Watch: Whitney Houston Honored At The Billboard Music Awards

Earlier today we got to see a collection of photos of some of the attendees of the 2012 Billboard Music Awards last night but right now we turn our attention to Billboard's tribute to the late Whitney Houston. The Billboard Music Awards honored Houston with this year's Millennium Award, which was presented on stage to Whitney's only child Bobbi Kristina Brown and Whitney's sister-in-law Patricia Houston. Additionally, singers John Legend and Jordin Sparks provided musical tributes to Whitney's memory with performances of her hit songs Greatest Love of All and I Will Always Love You. Click below to see some photos from the Billboard Music Awards tribute to Whitney Houston and watch video of the musical performances. She has had a troubled time since the death of her mother three months ago. But Bobbi Kristina Brown tonight delivered a touching tribute to Whitney Houston at the Billboard Music Awards ... The teen had been reduced to tears while watching an emotional video dedicated to the singer. But Bobbi Kristina was well-spoken and composed when it came to delivering her poignant speech, with Whitney's sister-in-law and manager Pat Houston by her side, who also gave am introduction. Bobbi Kristina said: 'I just really want to say thank you to everyone who supported us through it all. Not just from when it was good, but when it was bad too. Thank you so much for showing that much love, because she deserved it. She did. I'm just blessed to have been in such an incredible woman's life.' She added: 'There will never be another one ever, and I thank you, all of you - the fans, everyone. Thank you so much' ... The 19-year-old accepted the special Millennium Award on behalf of her late mother, after she was escorted onto the stage by her "adopted brother" Nick Gordon and received a quick kiss from him. There were also tributes to the diva, who died aged 48 on February 11, in the form of performances. After an introduction by Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend sang Greatest Love of All while Jordin Sparks delivered an emotional rendition of I Will Always Love You. During Jordin's performance, cameras followed Bobbi Kristina who was seen sobbing at the tribute.

It's lovely that Jordin Sparks was asked to sing tribute to Whitney since the pair starred together in the last film that Houston made before her death. But, as lovely as things appeared on stage and on camera last night, there was a bit of conflict behind the scenes. Apparently, Pat Houston was very angry that she and Bobbi Kris were seated next to Whitney's former lover Ray J and she demanded, unsuccessfully, that he be removed from his seat:
Ray J was almost physically removed from the Billboard Music Awards last night after angry members of Whitney Houston's family ordered their security to get him away from them ... TMZ has learned. Pat Houston's blood was boiling because she, Bobbi Kristina and other family members were seated next to Ray J, the person Pat believes was a very bad influence on Whitney. Minutes before the tribute to Whitney, Pat asked her security to remove Ray J from his seat, but he refused to budge. Our sources say ... Pat's security summoned hotel security, along with several uniformed officers to physically remove Ray J. Just before push was about to come to shove, security warned Pat that things would likely get physical and it would almost certainly be caught on video, just as Whitney was about to be honored. Sources say Pat then grudgingly recanted and Ray J kept his seat. For his part, Ray J groused to friends, "Pat ruined what was a great opportunity to honor the woman who I loved."
Ugh, this whole matter is just sad. I honestly cannot believe the folks at the Billboard Music Awards thought it would be a good idea to seat Ray J with Whitney's family. I guess they thought they were doing the right thing, clearly that was not the case. No matter, last night's tribute to Whitney was lovely and very fitting. Bobbi Kris looked so much like Whitney a few times, it was kind of eerie. It felt like Whitney was there last night, shining behind her daughter's eyes.
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