Despite negative reports about her performance, Whitney Houston says tour is ‘terrific’

Whitney Houston: Tour great, despite bad reports

NEW YORK — Though video postings of her recent performances in Australia have been less than flattering, Whitney Houston says her tour is going great — and she’s in great health.

Houston’s publicist, Kristen Foster, released a statement Thursday, saying: “Whitney is in great health and having a terrific time on her tour and with her fans. She said more than 9,000 people attended Houston’s show in Brisbane and more than 12,000 were at Acer Arena in Sydney.

“Her fans were dancing and singing along with her and Whitney appreciates their support,” Foster said.

That view contrasts with news reports quoting disgruntled fans who complaining about the star’s voice and performance. Video snippets of Houston struggling to hit notes in concerts in Sydney and Brisbane have circulated widely on YouTube and other outlets.

The 46-year-old, who is one of pop’s all-time best-selling artists, staged a comeback last year with her first album in seven years, “I Look to You.” It debuted at the top of the album charts.

During her hiatus from music, she battled drug addiction and ended a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown. But as she returned last year, she declared herself healthy and free from substance abuse.

This is Houston’s first tour in years. It started in February in South Korea and will take her to Europe until at least May. Foster said there currently are no plans for a United States tour.

On the Net:

www.whitneyhouston.com