Whitney Houston hologram 'world tour' announced

A hologram of the late Whitney Houston will be featured in a world tour in 2016. The show, which will feature the singer's greatest hits, is reportedly the brainchild of Pat Houston, Whitney's sister-in-law and head of the late singer's estate.

Pat Houston signed a deal allowing Hologram USA to use the singer's image and songs in the show which will open next year at an as yet undisclosed U.S. location and will then tour around the world.

In a statement she explained: "It's a great opportunity for her fans to see a reinvention of one the most celebrated female artists in history and to continue a legacy of performances that will not be forgotten in years to come. I look forward to the partnership."

Hologram USA CEO Alki David said the series of concerts will be a celebration of Whitney Houston's music. "The opportunity to help share her spectacular gifts with the world again is exactly what I hoped for when I built the hologram business", the Greek billionaire explained.

"We've got technology that's causing a seismic shift in the entertainment industry, and a wonderful partnership with Pat Houston and the estate - I'm confident we'll create the ultimate celebration of Whitney's amazing artistry."

The virtual recreation of the singer will perform in "a major US venue" for a show that will be beamed to TVs and computers around the world via FilmOn Studios, a live-stream website and TV app developed by Hologram USA.

The announcement comes just three years after Whitney Houston was found dead in a hotel bathtub ahead of the Grammy Awards and just two months after the passing of her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown in tragically similar circumstances. The 22-year-old died in July this year after being found face down and unconscious in a bathtub in her Georgia home.

Pat Houston was Whitney's manager and the wife of her brother Gary. She was named co-guardian of Bobbi Kristina's estate, along with the 22-year-old's father Bobby Brown. Bobbi Kristina was the sole heir of her mother's estate, which is estimated to be worth $20 million (£12.63m). After her tragic death, Pat inherited the singer's fortune.

Whitney is the latest star to be posthumously immortalized by means of a hologram. Last year a hologram of Michael Jackson replicated the late King of Pop's moonwalk at the Billboard Music Awards. The company behind the new Whitney show is also developing shows with the estates of Patsy Cline, Buddy Holly and Bing Crosby.