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Alicia Keys, R. Kelly fought back tears while performing at Whitney Houston's funeral

Alicia Keys, R. Kelly fought back tears while performing at Whitney Houston's funeralAs thousands gathered in front of the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey mourning the death of late legendary singer Whitney Houston, some artists paid tribute to Whitney inside the church. Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly, Alicia Keys, and Kim Burrell were amongst the performers. Stevie Wonder performed his '80s hit "Ribbion In The Sky", while Alicia Keys gave a piano rendition of "Send Me An Angel". And she fought back big tears while performing, and also shared an emotional speech: "I feel like in so many ways, she reached back to so many people," said Alicia. "She reached back to me, she reached back to Monica and Brandy and Jordin [Sparks] and all these beautiful young artists, and made us feel strong and capable and loved. She's an angel to us and she's been an angel to us. I think we've been sent an angel for a long time."

Stevie Wonder:

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Alicia Keys:

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R.Kelly, a personal friend of the legendary singer, stepped up to the pulpit and for a powerful performance of the beautiful "I Look To You," a song he wrote for Whitney's U.S platinum selling album of the same, later adding "We love you, Whitney. Rest in peace." At the same time, iconic Gospel and Jazz singer Kim Burrell later performed "A Change Gone Come.'

R. Kelly:

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Kevin Costner, Whitney's co-star in The Bodyguard, urged us all to: "Dry our tears, suspend our sorrow, and perhaps our anger, just long enough to remember the sweet miracle of Whitney."