WHITNEY HOUSTON FUNERAL EARLY TODAY

 Dressed in black: Two women pause to look at the memorial display before they go into the church to pay their last respects to Whitney Houston

Escort: A procession of cars with flowers - one of which is the golden hearse carrying her casket - drive down the Newark street after the service escorted by a police car

The golden hearse carrying the body of singer Whitney Houston bears a photo of her in the window as her family and friends prepare to say goodbye to the star

Death of a star: Pall-bearers carry the casket of pop singer Whitney Houston to a hearse following her funeral service at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, earlier today

Denied: Brown is believed to have got into an argument with Whitney's family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him. He was invited and told he could bring two people but instead showed up with an entourage of nine and stormed out when he was told they could not be seated

Final journey: Whitney Houston's silver casket was carried out as her greatest hit I Will Always Love You was played

 Emotional time: Whitney Houston's mother Cissy Houston, 78, was seen arriving at the funeral home for a special private viewing with close friends and family on Friday afternoon

 Sad day: Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina was also seen arriving at Whigham Funeral Home in New Jersey yesterday

 Kim Burrell sings one of Whitney's favourite songs, changing the lyrics to make it more personal to the singer

 Not singing: Aretha Franklin, who performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York last night, pulled out of singing at her god daughter Whitney's funeral at the last minute, saying she was 'too ill'

Stevie Wonder said in his fantasy world he had a crush on Whitney before serenading the audience with Ribbons In The Sky

 Singer Alicia Keys was tearful as she walked to the piano and spoke about her friendship with the singer

The Bodyguard co-star: Kevin Costner paid tribute to Whitney Houston today and shared fond memories of his time with the singer with the rest of the congregation

Houston's aunt, singer Dionne Warwick, officiated the service today and took to the altar several times to welcome the singers and speakers to the congregation

First mourner: The Rev Jesse Jackson leaves Whigham Funeral Home after visiting with the family of Whitney Houston before going to the New Hope Baptist Church to prepare for the service

A year later: Whitney Houston and her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown were pictured together at the 2011 Pre-GRAMMY Gala. She died on the day of the same event this year

Last moments: Whitney Houston's last ever public performance on Thursday February 9 with her close friend Kelly Price. She was found dead two days later