This open air concert at the Festplatz to 50,000 fans turned out to be a real insight into Whitney Houston. This is not to say that everything that happened on this night defines who Whitney Houston really is - it doesn't, but it gave us a chance to see the woman Whitney Houston as opposed to the superstar.

Once again, the set list was the same as the previous shows on the tour - with "I Go To The Rock" being replaced by "I Believe In You And Me".

Heaters on either side of the stage were not enough to keep Whitney's throat warm against the cool summer breeze of the evening (it actually got a little more windy as the show went on). Whitney graciously explained why she couldn't reach some of those notes and I can't say that she missed so many notes simply because she still had a strong voice that night and she performed most of the songs with little trouble. Everything was going just fine in this show for UNICEF (no representation, banners or introduction from someone from the organization).

During "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" Whitney changed the angle and proceeded to address the song to Bobbi, one of the lines (paraphrased) later in the song saying "If I'm not around, you know you can go to your grandma". Not wanting to read too much into this, but at the same time leaving me with questions as to the nature of that statement.

Coming close to the end of "The Boss", the power cut. This effected all the amplifiers and the two large screens on either side of the stage. Whitney and her band closed the song as they awaited news of what had happened. Whitney was very quick to assure the fans that she wouldn't leave until after the power was back - she would finish though.

It was at this point that the interaction with her fans really kicked in. She would ask that the message be passed back that the power would be back in ten minutes. For me, it was a realization that I was actually hearing Whitney Houston's voice - not through a mic or TV or CD - this was her actual voice without any assistance.

Whilst the interaction with fans continued, her annoyance at the situation was building and this was evidenced by the prompt sending off stage of Bobbi and the other children who very quickly left.

Asking the audience to raise their hands to the heavens proved to keep the momentum of the show going and the power was soon restored - in time for the performance of "I Love The Lord" - this is the point where things started to chance. The song was performed with a lot of passion and emotion. Whitney finished when she wanted and not when the song dictated. The praise for the fans continued and another turning point came when Whitney said she had considered giving up live performances for good, feeling she could no longer do it. This tour has helped convince her that she should go on.

It was really good to hear "I Believe In You And Me" at this point. Whitney appeared to be slightly more composed for this song. The song is recorded in a lower key and therefore there wasn't too much of a problem for Whitney in the delivery of the song.

Already quite obviously emotional, Whitney's attempt to perform "I Will Always Love You" was met with her own tears. It was here that Whitney's emotional state was no longer disguised - or that she wasn't denying the tears. She was clearly crying and, in what seemed to me to be attempts to regain her composure for the song, Whitney thanked the band and the crew and her security for their dedication to her, many of them receiving heartfelt embraces.

Still unable to finish "I Will Always Love You", Whitney's brother Gary comforted his sister, tears in his eyes at this point as well.

Finally, a tearful Cissy Houston took the stage and held her daughter as she completed the song for her. Whitney left the stage.

Around five minutes passed and Whitney re-appeared for the finale of "Step By Step". She appeared completely focused and vocally she couldn't have been in better form for the number. Perfect execution and it was obvious that the time spent backstage changing was also used to re-group and re-build her emotional state.

This show was a real insight into Whitney. I don't know what was going through her mind but it was clear to me that she had composed herself for this event and everything was going to plan until the power-cut. The plan was "damaged" in some way and the control left the hands of Whitney. This seemed to serve as the catalyst for the emotional breakdown which left us all looking around trying to find someone's eyes who may have understood what had just happened. Many were confused and concerned, but equally, there were many who seemed to just think this was part of the show or that Whitney had just run off on a tangent.

For me, I can only guess that there were overwhelming pressures on Whitney based around this show. The show that the whole European Tour was structured around.

This was a very good show. She did have a good voice - it just didn't reach the higher notes after the first three songs. Other than that, the energy and desire to provide a night to remember was all there. Understanding the breakdown is probably something we will not get an insight on, but the fact that Whitney confirmed the importance of her fans and her faith so many times provides comfort in the knowledge that she knows the way forward.

1. I'm Every Woman

2. So Emotional

3. All the Man That I Need

4. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)

5. Saving All My Love for You

6. Nobody Loves Me Like You Do / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me

7. Queen of the Night

8. Change the World (Performed by Gary Houston)

9. I'm Coming Out / Endless Love (with Gary Houston) / Ain't No Mountain High Enough / The Boss

10. I Love the Lord

11. I Go to the Rock

12. I Will Always Love You

13. Step by Step

Eleven thousand people, the stunning Arena di Verona, recently reopened to pop music, and the backdrop of Aida, the most famous slave in history, welcomed Whitney Houston (“Nippy” to her friends) in perfect form.

The black pearl of New Jersey even skipped rehearsals at the Arena and flew in from Monte Carlo. She performed her last two concerts at the Sporting between Saturday and Sunday, then flew straight to the Arena stage. These were the ingredients of a wonderful evening that saw one of the world’s most talented singers take center stage.

Away from Italy since 1990, when she performed at the Milan Forum, “Nippy” is completing a long European tour that began on June 20 in Germany. The artist’s entourage consists of 97 people, and the set list includes 21 songs.

Starting with Chaka Khan’s hit "I’m Every Woman," the concert continued with classics from Whitney’s career such as "So Emotional" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)." The two medleys were also impressive. The first, called "Love Medley ’98," included songs such as "All at Once," "Saving All My Love for You," and "Didn’t We Almost Have It All." After performing a highlight from the soundtrack of The Bodyguard, "Queen of the Night," the second medley was dedicated to her friend Diana Ross. The singer performed "Endless Love," "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," and "The Boss" by her longtime “teacher.”

The finale was "Step by Step," and then everyone went home.

It should be noted that the concert began at 10:30 p.m., an hour later than the announced time. Breaking news has just informed us that Whitney Houston will be the guest of honor at Donatella Versace’s Versus fashion show this evening, along with the Backstreet Boys, Boy George, and Skunk Anansie’s lead singer Skunk Anansie.

Houston has not recorded a studio album since 1990, preferring to immerse herself in the cinematic dream of the three soundtracks from the films in which she starred. In Italy, her visit remains fleeting, paved with the petals of thousands of flowers that yesterday flooded the room of the hotel where she is staying.

The diva of The Bodyguard refused to comment on her divorce from her husband. The organizational machine was fully prepared for the event: eight trucks were required to transport the enormous technical equipment used for Whitney Houston’s performance.

Hi, I was in Monaco last night, and I will never forget this show. Whitney was amazing, wearing a beautiful black dress and looking wonderful.

She talked about her movies and mentioned that Cinderella would be coming to France soon. She also said that she loves Monaco and would like to buy an apartment there.

She dedicated the song "I Believe in You and Me" to her father and said that he was sick. I hope he is okay.

The show was great but very short. Whitney sang for only 1 hour. (The ticket cost me $135, or 800 francs, and it included dinner.) Whitney performed from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM.

The first song was "I’m Every Woman." For that song, Bobbi Kristina was in her arms, and it was really funny. After that, she sang "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and a medley including "All the Man That I Need," "Saving All My Love for You," and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go."

Afterwards, she sang her tribute to Diana Ross, performing two of Diana’s songs. Then she sang "I Believe in You and Me," "Step by Step," and came back to sing "I Will Always Love You."

It was the best night of my life. I was so happy I thought I was going to cry. I can’t wait to see her in Paris. Whitney is magic! I love her so much.

Oh! I forgot: I saw Whitney leave the venue in a black limousine with Bobbi Kristina. She was wearing a beautiful white dress.

(Written by Julian)

No more rumors about illness, divorces, and anything else: Whitney is back, 100%, at her best, a voice so golden and full, she reached the stars, and I’m still on a high. It was a fabulous, wonderful, spectacular night.

Before the concert, I occasionally met Anne, Lili, and Nicki (we all wore the fan club tees and recognized each other). Inside the stadium, we finally managed to find a place right beside the stage, with a view into backstage. Before the concert, Ricky Minor came on stage, eating ice cream, and already noticed the giant NIP styrofoam letters that the three girls had made, along with our fan club tees.

At 19:00 the concert started with a performance I couldn’t catch the name of, he sings "Father’s Eyes," for half an hour.

Some minutes after eight, we saw HER entering backstage in a beautiful black, glittery dress. The show started with "I’m Every Woman," followed by "So Emotional." The first part also included "All the Man That I Need," a medley of "All at Once," "Didn’t We Almost Have It All/Where Do Broken Hearts Go," and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." She recognized the huge NIP letters right at the beginning and told the audience that this was her nickname. Nippy often came back to our place, as we didn’t stop yelling and shouting, "We love you, Whitney." And she responded, she talked, and seemed to need that contact with her fans. Oh, she was so close, that smile, those eyes, it was hallucinating.

After her first costume change, while her brother Gary sang "Change the World," Whitney came back in a lovely shiny dress with long glittery accents and transparent "glass" shoes. Wow! She performed the Diana Ross medley ("I'm Coming Out," "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," "The Boss") and "Endless Love" with Gary. Superb! Sometimes I saw people behind me in tears of joy, hearing the ballads, it was so beautiful, her voice so perfect. This part also included "I Believe in You and Me" and "I Go to the Rock," where she introduced her band, ending with "I Will Always Love You." Nippy received a standing ovation from the entire audience for that.

The encore was "Step by Step," with her in jeans and Puma shoes. Whitney seemed so relaxed, so comfortable, making jokes, in a good mood the whole evening. At one point, she even took off her glass shoes, singing "I Will Always Love You" barefoot.

Maybe I forgot some songs, please forgive me. But this show was brilliant, I can’t find the words. I didn’t expect it to be this good.

She didn’t really talk about Bobby, but Bobby Kristina was there right in front beneath us, attending the whole show. I just won’t believe the press anymore, forget all that tabloid stuff. Whitney is back. No, she’s always been there, and now she’s better than ever. Can’t wait to see her in Aschaffenburg. This woman is divine.

(Written by Klaus-Peter)