FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2009 

CHICAGO — In a special two-part television event starting Monday, September 14, Oprah sits down with Whitney Houston for what she calls a "jaw-dropping, open, honest and candid" interview. During this world exclusive, Houston speaks out for the first time in seven years about her marriage with Bobby Brown, drugs, rehab and how her family saved her.With friends and family looking on, including Clive Davis and her daughter Bobbi Kristina, Houston brings down the house with an emotional performance of "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" from her new album, I Look to You, which is expected to debut at number one on the Billboard charts.

Winfrey shares her personal reflections on what she calls "one of the most powerful interviews" of her career:

Oprah Winfrey: I think it's the best interview I've ever done. But I guess you're supposed to let other people say that about yourself. I can't think of a moment, ever, when I had a stronger connection to the person I was interviewing.  

Oprah Winfrey: My approach to this interview was to not be judgmental in any way and not to go in trying to get her to say things to make a 'moment.' I just wanted to be able to have an honest conversation with her. One woman to another woman.  And the day of the interview, I literally prayed about that all day long. I just wanted a connection between the two of us. And that is what happened. And that is why I believe it's one of the most, if not the most, powerful interviews I've ever done.

Oprah Winfrey: I think, whether you liked or loved Whitney Houston before, you will certainly have a deeper appreciation for what she has been through as a human being. And I mean, the fans are just going to love her even more.

The Oprah Winfrey Show: Season Premiere: Oprah And Whitney Houston - The First Interview airs Monday, September 14, 2009. The Oprah Winfrey Show: Season Premiere Part II: Whitney Houston’s Show-Stopping Surprise airs Tuesday, September 15, 2009 (check local listings).  

For more information, visit Oprah.com/whitney or WhitneyHouston.com. Also, follow Oprah on Twitter @Oprah or become a fan of The Oprah Winfrey Show on Facebook.  

The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 23 consecutive seasons, winning every sweep since its debut in 1986.* It is produced in Chicago by Harpo Productions, Inc. and syndicated to 215 domestic stations by CBS Television Distribution Group and to 147 countries by CBS Paramount International Television.

Source:
*Nielsen Cassandra Ranking Report - Nov'86 to July '99 and Wrap Sweeps, Nov '99 to July '09. Primary Telecasts Only.

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