#TBT: Whitney Houston at the Pier Dance, 1999

This Sunday, junior pop diva Ariana Grande will take the stage at the Pier Dance, officially bringing New York Pride to a close. She's only the latest in a line of superstar chanteuses to sing out over the years, but 16 years ago Whitney Houston paved the way for other icons to follow -- including Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Cher.

Related | Whitney Houston's 2000 Out Interview

This was right around the time Whit had staged an epic dance diva comeback with the remixes to "Heartbreak Hotel" and "It's Not Right but It's Okay," which featured one of the greatest looks in all music video herstory:

Balking at persistent lesbian rumors and embracing her gay fanbase, Houston gave those queens a performance to remember.

So, in memory of the late Whitney Houston -- and her fellow fallen soul sister Michael Jackson, who died six years ago today -- let's remember Nippy at her best: in a heavy side bang, an even heavier smokey eye, wearing head to toe Dolce and Gabbana and surrounded by the gays.

We'll always love you.