Top 10 Hardest Whitney Houston Songs to Sing

From the moment this song begins, you know you’re in for quite a ride. The upbeat tempo sets the vibe from the start, and you better be ready to bring it. The song is like a vocal fireworks display, full of colorful explosions, powerful moments, and some show stopping high notes. Plus, Houston brings an uncharacteristic raspiness and edginess to the number, proving there’s no sound she can’t master. When you package that all together, you have a vocally demanding track that requires immense stamina and plenty of punch. Plus, you need to make listeners believe you’re “So Emotional”! As Whitney sings, “Ain’t it shocking what love can do”?

There’s a reason this song doesn’t pop up too often at karaoke. It’s beautiful, but it’s HARD. Whitney gently draws in listeners with her softness and crispness during the verses - then brings her A game as she hits the chorus. Vocally and emotionally, that’s quite a leap, and if you can hit it, you deserve a standing ovation. The magnetic melody perfectly frames Houston’s flawless strength, range, and control. But that’s just the technical side; this number requires a whole lot more. It’s moving and needs a high level of passion. So it’s not enough to hit all the notes; you have to stir something deep within your audience too.

Reportedly, Whitney initially didn’t want to record this number, believing it “had no depth to it.” She asked songwriter Frank Wildhorn to rework the lyrics until they spoke to her on a deeper level. And indeed, the singer’s heart and soul fill every note. Sure, you can hit all the notes, embellish with riffs, and belt for your life. But can you load the lyrics with such overwhelming emotion that you bring listeners to tears? Wildhorn admitted that he “cried the first time [he] heard Whitney sing” it. If you’ve got range, go for it, but we want to be left bawling by the end.

This is another classic Whitney song that showcases pure, unmatched talent. The elasticity in her voice is breathtaking and highlights her rich and vibrant sound. As any singer will know, transitioning that seamlessly between a chest and head voice requires a lot of control, and while Houston makes it look easy, it’s anything but. And what about how she emphasizes certain words or plays with the volume and power of her voice? This isn’t a song to just belt through either; it requires light and shade, softness and strength. If you misjudge the changes by even a little, you might find yourself accidentally yelling at your audience.

This song was released to coincide with the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. As you can imagine, any music associated with the international sporting event must be held to a gold medal standard, and “One Moment in Time” is no exception. It’s about self-belief and defying expectations; every lyric is loaded with passion, inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. So now it’s up to you, the singer, to make us believe it! And Houston doesn’t make it easy. Some of those notes feel like the last lap in a marathon or setting a new high jump record. If you can nail it, you’ll feel like an athlete climbing the tri-level podium to accept their award.

Not many people are brave enough to cover this song, and with good reason. It’s exceptionally challenging and calls for a level of strength and stamina that even well-trained singers might struggle with. The melody moves into a higher key for the chorus, and while it’s gentle at some points, at others it’s strong and dramatic. This means the singer must have an unbelievable command and balance to make those transitions sound effortless. The breath control and stamina Whitney displays here are beyond impressive, and her vibrato could easily elevate an entire arena. It’s a demanding song, and you gotta make sure you really do “Have It All!”

Houston made very few tweaks to Chaka Khan’s 1978 single but still managed to make it entirely her own and keep up the fun club anthem vibes. This song is non-stop, and even between lyrics, there’s a lot going on. There’s also the impressive way Whitney sustains the end of certain words, and her mind boggling runs on “it’s all in me.” Still think this is the song for you, well what about that bridge? Let us tell you, it’s not a bridge that the faint of heart can easily cross. But get it right, and you’ll leave your audience breathless.

This is arguably one of Houston’s most deceptive numbers. It displays the many stunning textures of her voice and her unparalleled endurance. Whitney tackles the number with power and conviction while still providing a warm and vulnerable tone. The song features a gradual build-up, but that bridge can really sneak up on you. And then there’s the chorus, which takes everything you have, emotionally and vocally. Whitney’s voice rises from the very depths of her chest, and her vibrato is stirring enough to shake up the time-space continuum. It’s a risky song to attempt to say the least; you don’t want your audience to “Run [from] You,” now do you?

Houston’s signature song has been dropping jaws since its release alongside the 1992 movie “The Bodyguard.” Now, if you’re not the strongest vocalist but always wanted to try it, you could opt for Dolly Parton’s original arrangement, which is far more straightforward. As for what Houston did with the number? She takes us on quite the vocal rollercoaster. We’re down in the chest voice, then shooting up to a mind-shattering belt. Next we’re taken on a loop with beautiful prolonged notes and stunning vibratos before catapulting back up into a head voice - and straight back down into the chest! And that iconic climax can be an intimidating make-or-break moment for anyone.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Unashamed”, “Just Whitney” (2002)
We’re Unashamed to Say We’re Happy to Sit This One Out & Leave It to the Pros

“Greatest Love of All”, “Whitney Houston” (1985)
We Have the Greatest Love for This Song, But We’ll Pass on Some of Those Notes

“All at Once”, “Whitney Houston” (1985)
We Wish We Had a Fraction of the Vocal Excellence Houston Showcases Here

“It's Not Right but It's Okay”, “My Love Is Your Love” (1998)
We Tried to Sing Along: It’s Not Right… But It’s Okay

“I Believe in You and Me”, “The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album” (1996)
We Believe That No One Can Do This Song Justice Quite like Whitney

Another song that found fame from the 1992 flick, “I Have Nothing” demonstrates everything that made Houston a singer, an artist, and a performer. She sings from the very depths of her heart and showcases a range that few are as naturally gifted with. On top of that, she really sells the story in such an impactful way that we can practically feel the heartache bubbling up within us too. It’s full of soul and intensity, yet Houston never loses the reins. And the way she goes so hard then finishes so softly leaves us with chills. If you can do it justice, “[We] have Nothing” but respect for you.