Whitney Houston Funeral: Kevin Costner Speech Is Heartwarming, Receives Standing Ovation

Whitney Houston, the great American pop icon, died at the age of 48. Her funeral was held this Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J. -- the building in which Houston began singing as a child.

Several celebrities appeared throughout the processions including Tyler Perry, Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, and Stevie Wonder.

Kevin Costner spoke at length about his experience with Houston. He talked about meeting Houston for the first time and what it was like to establish a friendship while recording the film.

Costner often alluded to Houston's self-doubt and how that may have ultimately been her downfall.

The Whitney I knew still wondered about her fame, said Costner.

If you could hear me now I would tell you, you weren't just good enough, you were great, he said.

A lot of leading men could have played my part, a lot of guys could have filled that role, but I believe Whitney that you were the only one that could have played Rachel Marron at that time, said Costner.

You weren't just pretty, he said. You were as beautiful as a woman could be.

Off you go, Whitney. Off you go. Escorted by an army of angels and your heavenly father, he said. When you sing before him don't you worry, you'll be good enough.

Costner's speech ended as the crowd rose to their feet, applauding a heartfelt and moving speech about his long relationship with Whitney Houston and the time he spent working with her during one of the most successful parts of her career.