When Whitney Houston appeared on MTV back in 1985, she was one of the first black artists to break through and gain such exposure. With an incomparable voice, it seemed destined to be heard by the world. From that moment on we knew we were in the company of a true star. It’s why Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston is now enjoying its tenth year. The hugely successful production is on a UK-wide tour throughout 2025.
A packed Palladium brims with anticipation. The diverse audience ranges from ardent fans to more casual admirers of Houston’s body of work. It’s pleasing to see such a range of ages in the crowd – such is the lasting impact of the singer.
The lights dim and a five-piece band arrives on stage. Backing singers Anna Richmond and Bethany Carter are next, followed by second vocalist Holly Bannis. Then the silhouette of Whitney appears. The funky ‘So Emotional’ fires us up and we quickly realise we’re in very safe hands with Adenike Adewale. The performer not only has powerhouse vocals of her own, but she masters the mannerisms of Houston to a tee. It’s almost emotional to see someone so convincing as the late singer, especially for those who never saw her in concert.
The soothing ‘Saving All My Love for You’ slows things down to mid-tempo before we move onto the upbeat, playful ‘How Will I know’, which feels suitably celebratory. Adewale is clearly passionate and insightful about the person she is portraying, and her energy proves increasingly infectious as we progress through the two-hour show.
Crowd pleaser ‘I’m Your Baby Tonight’ whips us up some more while the impassioned ‘I Have Nothing’ is beautifully executed. Adewale showcases her range on the fiery ‘Queen of the Night’ while also capturing the look of the time with one of her many costume changes.
The performer transforms once more as we transition to late 90s Whitney, whereby she moved into a more R&B sound. ‘My Love is Your Love’ and ‘It’s Not Right But It’s Okay’ are further standouts. Bannis comes into her own on ‘Million Dollar Bill’ to allow Adewale to prepare for her biggest number of the night.
‘I Will Always Love You’ is notoriously hard to sing and we await with bated breath for the song everyone has been looking forward to. Adewale absolutely nails it, prompting rapturous, well-deserved applause. With one of the biggest power ballads of all time done, it’s time to dance.
‘I’m Every Woman’ has everyone, regardless of gender, belting out the lyrics while floor filler ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ has us all doing just that. ‘Greatest Love of All’ finally closes the show, leaving everyone in high spirits as they exit the venue. With high production values, an exceptional band and a singer of Adewale’s calibre, one would be hard pushed to see a greater, more respectful celebration of our queen of the night.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
With a sensational live band, a company of extraordinary vocalists, and a breathtaking production design that will light up stages across the country, Queen of the Night – A Tribute To Whitney Houston is a show-stopping spectacle like no other. Expect the dancefloor hits, the soul-stirring ballads, and the show-stopping numbers you love – brought to life with all the glamour, drama, and electrifying energy of Whitney herself.
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT – A TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON
London Palladium, 14 and 15 February 2025
Then continues on UK tour to 9 May 2025
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Sun 6 Apr 2025
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
Sat 26 Apr 2025
Granville Theatre
Sun 13 Jul 2025
Stockton Globe
Thu 16 Oct 2025
Sunderland Empire
Sun 9 Nov 2025
Swansea Building Society Arena
Fri 14 Nov 2025
