Aretha not attending Houston's funeral

Newark - Aretha Franklin is no longer planning to sing at the funeral for Whitney Houston.

A person close to the Houston family but not authorised to speak on the record says Franklin is no longer planning to attend because she is sick. Franklin, who was asked to perform at Houston's funeral, performed on Friday and is scheduled to give another concert on Saturday night.

A revised programme for the service lists Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and R Kelly among those who will sing at Saturday's service in Newark, New Jersey.

Houston, who was 48, died on February 11 in California, the day before the Grammy awards. About 1 500 guests are expected to attend the private service including music mogul Clive Davis.

A gospel choir was rehearsing in the church hours before the service, and roses and lilies surround the pulpit.