Not to denigrate the dead or anything, but I was never fond of Whitney Houston's singing style. And especially not Barbara Striesand - they both have more of what I call a "bellowing" style rather than singing. In fact, Barbara was one of the key singers who moved us from "singing" to the style we have had prevelant for many years now, which to me is more shouting rather than melodic.
Anyway, I know Whitney is revered for her version of "I Will Always Love You." But that song was written by Dolly Parton, and Dolly performs it soooo much better. Whitney give the song lung power, but Dolly sings it with true heart-rending emotion. But Whitney claimed it as "hers." I remember seeing an interview with her, and she claimed the song was "hers," and simply dismissed the fact that another talanted performer had written it. What an ego.