I Look to You (song)

"I Look to You" is a pop-soul song performed by American recording artist Whitney Houston, from her seventh studio album^[1]^[2] of the same name. It was released as a worldwide promotional single^[3] and as the first US single from the album on July 23, 2009 on US radio following highly favorable reviews at pre-release album listening parties.^[4]

The single is one of two songs written by R. Kelly which appear on the album and was produced by Emanuel Kiriakou, Tricky Stewart and Harvey Mason, Jr.. Following its preview on US radio the single was released fully for airplay on July 27, 2009.^[5] On July 30, just one week after its premiere (and 3 days after its promotional release) the song reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, becoming her 30th top 20 hit. The song has since become her highest charting single in the United States in nine years, charting at #70.

On February 18, 2012, R. Kelly (who wrote "I Look to You") performed the song at Houston's homegoing at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. The service was broadcast and streamed live to a worldwide audience.

Background

Initially Vibe magazine reported that another song titled "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" penned by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster would be released as the lead single.^[6] However, on July 14, 21 and 23 Houston held 3 pre-release album listening parties in which 9 of the 11 songs where previewed, "Call You Tonight" was described as a possible lead single by mentor Clive Davis.^[7] Swizz Beatz producer of the song "Million Dollar Bill" (written by Alicia Keys) said that his record was definitely a potential comeback record and with critical acclaim at all three parties it was widely expected that the song would succeed the others as the lead single. However both Rap-Up and Houston's official website have confirmed the title song will indeed be the first US single^[3] whilst "Million Dollar Bill" is being released as the worldwide lead single (second US single, almost simultaneously with first single). "I Look to You" was the second single from the album in the United Kingdom, where it was released on December 14, 2009.^[8]

Music video

The video for "I Look to You" premiered on September 10, 2009 on Whitney Houston's official website^[9] and on Entertainment Tonight.^[10]

The video, also directed by Melina Matsoukas, features the singer in front of a plain beige and gray backdrop with different angles of her. She is sitting on an applebox with a spotlight focused on her. Toward the end of the video, a shower of flowers are shown falling all around her. Houston is wearing a white dress in mood of the beige and grey background. The significance of the number was her humbleness to the Lord.

Promotion

Houston performed this song at Good Morning America on September 1, 2009. The show aired the following day.
Houston sang "I Look To You" at German television Wetten, dass..? where she performed this song with great reviews.
"I Look To You" was performed at 2nd annual BET Celebration of Gospel gala by Houston together with Kim Burrell and gospel choir. The performance was acclaimed as the best performance of the night.

Critical reception

Houston said that the powerful piano ballad sums up the album and was all she wanted to say at that stage of her life.^[7] From the album parties Rolling Stone said that with the two tracks from R. Kelly (the chippy kiss-off "Salute" and the steely title track produced by Tricky Stewart, Emanuel Kiriakou and Harvey Mason, Jr.) Houston seemed to be aiming for a younger audience and the radio.^[11] Showbiz411's Richard Freidman called R. Kelly's contributions "excellent tracks, including the beautiful title song"^[12] Billboard magazine's Mark Surtherland wrote "The overall feel of the album was notably contemporary, while retaining Houston's trademark vocal flourishes. Clive Davis praised Houston by saying that on songs like "I Look to You" it is not difficult to say she is 'the premium balladeer of our time'.^[13]

Billboard's Monica Herrera gave the song a positive review, writing that Houston is "both vulnerable and in control". She adds that "the minimalist production, which features a lone, sullen piano and soft synths, exists purely to cushion Houston's moving vocal performance". Lastly, she stated that it "stands firmly in the tradition of her most emotive hits ("Greatest Love of All," "I Will Always Love You") and signals the long-awaited return of a true diva".^[14]

Cover versions

The song was covered on the television show Glee during the second season episode Grilled Cheesus. With Amber Riley on lead vocals, the song debuted and peaked at #74 on the Hot 100 during the week of October 23, 2010.
On February 18, 2012, singer/songwriter R. Kelly (who wrote "I Look to You") performed the song at Houston's funeral at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. The service was broadcast and streamed live to a worldwide audience.
The song is covered by Selah on his fourth album, Hope of the Broken World, which was released on 2011.
The song was also covered by English singer-songwriter Joe McElderry featuring London Community Gospel Choir on his fourth studio album Here's What I Believe.

Track listing

Digital download

"I Look to You" — 4:25

German double A-side single

"I Look to You" — 4:25
"Million Dollar Bill" - 3:24

UK digital single^[15]

"I Look to You" - 4:25
"I Look to You" (Giuseppe D. Club Mix) - 7:39
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Warehouse Club Mix) - 8:52
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Club Mix) - 9:08
"I Look to You" (Christian Dio Club Mix) - 7:53

UK digital remix EP^[16]

"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Warehouse Radio Mix) - 4:08
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Warehouse Club Mix) - 8:52
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Warehouse Mixshow) - 5:50
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Radio Mix) - 3:52
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Mixshow) - 6:06
"I Look to You" (Johnny Vicious Club Mix) - 9:08
"I Look to You" (Christian Dio Radio Mix) - 4:01
"I Look to You" (Christian Dio Mixshow) - 5:51
"I Look to You" (Christian Dio Club Mix) - 7:53
"I Look to You" (Giuseppe D. Radio Edit) - 3:47
"I Look to You" (Giuseppe D. Club Mix) - 7:39
"I Look to You" (Giuseppe D. Mixshow) - 5:52

Other Versions

7th Heaven Radio Edit - 4:10

Chart performance

The song debuted at number eighty six on the Billboard Hot 100 and two weeks later reached number 70. It spent six weeks on the chart and as of May 2012 has sold nearly 298,000 copies in the US. The song has sold over 450,000 copies worldwide.

Charts

Chart (2009-2012)	Peak position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)^[17]	47
Belgium (Ultratip Flanders)^[18]	21
Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia)^[19]	14
Brazil (Billboard Brazil)^[20]	34
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[21]	68
France (SNEP)^[22]	124
Germany (Official German Charts)^[23] Double-A-Side with "Million Dollar Bill"	41
Japan (Japan Hot 100)^[24]	40
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[25]	65
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)^[26]	33
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)^[27]	16
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)^[28]	85
US Billboard Hot 100^[29]	70
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[30]	16
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)^[31]	22
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)^[32]	35
US Jazz Songs (Billboard)^[2]	21
US Hot Gospel Songs (Billboard)^[2]	14
US Top Gospel Streaming Songs (Billboard)^[33]	7
Charts (2015)	Peak position
US Top Gospel Streaming Songs (Billboard)^[33]	4
US Top Digital Gospel Songs (Billboard)^[34]	12

Release history

Country	Release date	Format	Label
North America	July 23, 2009^[5]	Premier/debut	Arista Records, Sony Music
Austria	July 27 until July 31, 2009^[4]	Limited free download	Sony Music Entertainment
Germany
Italy
North America			Arista Records, Sony Music
Spain			Sony Music Entertainment
Sweden			Sony Music Entertainment
United States	August 11, 2009^[35]	Airplay	Arista Records
United States	August 4, 2009^[36]	Digital download	Arista Records
Germany	October 2, 2009^[37]	Double A-side Single	Sony Music Entertainment
United Kingdom	November 6, 2009	Digital Download^[16] Single remix album	RCA Records
United Kingdom	December 14, 2009^[38]	Digital Download^[15] 5-track single	RCA Records

Accolades

Year	Region	Award	Category	Result
2010	United States	NAACP Image Awards^[39]	Outstanding Music Video	Won

Duet version with R. Kelly

"I Look To You"

Single by Whitney Houston and R. Kelly

from the album I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston

Released

September 25, 2012

Format

Digital download, CD

Recorded

2012

Genre

R&B, soul, gospel, pop

Length

3:39

Label

RCA

Writer(s)

Robert Kelly

Producer(s)

Clive Davis, Robert Kelly

Whitney Houston singles chronology

"His Eye Is on the Sparrow"
(2012)

"I Look To You"
(2012)

R. Kelly singles chronology

"Feelin' Single"
(2012)

"I Look To You"
(2012)

"When a Man Lies"
(2012)

The song was later re-recorded as a duet between Houston and R. Kelly and was released as a single on September 25, 2012, seven months after Houston's death.^[40] This version marks Houston's final single, and third posthumous release. One day before the release, a sneak peek of this version debuted on Ryan Seacrest's website.^[41] The duet version of the song was released from and to promote Houston's posthumous compilation album I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston.

Track listing

Digital download

"I Look to You" (Whitney Houston and R. Kelly) — 3:39

Chart performance

Chart (2012)	Peak position
scope="row"	US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[30]	90

Release history

Country	Release date	Format	Label
Worldwide	September 25, 2012	Digital Download	RCA Records
United Kingdom	November 11, 2012^[42]	Digital Download	RCA Records

Accolades

Year	Region	Award	Category	Result
2013	United States	NAACP Image Awards^[43]	Outstanding Song	Won

External links

I Look To You (Acharts)

References

↑ "((( Whitney Houston > Discography > Main Albums )))". allmusic. August 9, 1963. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
1 2 3 http://www.billboard.com/artist/431329/whitney+houston/chart
1 2 Billboard I Look To You Review Archived August 17, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
1 2 "Album gets bumped up and free download". official website. July 28, 2009.
1 2 "the first single". Rap-Up Magazine. July 24, 2009.
↑ "WHITNEY HOUSTON NEW SINGLE CONFIRMED". Vibe magazine. April 5, 2009.
1 2 "Preview: Whitney Houston - 'I Look to You'". Rap-Up Magazine. July 23, 2009.
↑ Whitney Houston Announces Extra Tour Dates Due To Public Demand
↑ "::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. || In Loving Memory Of Michael Jackson". Thatgrapejuice.net. March 25, 2007. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
↑ "::"I Look to You" Video Premier; The Official Whitney Houston Site". Arista Records. September 10, 2009. Retrieved September 10, 2009.
↑ "Whitney Houston Returns: Diva Debuts "I Look to You" in New York". Rollingstone Magazine. March 7, 2009.
↑ "Whitney Houston Debuts New CD, Gets ABC Special". Showbiz411. July 21, 2009.
↑ "Whitney Houston Premieres New Album In London". Billboard Magazine. July 14, 2009.
↑ "New Music Releases, Music Reviews, Album Releases & Song Releases". Billboard.com. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
1 2 Whitney Houston: I Look To You: Amazon.co.uk MP3 Downloads
1 2 I Look To You Remixes: Whitney Houston: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads
↑ "Austriancharts.at – Whitney Houston – I Look To You" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
↑ "Ultratop.be – Whitney Houston – I Look To You" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
↑ "Ultratop.be – Whitney Houston – I Look To You" (in French). Ultratip.
↑ "Brazil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brazil (in Portuguese). Brazil: Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 79 (2). April 1, 2010.
↑ "Whitney Houston – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Whitney Houston.
↑ "Lescharts.com – Whitney Houston – I Look To You" (in French). Les classement single.
↑ "Musicline.de – Houston, Whitney Single-Chartverfolgung" (in German). Media Control Charts. PhonoNet GmbH.
↑ "Whitney Houston – Chart history" Japan Hot 100 for Whitney Houston.
↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Whitney Houston – I Look To You" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Whitney Houston – I Look To You". Singles Top 100.
↑ "Swisscharts.com – Whitney Houston – I Look To You". Swiss Singles Chart.
↑ CHART LOG UK: NEW ENTRIES UPDATE - 31.10.2009 (wk43)
↑ "Whitney Houston – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Whitney Houston.
1 2 "Whitney Houston – Chart history" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Whitney Houston.
↑ "Whitney Houston – Chart history" Billboard Adult Contemporary for Whitney Houston.
↑ "Whitney Houston – Chart history" Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs for Whitney Houston.
1 2 "Whitney Houston Chart History: Gospel Streaming Songs". billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
↑ "Gospel Digital Songs: Week of January 31, 2015". billboard.com. Prometheus Global Media. 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
↑ "R&R :: Going For Adds :: CHR/Top 40". Radio & Records. August 8, 2009.
↑ "I Look To You (Single): Whitney Houston: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
↑ I Look to You/Million Dollar Bill: Amazon.de: Musik
↑ News | The Official Whitney Houston Site
↑ Winners of the 41st NAACP Image Awards Announced - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers
↑ iTunes - Music - I Look to You - Single by Whitney Houston & R. Kelly
↑ Ryan Seacrest - SNEAK PEEK: Whitney Houston's New Duet With R. Kelly 'I Look to You' [AUDIO] - Ryan Seacrest
↑ "I Look To You: Whitney Houston & R. Kelly: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
↑ Winners of the 41st NAACP Image Awards Announced - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers

Whitney Houston singles

Whitney Houston	"Hold Me" "Thinking About You" "You Give Good Love" "All at Once" "Saving All My Love for You" "How Will I Know" "Greatest Love of All"

Whitney	"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" "Didn't We Almost Have It All" "So Emotional" "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" "Love Will Save the Day" "I Know Him So Well"

I'm Your Baby Tonight	"I'm Your Baby Tonight" "All the Man That I Need" "Miracle" "My Name Is Not Susan" "I Belong to You" "We Didn't Know"

The Bodyguard	"I Will Always Love You" "I'm Every Woman" "I Have Nothing" "Run to You" "Queen of the Night"

Waiting to Exhale	"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" "Count On Me" "Why Does It Hurt So Bad"

The Preacher's Wife	"I Believe in You and Me" "Step by Step" "My Heart Is Calling"

My Love Is Your Love	"When You Believe" "Heartbreak Hotel" "It's Not Right but It's Okay" "My Love Is Your Love" "I Learned from the Best"

Whitney: The Greatest Hits	"Could I Have This Kiss Forever" "If I Told You That" "Fine" "Same Script, Different Cast"

Just Whitney...	"Whatchulookinat" "One of Those Days" "Try It on My Own" "Love That Man"

One Wish: The Holiday Album	"One Wish (for Christmas)"

I Look to You	"I Look to You" "Million Dollar Bill"

Sparkle	"Celebrate" "His Eye Is on the Sparrow"

I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston	"I Look to You"

Other/Featured/Promotional singles	"One Moment in Time" "It Isn't, It Wasn't, It Ain't Never Gonna Be" "The Star Spangled Banner" "Something in Common" "I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

Book Category Portal

R. Kelly songs

Discography Production Discography Videography Awards and nominations

Born into the 90's	"She's Got That Vibe" "Honey Love" "Slow Dance (Hey Mr. DJ)" "Dedicated" "Hey Love (Can I Have a Word)"

12 Play	"Sex Me (Parts I and II)" "Bump N' Grind" "Your Body's Callin'" "Summer Bunnies" "It Seems Like You're Ready"

R. Kelly	"You Remind Me of Something" "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)" "Thank God It's Friday" "I Can't Sleep Baby (If I)"

R.	"I Believe I Can Fly" "Gotham City" "Half on a Baby" "Home Alone" "I'm Your Angel" "When a Woman's Fed Up" "Did You Ever Think" "If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time" "Only the Loot Can Make Me Happy"

TP-2.com	"I Wish" "The Storm Is Over Now" "Fiesta (Remix)" "Feelin' on Yo Booty" "A Woman's Threat"

Chocolate Factory	"The World's Greatest" "Ignition (Remix)" "Snake" "Step in the Name of Love (Remix)"

The R. in R&B Collection, Vol. 1	"Thoia Thoing"

Happy People/U Saved Me	"Happy People" "U Saved Me"

TP.3 Reloaded	"In the Kitchen" "Trapped in the Closet (Chapter 1)" "Playa's Only" "Slow Wind" "Burn It Up"

Double Up	"I'm a Flirt (Remix)" "Same Girl" "Double Up" "Rock Star"

Untitled	"Supaman High" "Number One" "Religious" "Echo" "Be My #2"

Love Letter	"When a Woman Loves" "Love Letter" "Radio Message" "Number One Hit"

Write Me Back	"Share My Love" "Feelin' Single" "When a Man Lies"

Black Panties	"My Story" "Genius" "Cookie" "Legs Shakin'"

The Buffet	"Backyard Party" "Switch Up"

Other singles	"Soldier's Heart" "Take You Home With Me (A.K.A. Body)" "Honey" "Big Chips" "Hair Braider" "Skin" "I Believe" "Sign of a Victory" "Platinum" "To the World" "I Look to You" "Bump & Grind 2014" "Ignition (Viceroy Remix)"

Featured singles	"Down with the Clique" "Street Dreams (Remix)" "Be Careful" "Friend of Mine (Remix)" "Satisfy You" "Contagious" "We Thuggin'" "Gigolo" "Hotel" "Gangsta Girl" "Till the World Ends" "So Sexy" "So Sexy: Chapter II (Like This)" "Wonderful" "That's That Shit" "Go Getta" "Speedin'" "All the Above" "Ms. Chocolate" "Throwin' My Money" "We Been On" "Do What U Want" "PYD" "Make The World Go Round" "It's Your World"

Soundtrack singles	"I Believe I Can Fly" "Gotham City" "Bad Man" "World's Greatest "I Believe" "Christmas, I'll Be Steppin'"

Other songs	"It Seems Like You're Ready" "Sadie" "TP-2" "R&B Thug" "Heaven I Need a Hug" "I Need an Angel" "Real Talk" "You Are Not Alone" "Shut Up "Betcha Gon' Know" "Marching Band" "Wake Up Everybody"

Singles written and/or produced by R. Kelly	"Back & Forth" "At Your Best" "Stroke You Up" "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" "Down with the Clique" "The Thing I Like" "No One Knows How to Love Me Quite Like You Do" "Foolin' Around" "You Are Not Alone" "I Don't Want To" "Fortunate" "808" "Cry" "Contagious" "One More Chance" "Any Time, Any Place" "Bump, Bump, Bump" "Hell Yeah" "Outrageous" "Out of this Club" "I Look To You" "Celebrate" "Sleeping with the One I Love"

Category:R. Kelly songs Category:Songs written by R. Kelly

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