Whitney Houston has made her first high-profile public appearance since leasing rehab and splitting from husband Bobby Brown at a Beverly Hills charity event.
The newly-blonde diva shined in black Armani gown and diamonds while attending the star-studded 17th Carousel of Hope Ball which raised over $70 million for diabetes research.
"I feel great," said Whitney, who sat at the main table with Halle Berry and was escorted to the ball by her record producer, Clive Davis, one of the evening's honourees.
"She's been through emotional trauma, and everybody's rooting for her," Clive said about the diva. "We're going to make a killer album," he added.
Quincy Jones, another of the event’s honourees), said it’s clear Whitney has reached a turning point in her life: "She's looking at the light, instead of darkness."
Other stars at the event included Teri Hatcher, Hilary Duff and Sharon Stone.
Whitney’s appearance at the event prompted Idol contestant Katharine McPhee to switch performing the song Over the Rainbow, for Houston’s hit I Have Nothing.
"It's her first big appearance since the breakup," Katharine said. "I would love to sing with her, but unfortunately all eyes are on me."
Houston filed for divorce from Bobby Brown two weeks ago after 14 years of marriage. The couple separated on September 8. Whitney has requested custody of the couple’s 13-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina.
