The Gospo Collective this year have brought to life the spirit of Whitney Houston and from the haunting acapella of Jesus Loves Me starting the show, it was always going to be full of Whitney classics. Director Charmaine Jones knows how to create a show that expresses the essence of iconic artists and that’s what Whitney is, the essence of Whitney Houston not a karaoke copy. Its full of Gospo Collective signature mashups which they do oh-so well and throw in some of Houston’s gospel songs then it truly is a magical experience. Every classic Whitney song is there with a few not so well-known ones but the flow of the set list was just as hot as the afternoon sun! Mashing I’m Every Woman with I Wanna Dance With Somebody then into So Emotional to How Will I Know is pure (to quote I Will Always Love You) ‘joy and happiness.’ With Jones up front and centre, behind her were just as fabulous eight singers taking in turns to belt out the favourites. While the upbeat songs had everyone grooving in their seats the ballads had us reflecting in thought. Standout Gospo singer Kelvin singing Where Do Broken Hearts Go brought the emotional feels to a standstill; what a voice, what an interpretation, what a singer! The list of hits goes on from the smooth and soulful Exhale (Shoop Shoop), You Give Good Love, My Love is Your Love to the jazzy I’m Your Baby Tonight and high energy of Queen of the Night, there were so many; too many to mention. But what is worth a mention is the Gospo Juniors coming on and singing the sweetest version of Greatest Love of All. You just can’t deny the passion of these talented little singers. The magic that is Whitney Houston was brought to life by the Gospo Collective. They didn’t try to sound like her because everyone knows that’s just the impossible. What they did do, was justice to an icon and presented a show with heart, soul and their own unique Gospo Collective sound that respected Whitney Houston and her catalogue of music.