Whitney Houston stage comeback

Whitney Houston made her stage comeback at a pre-Grammys party on Saturday (07.02.09).

The 45-year-old singer looked in good health as she performed in a figure-hugging animal print dress at the 2009 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons show, in honour of record industry boss Clive Davis.

Her return to the stage has been hailed a triumph, with Whitney - who has publicly battled addition to crack-cocaine and endured a bitter break-up from singer Bobby Brown - told the crowd "I got it! I got it!" before launching into her hits 'I'm Every Woman' and 'I Will Always Love You'.

Actor-and-singer Jamie Foxx praised Whitney's singing, saying: "We all crossed our fingers that her beautiful story would end happily. This is a new beginning."

The show also featured performances from Rod Stewart, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson - who only recently returned to performing after the tragic murder of her mother, brother and nephew last year.

Whitney previously confessed to having substance abuse problems, telling US broadcaster Diane Sawyer: "I don't like to think of myself addicted. I had a bad habit which can be broken. I'm not going to tell you I'm somebody's junkie. My business is sex, drugs, rock and roll. Trust me. I partied my tail off."