Whitney was 'joyful' 2 days before death

A singer who participated in an impromptu duet with Whitney Houston at a party two days before Houston's death said yesterday she noticed nothing amiss and the superstar was "upbeat and joyful."

"She did not seem disheveled. She was dancing, she was laughing. ... We were having a good time," said Kelly Price.


We'll always love you: Jennifer Hudson breaks down while paying
tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammy concert yesterday. Pic/AFP

"What I saw on Thursday night was not erratic behavior. I didn't see someone who was high."

Price said the party was held to celebrate her Grammy nominations. During the party, Houston took the stage unexpectedly and sang a hoarse rendition of 'Jesus Loves Me' with Price.

Price said Houston's voice is "naturally raspy," but "she sounded good on Thursday night."

She acknowledged that Houston did have champagne, which "was flowing" at the party, and said she was glad to see her friend happy. "It was a genuine moment of celebration," she said.

"She was in good spirits leaving the club," Price said.

There were more questions than answers Monday about Houston's sudden death, as authorities were offering few details. An autopsy was completed on Houston Sunday, but authorities have not released a cause of death pending toxicology tests.