Whatever the verdict, Houston's people were adamant Monday that ticket refunds were not on offer, and her first tour of Australia in 22 years would carry on. "There seems to be an over-reaction going on out there," the promoter of Houston's second Sydney concert said after reviewers of her first show were divided over whether 12,000 fans had been cheated
or given good value by the woman who has sold 170 million records. "I defy anyone to convince me that last night's performance was anything but awful," a concertgoer identifying himself as Ross wrote to his local paper. Others were less restrained, declaring that the 25-year industry veteran "couldn't entertain a dead rat" and that "her voice is shot."
After the tour-opening concert in Brisbane, the pop diva was lambasted for taking a break after just two songs, for mistaking the
names of her seven-piece backing band players and forgetting lyrics.
