A friend told People that Grammy-winning singer Whitney Houston was under a lot of pressure trying to launch a comeback in the days before her death.

“Her voice was ruined, and her comeback wasn’t what it was supposed to be, because her voice wasn’t what it used to be. [Whitney] was in pain from all the pressure she was facing … I know from when she was recording her most recent album – her comeback album (I Look to You in 2009) – her voice was shot. That bothered her.

“In the music industry, you’re only as good as your last hit, even if you are Whitney Houston. Then she had people gossiping about her … It was a lot to deal with.”

In addition to a new album, Whitney had also shot the movie ‘Sparkle’ with Jordin Sparks. It’s scheduled to hit theaters August 10, 2012.

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We all know the investigation into Whitney Houston’s shocking death will take some time, but reports are already coming out that suggest what may have happened. I told you how she was found in the bathtub, leading to speculation that Whitney died of drowning.

Another possibility is that the singer, who battled addiction for years, died of an overdose. Prescription drugs were found in her room (but no illicit drugs), and TMZ reports Whitney was taking Xanax. Whitney was also seen “partying heavily” (drinking heavily with  friends) at the Beverly Hills Hilton the night before her death.

Xanax and alcohol are both depressants, so taking Xanax after a night of heavy drinking could have caused an overdose. Or she could have been so heavily sedated from the combination that she dozed off while soaking in the tub and accidentally drowned. Regardless, this is so tragic. My thoughts are with her family.

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The police denied access to Whitney Houston’s hotel room (where her body still was) to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and her cousin, Dionne Warwick, in the hours after she was found and pronounced dead, but later that evening, people were allowed to come to the hotel room to pay their final respects before the singer’s body was removed.

Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, were spotted arriving at the Beverly Hills Hotel and greeting Clive Davis before going inside to do that. Bobbi Kristina was also allowed in at that point. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for all of them.

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Nicole Scherzinger was spotted at LAX to catch a flight. Clearly she isn’t letting her departure from ‘X Factor’ dampen her spirits: she seemed happy to pose for the photogs .

I’m surprised she was leaving LA the day before the Grammy Awards, though, since Nicole is a singer. I would’ve thought everyone in the music industry would be in town, attending parties, networking, etc. Are you a fan of Nicole’s music?

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Katherine Heigl is probably done promoting her movie ‘One for the Money’: now she’s back in LA, enjoying some family time! Katherine was spotted out with her husband, Josh Kelley, and their daughter, Naleigh.

They stopped by the sweet shop Let Them Eat Macaroons for a treat before carrying on with their day. Not a bad way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon at all!

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Gisele looked very calm and collected as she was spotted leaving the Alexander Wang Fashion Show. She isn’t letting any residual Super Bowl fallout bother her or stop her from enjoying New York Fashion week!

Of course, Gisele looks as gorgeous as always. Forget her body: if I could just have that BAG, I’d be a happy woman .

Photos by GG/FameFlynet