up here, Don, with a sympathy card. Had Bobby Brown's name on it. And he was walking around the Municipal auditorium looking for Bobby Brown hoping to run into him.

Obviously, Brown not here tonight. His daughter Bobbi Kristina was checked into a hospital earlier today. We've confirmed that her condition is nonlife threatening. So the show tonight here does go on. New Edition minus Bobby Brown. The first sign for many fans here was right there on the marquee where it says "New Edition Featuring," and a line there where Bobby Brown's name would have gone.

Many of the people, you know, paid $50 to $100 to be here. But they all seem understanding. They seem to understand that Bobby Brown will not be here tonight.

We spoke to a few people who are surprised that the show is even happening, though, tonight. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They were, like, the couple before Jay-Z and Beyonce. They're really a couple. And I can only imagine what's going through his mind. And I feel bad for him. I really do.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You have to be with your family, you know, in situations like this. You know everybody (INAUDIBLE), you find your strength in love. Like Whitney Houston said all the time, find your strength in love when you're in a lonely place. I'm about to cry now talking about it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWELL: At this concert, just yesterday in Mississippi, we had a few iReporters in the crowd and they tell us that Bobby Brown was very emotional on stage. He was seen crying at times. At one point he asked for prayers for himself, for his mother, and for his daughter. Brown is not commenting on camera but did release this statement. And I want to read the statement to you.

Brown says that, "I am deeply saddened at the passing of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. At this time we ask for privacy, especially for my daughter Bobbi Kristina. I appreciate all of the condolences toward my family at this most difficult time." Again the show going on here tonight in Nashville, but Bobby Brown will not be part of it -- Don.

LEMON: All right. George Howell, thank you very much. George, we appreciate your reporting.

You know, just over 24 hours since the death of Whitney Houston. And many in the music world are still reeling from it. I want to go down to Brian McKnight. He is a multiplatinum singer and songwriter.

And, Brian, it's good to talk to you. I wish it was under better circumstances. You were with -- you're with Whitney --

(CROSSTALK)

BRIAN MCKNIGHT, SINGER/SONGWRITER: Yes, I wish it was, too --

LEMON: Just in the past week. Yes.

MCKNIGHT: Hello? Yes.

LEMON: Yes. You there?

MCKNIGHT: The crazy thing for me is, you know, where there was a pre- Grammy party here on Thursday night. And I took my children with me. And they got a chance to meet Whitney. And she was perfectly -- seemingly perfectly fine. We're having a good time. We spent some time together. We talked. And then, you know, when this all happened yesterday afternoon, I'm still in utter shock and disbelief that -- considering that I had just saw her. It's one of the saddest things that's ever happened.

LEMON: You just -- was she in good spirits? How was she doing?

MCKNIGHT: She was in very good spirits. She was happy to see me. We embraced. We spoke for about five, 10 minutes, just about. You know, Bobbi Kristina was there. She met my sons. They talked for awhile. It was really, really good to see her. It's good to see her out. It was good to see her happy. You know we were -- we were -- I wouldn't say we were partying, but we were at -- we were almost at that point. I left the party early. But you know from what everybody else said, it was just -- it was just great to be in her presence because she's such an icon.

LEMON: Yes. And everyone, you know, says she's an icon and that she was a very positive person. And I've heard nothing but good things about her from every single person that has come on CNN and privately who have spoken to me.

But, Brian, you get these reports about Whitney, you know, acting erratic. I'm sure you've read some of it. I've read that in the paper, but the people I've spoken to, I have not heard that personally from anyone I have spoken to.

MCKNIGHT: You know what, for me, I never listened to the tabloids say, I never listen to hearsay. I always go with my own personal reflection. And every time I've been with her, that's been many, many times, she's always been in great spirits. She's never -- she's never really done anything. You always see the aftermath. And it's always blown out of proportion.

And I think that -- you know, a lot of ways, especially right now, people have a problem minding their own business. Because I know that's something not easy to say when you are a, quote-unquote, "celebrity," but you know that's really what happens. You want to get so wrapped up in other peoples' lives because you love them. You want to know more about them.

And now with the Internet and with social media, it's been magnified and polarized to a power of god knows how much. And it's just -- it's so sad because we end up, you know, (INAUDIBLE) and crucifying people through the media all the time. And I think that really sucks.

LEMON: But you know what, Brian, I do have to say the power of social media, because what I'm seeing online, on Twitter and Facebook, are people who are saying, you know what, let's be positive about what Whitney stood for because everyone has trials and tribulations.

So listen, Brian, I want to come back and talk to you about that. About the pitfalls of being a star. About maybe how social media is changing the way that the traditional media is covering -- well, cover Whitney and other celebrities who may pass in the future.

I want to talk to you about that. Let's go to a break and then we'll be right back with our special coverage of the death of Whitney Houston. And we'll have Brian McKnight with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: I'm Don Lemon live in Los Angeles for our special coverage of the death of Whitney Houston. We're paying close attention to this. We have Brian McKnight on the phone. Before we go back to Brian, I want to say that we're getting word that at the top of the hour, at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, that there will be a press conference, a news conference from the L.A. -- 5:00 Pacific, excuse me, at the L.A. County Coroner's Office, and it is in reference to Whitney Houston.

So we will bring that to you here on CNN. So stay tuned.

Back to the great Brian McKnight now.

Brian, I was talking about -- we were talking about how social media holding traditional media to task about the way they cover stars in their deaths and particularly now with the death of Whitney Houston.

MCKNIGHT: Yes, we talked about that. And it's just sad that people are much more sympathetic once a star passes. Much more sympathetic than they are when they are alive and they may be in some sort of trouble or even looking or acting out in need of some help. We always ostracize people who are famous and who end up -- we all have problems, we all have skeletons in the closet. But we seem to forget that when it comes to celebrities. And, you know, once they pass, then, you know, you hear all these wonderful sympathetic things. And that's not what people have always had to say about Whitney or Michael or anyone that's passed. I think that's really the sad thing for me.

LEMON: Yes. You know, you and Whitney never got to work together. And that was a regret of yours.

MCKNIGHT: It definitely was. Even Thursday night when we spoke, there was always -- between the two of us, she would always say to me that she was listening to this one song of mine where I did this really cool vocal rip that she listened to over and over and over. And the very first time I played Radio City, she came to the show. She called and wanted tickets and came to see my show. And that was one of the most incredible moments of my career that she took her time out to come and see me. And it was just -- it was amazing.

So to have the opportunity for my children to meet her the other night, especially now, was a real blessing for all of us.

LEMON: I'm glad you bring up your children because you -- you've been in this business for a long time. Whitney was in this business for a long time before she had a child, before you had children, and then once you have children, it changes things, it changes your priorities, doesn't it?

MCKNIGHT: It definitely does because you're still a parent. And I'm a parent first before I'm anything to anybody else. So the priorities have to change. If it's in your mind and your heart to be the best parent that you can be, and I think my parents did that for me and I wanted to do that for my children as well. And when I saw Bobbi Kristina with Whitney the other night, they seemed to be very, very close. They seemed to be -- you know, it's great when you're young and you have kids because you can kind of -- once they're grown, not be too old to not hang out with them. And that's what I saw with the two of them the other night.

LEMON: Yes. Well, singer/songwriter Brian McKnight, thank you. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts and your memories of Whitney Houston and just spending some time with her just the other, just the other night.

Thank you, Brian. Best of luck to you. OK?

So listen, I want to say I'm just jumping in here on the coverage. I just flew into L.A. but listening to news reports, I have been hearing reports of Whitney Houston's daughter taken to the hospital. And we have -- as I have heard from other reports here in Los Angeles that she has been released from the hospital. We'll keep a close eye on that for you here on CNN.

In the meantime, reaction to Whitney Houston's death pouring in from around the world, including from one of the most famous families in the world. That of Nelson Mandela. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) LEMON: Welcome back to our continuing coverage of the death of Whitney Houston. I'm Don Lemon live in Los Angeles. I want to update you and tell you that at the top of the hour, we're expecting the L.A. County Coroner's Office to come out and give some sort of briefing. And as soon as -- these are live pictures of the L.A. County Coroner's Office. There's supposed to be a news conference at the top of the hour. Don't know exactly what they're going to say but it's going to be a statement, if they're going to take questions, if they're going to come out and say something, but as soon as they do, we will bring it to you here on CNN.

And you see the reporter's cameras and microphones getting ready there at the L.A. County Coroner's Office for some sort of briefing as it comes to the death of Whitney Houston.

We have been getting reports that the autopsy may have been done today. I know TMZ is reporting that the autopsy was done today, but they're waiting on toxicology results, which can take anywhere from two to four weeks before they make a determination as to the cause of death. But as soon as we get information from the L.A. County Coroner, we'll bring it to you here on CNN.

In the meantime, the world far beyond Hollywood mourning the loss of Whitney Houston. Since word of her sudden death spread around the globe, reaction has been overwhelming. And our Nadia Bilchik is here.

Nadia, I've watched you on the plane. Some great reporting. Talking about when you were a young girl back in the 1994.

NADIA BILCHIK, CNN EDITORIAL PRODUCER: Yes. 1994.

LEMON: And I want to start with the impact. I know, they're so long ago.

BILCHIK: It was remarkable.

LEMON: Yes.

BILCHIK: I mean 1994 was the year that Nelson Mandela became president. And that was the same year, Don, that Whitney Houston came to South Africa to do the new South Africa tour. And I remember it so clearly. It was electrifying. And what I also remember is that all the proceeds went to various charities.

And you're seeing her there in a picture with Mandela. They had a beautiful relationship. He's always referred to her as a daughter. And in fact, this morning, I spoke to his grandchildren. They were having lunch. They were listening to Whitney Houston music.

And David Manaway, who is Mandela's grandson-in-law, said, you know, Whitney is, "an extension of our family." And, "We're absolutely bereft. Our hearts do go out to Bobbi Kristina."

And just a remarkable story and a wonderful relationship. When Mandela came to Washington, he asked for Whitney Houston to be the entertainer. So a special relationship there. But you know even if Dubai, Don, I have to tell you there are beautiful synchronized fountains to the music of Whitney Houston. And in China today, front page news in China. In the UK, the BBC, "The Telegraph," they speak about terrible trajectory of modern fame.

"The Mail & Guardian" in South Africa front page again, and "The Australian" speaks about majestic diva ravaged by drugs. So truly, as you said, from Dubai, to Durbin, from Ann Arbor to Amsterdam, Whitney Houston, we will always love you.

LEMON: Absolutely. Well said. That was a last thing I said on the air last night. And how appropriate? Whitney, we will always love you. And thank you for reading those headlines from around the world.

I think I heard here on CNN that Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," when it came out, Nadia, it was number one in every country around the world.

BILCHIK: Well, most of the countries of the world, right?

LEMON: Around the world, yes. Amazing.

BILCHIK: I mean extraordinary, around the world. The global impact. A global icon. And you know we think of her being so remarkable here in this country but somebody who touched the lives of millions and millions and millions of people who are mourning today.

LEMON: Nadia, thank you very much. Appreciate your reporting. And that's why they're paying tribute to her at the red carpet at the Grammy Awards and they will be tonight. And CNN is live on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards. And we're also live at the L.A. County Coroner's Office.

There you're looking at the red carpet where stars will be coming in and we will be getting their reaction to the death of Whitney Houston. Also the L.A. County Coroner's Office where we're expecting at any moment now, at any moment, a briefing from the Coroner's Office. We don't know what it's about. It could be about what the results of her death or her autopsy, not exactly sure. But they told reporters to get there and we're there and we will be covering it. So stay with us. We're right back, right after a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

STEVE PERRY, CNN EDUCATION CONTRIBUTOR: There's nothing shocking to me about people not completing a two-year college degree. Because many people go to community colleges for a myriad of reasons. They may be going as part of an early college experience, where as high school students taking college courses without the intention of graduating from a two-year college.

Likewise, there are people who are in four-year colleges who in fact are taking them in between semesters. In addition, there are people coming back as part of continuing education and then there's a big swatch of students who are at community colleges, quite frankly, who don't have college matriculation skills because they come from schools in which they were not prepared so it makes absolute sense that many of them will not graduate because they go to the community college for so many different reasons.

I disagree with the achievement-based funding for community colleges. Should the community college be penalized because you went off and graduated from the university in your state? Absolutely not. Or because they allowed some senior citizens to take community college courses? Absolutely not.

In order to help community colleges, find out where they need help. This would sound like nothing more than punishment to me.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: L.A. County Coroner, let's go live there.

ED WINTER, CHIEF CORONER, LOS ANGELES COUNTY: Put out as far as what was discovered in the room, any details of that nature.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is this a suggestion or indication that drugs or alcohol were found?

WINTER: We're not commenting on that either.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it true that --

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Her lungs --

WINTER: No comment on that. You need additional testing for. I know there's reports that she maybe was drowned or did she overdose, but no. We won't make a final determination until all the tests are in.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it true that she was found under water in the bathtub?

WINTER: I'll just comment that she was found in the bathtub and that was put out by Beverly Hills PD. I believe somebody removed her from the bathtub and the paramedics did CPR on her.?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Are there signs of trauma on the body?

WINTER: There was no visible signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected at this time.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it true that water -- is it true that water was overflowing the bathtub, that the water had (INAUDIBLE)?

WINTER: Yes. I'm not going to comment on that. Sorry.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE)

WINTER: What -- and if any prescription drugs or illegal drugs were found -- would be found in her system, so that's what we will be looking for, also.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: It's been reported that -- half a dozen prescription bottles were found. WINTER: I'm not going to comment on any of the meds or prescriptions that were obtained. As I said, it is a security hold. And that's about it.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Do you have friends and family, are they allowed to come see her body any time in the next --

WINTER: No, no. We don't have viewing here at our facility.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Have you ruled out foul play?

WINTER: At this time, we don't have -- there's no signs of foul play.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: What about her -- are you guys been investigating possible suicide right now?

WINTER: We're looking at al aspects of the case and hopefully maybe by Wednesday or Thursday this next week I can give you another update but there won't be anything else this evening or probably tomorrow or the next day.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: How -- when was the last time --

(CROSSTALK)

WINTER: I'm sorry?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: When was the last time security (INAUDIBLE) --

WINTER: Well, we had a security hold on Michael Jackson, Brittany Murphy, Corey Haim. All high-profile cases and a lot times on custody or officer-involved shooting cases or high-profile murder cases. We'll put security hold to give a law enforcement agency a chance to do further investigation so it's not uncommon.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: -- go through --

WINTER: Pardon?

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is that a process or (INAUDIBLE) --

WINTER: They can request it.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Is it true that there were no --

WINTER: I'm not going to comment.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE)

WINTER: Yes. They did.

UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: (INAUDIBLE)

WINTER: I began sometime --

LEMON: OK. Ed Winter, the chief coroner for L.A. County, Ed Winter, you see -- you saw so much during Michael Jackson and other high- profile death trials -- high-profile deaths here. Here's what he's saying. He is confirming Whitney Houston's body was found in the bathroom, he said. What they're doing is a security hold on the information surrounding her autopsy and he said that's often the case when you have a high-profile death. She was found in the bathtub. That's all he'll say.

They need toxicology results before he'll say -- before he will talk about whether there were legal or illegal drugs in the room or in her system or what have you. And they need to do additional tests.

At the beginning of that news conference he mentions six to eight weeks before they possibly get those toxicology results. That's according to him. But often they will come back. They will put a rush on them in these cases that we have noticed. They will put a rush on those toxicology results and they will sometimes come back earlier.

So that's the information we're getting now from Ed Winter. He says he's not going to speculate on any other things that have to do with this case. Any other reports until he gets more information. So stand by for more information. I'm sure there'll be coming out in the coming hours and the coming days.

Also we want to tell you that Bobbi Kristina, the daughter of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, the late Whitney Houston, has been released from the hospital and we're hearing that she is going to head back to New Jersey to be with her family, her grandmother, now presumably.

I'm Don Lemon, reporting from our Los Angeles bureau on the death of Whitney Houston. If we get more information we will bring it to you here on CNN even if we're on taped programming.

I'll see you back here at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. In the meantime, Soledad O'Brien hosts "BLACK IN AMERICA IV: THE NEW PROMISED LAND, SILICON VALLEY" and it begins right now.