Many talented artists deliver show-stealing performances. However, none compare to the iconic Whitney Houston. She’s in a league all of her own. Indeed, Houston is one of the best-selling artists of all time. Several of her songs remain classic and transcend time. Houston was known for her incredible talent, passionate performances, and high pitch. At the time, few artists could compare to her ability. In the 80s and 90s, she topped the charts and expanded into a movie career. Houston’s legacy continues as she influenced an entire generation of talented artists.

Fans fondly remember Whitney Houston for her music and incredible voice. Of course, that’s not the only thing that comes to mind when thinking of Houston. She faced many ups and downs throughout her life. Houston’s personal life and struggles often garnered a great deal of media attention. Her marriage and substance abuse made major headlines all over the world. Houston became one of the most controversial celebs and a cautionary tale to those she influenced.

14 Whitney Houston Album 1985

In 1985, Whitney Houston exploded on to the scene with her self-titled debut album, Whitney Houston. The album sold 12 million copies in the United States. It featured three number one singles and earned Houston her first Grammy Award. Her second album, Whitney, debuted at number one in 1987. Houston joined her famous family members and established herself as a major star.

13 Whitney's Memorable Super Bowl Performance 

In 1991, the New York Giants defeated The Buffalo Bills to win Super Bowl XXV. However, Whitney Houston stole the show that night, proving she was the real giant. Houston received universal praise for her rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the event. Indeed, the performance is considered one of the greatest in Super Bowl history.

12 The Bodyguard 

In the early 90s, Whitney Houston took her career to the next level. In 1992, Houston starred in The Bodyguard along with Kevin Costner. The soundtrack included Houston’s iconic remake of “I Will Always Love You,” which became one of the best selling commercial singles in history. Later, Houston starred in Waiting To Exhale, The Preacher’s Wife, and the TV movie Cinderella.

11 Whitney And Bobby

In 1992, Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown in a highly publicized wedding. Indeed, Houston and Brown were a high profile couple that gained a great deal of media attention. Rumors surfaced that the couple was having severe marital issues. Houston’s substance problems and career decline began around the same time. In 1993, their daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was born.

Related: 15 Celeb Relationships From The ’90s We’re Still Nostalgic About (+5 That Were A Bad Idea)

10 My Love Is Your Love Grammy Win

Whitney Houston won several Grammy Awards throughout her career. Indeed, she has won the most awards in Grammy history. In 1998, Houston released My Love Is Your Love to critical acclaim. She earned a Grammy Award that year for the album. However, Houston’s career went on a significant decline following the success of this album.

9 Diane Sawyer Interview 

Whitney Houston’s image went from being the good girl to a controversial celeb. Indeed, rumors were swirling of substance abuse and more. In 2002, Houston denied the stories in a now-infamous interview with Diane Sawyer. Houston noted she was too wealthy to use certain cheap substances. The interview didn’t help her image, and the rumors continued.

8 Whitney's Personal Problems 

At one time, Whitney Houston was one of the biggest stars in the world. Of course, by the early 2000s, she started to fade away. Her substance abuse and marital problems took a toll on the icon. Houston’s career declined, and her album sales struggled. She often made headlines but for all the wrong reasons.

7 Being Bobby Brown Reality Show

In 2005, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown starred in the reality series Being Bobby Brown. The show took place at the height of Houston’s substance abuse issues and the couple’s marital problems. Houston could no longer hide or deny her problems. Indeed, Houston’s mother showed up with sheriff's officers and a court order to force her into rehab.

Related: The 9 Best 2000s Reality Shows No One Watched (And 10 Bad Ones Everyone Did)

6 Entered Rehab

Whitney Houston made some significant changes to her life. She entered rehab to deal with her substance abuse problems and ended her marriage. Houston returned to the spotlight and hoped to turn her career around. In 2012, Houston was to star in a biopic about The Supremes, Sparkle. Houston believed this film would turn things around. Shooting for the film was to start in the summer of 2012.

5 Hiatus And Return

Whitney Houston’s struggles became too overwhelming for her. In the early 2000s, Houston stepped away from the spotlight and took a seven-year hiatus. In 2009, she returned with her final studio album I Look To You. Houston attempted to put her demons and marital problems behind her. The album brought Houston back into the spotlight.

4 Problems With Her Voice

Whitney Houston was known for her incredible voice and high pitch. However, her substance abuse issues and other factors caused severe damage to her throat. Indeed, her speaking voice and singing voice had become very hoarse. In 2005, Houston began seeing a voice specialist after the situation became worse. At the time, it caused Houston a great deal of stress to lose her greatest gift.

3 Whitney Divorces Bobby

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s relationship always made headlines. They went from being the “it” couple to the most infamous couple. The relationship was physically and emotionally abusive. Eventually, Houston had enough and shocked the world by ending the marriage. In 2006, Houston divorced Brown and received custody of their daughter.

2 Final Performance 

Whitney Houston gave her final performance on February 9, 2011. Houston attended a pre-Grammy party to celebrate Kelly Price’s nominations. Eventually, Houston jumped on stage and performed alongside Price. The final song Houston sang that night was “Jesus Loves Me.” Those in attendance were unaware this would be Houston’s last performance of her life.

Related: The First Look At The Whitney Houston Documentary

1 Tragic Passing

On February 11, 2012, Whitney Houston suddenly passed away. Fans all over the world mourned the passing of the icon. Houston’s tragic passing took place just days before the Grammy Awards. Indeed, Houston was going to attend Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party, which turned into a tribute for Houston. Houston’s death became a huge news story and made headlines all over the world.

Next: Whitney Houston's Biopic Is Coming, Months After Her Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction