<p>I forgot to add something in my original post (#309). Whitney also sang with such clarity in her music! 
You never had to guess what she was saying because her elocution was superb in her songs. I will definitely miss that aspect about her.</p>
<p>SJCM,
Yes, Costner’s eulogy was very gentle yet clear in pointing out her “fragility”, “what made her at risk.” He is a much more perceptive and good man than I realized before hearing the speech. That story was true, a foreshadowing incident, yet was also a perfect metaphor for the tragic lack of confidence in a very pressured career that may have created the perfect storm, even for someone with such a fantastic talent.</p>
<p>I also felt that he felt the irony that he was her “bodyguard,” but could not protect and save her from this tragic situation.</p>
<p>Whitney’s life was a cautionary tale that I hope many do learn from.</p>
<p>I felt very uncomfortable listening to Adele in a recent interview discuss how absolutely disturbed she is by performance-anxiety for the several days and nights before gigs… Voices in my head were saying, “Adele, be strong, don’t reach for the easy way out in the form of chemicals… Just take a break when you need to, and ask for help in other ways to deal with this…” She says she is overcome by the feelings that she will blow it during the performance, or that people won’t like it, and that she has to outdo her last hit, even though she KNOWS these feelings make no real sense. Yes, each performance, each new song feels like a big risk, that it will all go up in smoke, and we in the audience do forget how that must feel to the performer…
I was very happy to hear her express this so openly - it is refreshing to see a talented and successful newer celebrity not be coached to seem perfect and invincible. I did think of poor Whitney as she spoke during the interview…</p>
<p>performersmom- (your screen name very appropriate for “stage fright” discussion)
Excellent summary of Costner’s speech, and I completely agree when you wrote:
I also felt that he felt the irony that he was her “bodyguard,” but could not protect and save her from this tragic situation.</p>
<p>I wonder if he actually wrote that eulogy?</p>
<p>You think Costner, who has co-written scripts & is a movie director/actor had someone else write his tribute?</p>
<p>I assumed celebrities, have expert assistance, when they are given such short notice. So yes, I thought perhaps someone might have assisted.</p>
<p>Whitney’s doubts were whether she was beautiful or successful enough to be a crossover entertainer. That is typical behavior for any young woman. She did not suffer stage fright like Adele because she had always perform before audiences since her childhood. Whitney also looked confident on stage (In her prime, her live performances were always excellent.).</p>
<p>Kevin Costner definitely wrote that eulogy. Someone may have proofread it, but it was genuine and sweet from his heart.</p>
<p>As for Adele, she needs charisma and character because I do not like her personality. She also has the tendency to say outlandish remarks that make you wonder “What is Adele thinking??” If she wants to continue her success in the American market, she also needs to improve her elocution because she sounds awful. You don’t understand what she’s saying half the time.</p>
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<p>I guess you never watched Whitney’s reality show.</p>
<p>tenisghs,
I am going to respectfully disagree with everything you said in your post #326.</p>
<p>I think that the fear of not being good enough in ANY way can lead to tragedies… in performers, in women, in all people. Cutting corners or using unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with any such anxieties is mighty tempting in such situations, and they do seem to work, for a while. </p>
<p>I think, especially after what I am learning WH’s death, that Adele’s quirkiness needs to be respected. Let us stop asking our performers, our celebrities, our artists, our females to conform, to be perfect or standard. Let us let them be who they are. Adele has a fabulous vocal musical talent. That should be enough, IMHO.</p>