Whitney Houston was 'secret lesbian'

Whitney Houston

Some of Whitney Houston's friends, including gay rights activist Peter Tatchell have said that the singer took to drugs and drinks because she was hiding her true sexuality.

Tatchell even insisted her marriage to Bobby Brown was a smokescreen, and that she was "only really happy" in the 1980s when she was with a "lesbian partner".

"It's important to tell the truth about this aspect of her life," the Daily Star quoted him as saying.

Music world stunned by death of Whitney Houston

Stars and music industry leaders paid tribute Saturday to singer Whitney Houston, who died aged 48 on the eve of the annual Grammys show.

Grammys organizing chief Neil Portnow called Houston "one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades.

"A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice," said the head of the Recording Academy.

Whitney Houston dead at 48, on eve of Grammys

LOS ANGELES - Grammy-winning pop legend and actress Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday in Beverly Hills, police said. She was 48.

The shock news came as the music industry gathered in Los Angeles for the annual Grammy awards show on Sunday, and a few hours ahead of a traditional pre-Grammys dinner in the hotel where Houston died.

Musicians took to Twitter to pay tribute to the singer, famous for songs including "I Will Always Love You," who had led a public battle with drugs.