Mixed Reaction to Houston Return

Singer Whitney Houston's first UK concert for 11 years has prompted a varied reaction from fans and critics.

Houston, 46, tours the UK throughout April and May, including three nights at London's O2 arena.

Houston had originally planned to kick off the UK leg of her tour in Manchester last Thursday, but was forced to pull out due to respiratory illness. But the US star told the audience at Birmingham's LG Arena: "I'm feeling pretty good."
One audience member told the BBC: "She was good when she was good, but when she was not on form, she was awful." Another concert-goer said: "There was a lot of talking and not enough singing. When you used to go to see Whitney Houston you expected a big show."

"I really enjoyed it no matter what anyone else says," a third fan added.

"Taking into account that she had a sore throat, she gave 100%. I thought she was brilliant and I'd pay again to see her."
BBC 5 live played a clip of Houston singing her signature hit I Will Always Love You at the concert, which showed that the star failed to capture its soaring top notes.