Kelly Price, Grammys 2012: Singer Tears Up Talking About Whitney

Kelly Price had the honor of singing with Whitney Houston during the lauded entertainer's last performance, which occurred Thursday (Feb. 9) at the Kelly Price & Friends Unplugged: For The Love of R&B Grammy Party at Tru Hollywood. While walking the red carpet at Sunday's (Feb. 12) 54th Annual Grammy Awards pre-show, Price began to tear up when speaking about her mentor's career.

The 38-year-old songstress sang 'Jesus Loves Me' with Houston, a performance that was not previously scheduled.

"I just simply acknowledged she was in the building," Price told Ryan Seacrest of Whitney Houston's appearance at Tru Hollywood. "[Then] she just walked up on the stage."

Price, who collaborated with Houston on her past hit 'Heartbreak Hotel,' looked to the chanteuse as an inspiration. "Singing with Whitney has always been to me an honor," Price admitted. "I looked up to her prior to being an artist."

While she shared her thoughts on Houston's untimely passing, Price began to tear up. "In my heart, I was hoping [her death] was a hoax," she stated. "And to realize that it wasn't, I cant even explain."

Whitney Houston would want the planned Grammy tribute in her honor to be "celebratory," Price added.

Watch Whitney Houston Perform 'Jesus Loves Me' With Kelly Price