A Whitney Houston hologram is in the works from Greek billionaire Alki David’s Hologram USA in partnership with the late singer’s estate. FilmOn Studios will create and distribute the virtual show to Houston fans worldwide.
The event, with no current premiere date, is set to feature a selection of the late singer’s greatest hits as well as audience interaction and special guests.
“It’s a great opportunity for her fans to see a reinvention of one of the most celebrated female artists in history and to continue a legacy of performances that will not be forgotten in years to come. I look forward to the partnership,” Pat Houston — the sister-in-law of Whitney, who died in Feb. 2012 — said in a statement.
“The opportunity to help share her spectacular gifts with the world again is exactly what I hoped for when I built the hologram business,” David added.
Hologram USA and FilmOn Studios are in development for similar shows featuring Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly, Bing Crosby and more. The technology has also been used to facilitate live appearances such as beaming Jimmy Kimmel to the Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. They’ll also mount a Billie Holiday performance later this year at Harlem’s Apollo Theater.
It’s not always easy being three-dimensional. While holograms such as rapper Tupac Shakur‘s was a big hit at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music Festival, others haven’t so well received.
Beloved Latina singer Selena’s hologram tour announcement was ripped on social media by devout fans, and a revival of Michael Jackson at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards startled some viewers.
Houston died on Feb. 11, 2012, and was discovered in her hotel suite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel over Grammy weekend. The official cause of death was drowning.