As fans continue to visit the Newark, New Jersey, church where Whitney Houston’s funeral will take place on Saturday, HLN is learning new details about the celebrities who plan to pay tribute to the late singer.
Houston’s funeral is by invitation only. HLN learned Friday that Elton John is among those who made the invite list, but he will not be attending, according to a representative. Some famous faces who are expected to be in attendance include Angela Bassett, Chaka Khan, Roberta Flack and L.A. Reid.
After some speculation that Whitney’s ex-husband Bobby Brown had been banned from the funeral, HLN has confirmed with Houston representative Kristen Foster that Brown has been officially invited. He is expected to attend before rejoining his band New Edition on tour.
Foster also tells HLN that gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, actor Tyler Perry, close confidant Clive Davis and Whitney’s cousin, Dionne Warwick, are among those on the funeral program.
Others are planning to pay tribute to Whitney in song on Saturday. Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys are expected to perform.
Aretha Franklin slated to perform, but had to withdraw because of illness.
For those fans hoping to catch a first-hand glimpse of the funeral, the Newark police are asking that people stay at home. HLN will be covering the funeral live and it will be available via web streaming on CNN.com.
Programming Note: All this week, tune in to HLN’s Nancy Grace at 8 p.m. ET, live from Hollywood, for up-to-the-minute details surrounding Whitney Houston's death, followed by Dr. Drew at 9 p.m. ET with more on the singer's battles with addiction. HLN will begin live coverage at 9 a.m. ET Saturday for funeral events in New Jersey on “Farewell to Whitney Houston.”
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