LATEST UPDATE 4: PM EST: COPS lock down NEWARK streets — STAY HOME from WHITNEY funeral they warn as superstars queue up to mourn!
Newark Police said they plan to lock down streets near Saturday's private funeral for Whitney Houston and urged the thousands of fans expected to crowd the area to stay home. Several blocks around the church will be cordoned off and fans will NOT be allowed near it. There will be no procession from the funeral home to the church
While Whitney's funeral service at Newark, New Jersey’s New Hope Baptist Church is invitation-only, millions of fans will be mourning in unison as they watch it broadcast live online.
Houston's rep Kristen Foster said that Associated Press will be permitted to broadcast Saturday's funeral, and stream it at http://livestream.com/aplive.
Whitney’s godmother, the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, will topline the event, singing a heartbreaking tribute to the late pop diva. She will be joined by the legendary STEVIE WONDER.
Also on the guest list are the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Brandy, Ray J. and singer Chaka Khan.
Also attending, as The ENQUIRER reported yesterday, Bobby Brown.
Houston's mentor music kingpin Clive Davis is expected to speak.
Following the service, Houston will be laid to rest at Fair View Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, where her father is also buried.
