Whitney’s January 24th concert was more special than ever. Up to about the halfway point, the set followed the planned structure almost exactly, and her voice— which had been a little strained during the second week of her January performances—was now completely recovered and in top form.

The energy really began to rise after she performed her new song “Takin’ a Chance,” followed immediately by another new number, “Giver of Life.” Even before that, perhaps because this was her final show in Japan, Whitney had been in an especially good mood—talking cheerfully, smiling, and calling out “Hello, hello!” to the audience.

Then, after “In Return” ended, something unexpected happened. Her brother Gary walked over to where Whitney was seated on a high stool at center stage and suddenly began singing “You’ve Got a Friend,” the famous Carole King song. The surprise was so touching that Whitney burst into tears.

During the band introductions that followed, she was still too emotional to speak. Whispering “Excuse me,” she stepped offstage for a short while, hugging members of the staff as she tried to regain her composure. Each band member then introduced themselves in turn, and when it came to the final introduction—musical director Ricky Minor—Whitney returned to the stage and took the microphone herself.

With tears still in her eyes, she spoke about the recent passing of her longtime musical director and dear friend of ten years, John Simmons, and how wonderfully Ricky had carried on his legacy. She went on to thank nearly every member of her team by name.

As she finished, Ricky gave a signal to the band, and suddenly the intro to “I Say a Little Prayer” began to play. Whitney turned around, visibly surprised—she hadn’t been told about this in advance. Smiling through her tears, she joined in and sang the song live on the spot.

This spontaneous performance, secretly arranged by the band and staff as a surprise for the Japan tour finale, became the most heartwarming moment of the night—truly the best gift for Whitney and everyone who was there.

(TopGear Japan Magazine)

1. So Emotional

2. You Give Good Love

3. Saving All My Love for You

4. How Will I Know

5. All at Once / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me (Contains elements of "A House Is Not A Home" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart")

6. Takin' a Chance

7. Giver of Life

8. In Return

9. Wonderful Counselor

10. All the Man That I Need

11. Who Do You Love

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

13. The Greatest Love of All

14. Higher Love

1. So Emotional

2. You Give Good Love

3. Saving All My Love for You

4. How Will I Know

5. All at Once / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me (Contains elements of "A House Is Not A Home" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart")

6. Takin' a Chance

7. Giver of Life

8. In Return

9. Wonderful Counselor

10. All the Man That I Need

11. Who Do You Love

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

13. The Greatest Love of All

14. Higher Love

1. So Emotional

2. You Give Good Love

3. Saving All My Love for You

4. How Will I Know

5. All at Once / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me (Contains elements of "A House Is Not A Home" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart")

6. Takin' a Chance

7. Giver of Life

8. He/I Believe

9. Wonderful Counselor

10. All the Man That I Need

11. Who Do You Love

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

13. The Greatest Love of All

14. Higher Love

1. So Emotional

2. Love Will Save the Day

3. You Give Good Love

4. Saving All My Love for You

5. How Will I Know

6. All at Once / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me (Contains elements of "A House Is Not A Home" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart")

7. Giver of Life

8. He/I Believe

9. Wonderful Counselor

10. All the Man That I Need

11. Who Do You Love

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

13. The Greatest Love of All

14. Higher Love

1. So Emotional

2. You Give Good Love

3. Saving All My Love for You

4. How Will I Know

5. All at Once / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me (Contains elements of "A House Is Not A Home" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart")

6. Takin' a Chance

7. Giver of Life

8. He/I Believe

9. Wonderful Counselor

10. All the Man That I Need

11. Who Do You Love

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

13. The Greatest Love of All

14. Higher Love

1. So Emotional

2. You Give Good Love

3. Saving All My Love for You

4. How Will I Know

5. All at Once / Didn't We Almost Have It All / Where Do Broken Hearts Go / Say You Love Me (Contains elements of "A House Is Not A Home" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart")

6. Takin' a Chance

7. Giver of Life

8. He/I Believe

9. Wonderful Counselor

10. All the Man That I Need

11. Who Do You Love

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

13. The Greatest Love of All

14. Higher Love