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Clive Davis is a genius.

I know that no one has ever doubted his brilliance, but the marketing and set up for Whitney Houston's "I Look To You" illustrates my point.

The video for the title track and first single is exactly what I'd expect from an artist of her caliber. She is wearing a cream, elegant evening gown. She's alone, sitting in an empty white room. Her hair and makeup are flawless.

When she looks up to sing to the singular strobe light beaming down on her, she gives the impression that God is the YOU she is referring to in the song. It is God she is thanking for giving her the strength to overcome her past dramas.

Fifteen seconds into this video, I am reminded of "The Greatest Love Of All"-Whitney. And even though I was quick to point out the flaws with her Good Morning America performance, that critique became irrelevant as I watched this video.

The "I Look To You" video captures Whitney at a high point. She sounds great, and is singing a message that--while is specific to her own experiences-is universal and fitting, considering these rough economic times.

Now, here's why Clive Davis is worth millions.

He figured out a way to make Whitney win during a time when record sales are low.

Even though first week record sales are important, Clive was smart enough to make sure that Arista Records did not exhaust all of its Whitney promotional tools before the release of the album.

Back in February, Clive had Whitney perform at his annual pre-Grammy party. This got people buzzing, anticipating her return. Most importantly, it made people realize that a new Whitney record was really going to happen.

Clive kept under wraps footage of Whitney's performance at his party. Any clip I heard was of such poor quality that I could not judge for myself. I had to feed off of the hype.

In July, Clive hosted exclusive album listening parties for which Whitney made appearances. At the Beverly Hills event that I attended, he told us that the 9 songs he played were not mastered, but just a preview of what we should expect.

Based on the reaction of the folks at the Beverly Hills session, people were impressed and genuinely enthusiastic about the songs they heard.

Over the next month-in-a-half, songs from the album leaked more frequently, heightening curiosity.

Then, the album dropped.

The next day, Whitney bore her heart and soul to Good Morning America viewers. Her performance did not live up to my expectations. I felt like I had been let down.

Clive let the ‘net pick apart Whitney's live performance for a week.

Still, Whitney debuted at No. 1, impressively selling more than 300,000 copies in the US.

The very next day, Clive let Oprah premiere Whitney's regal and polished "I Look To You" video.

The timing was perfect. The video trumps the Good Morning America performance. We can say whatever we want to say about the Good Morning America performance. But at the end of the day, a bad performance from an artist you love does not mean much at all. It is an isolated event.

What you hold onto, sing along to, envision in your head is the version you hear and see repeatedly. It's the one on your CD, computer, radio or television.

I've already forgotten about the Good Morning America performance.

The Whitney in the "I Look To You" video is the Whitney I want.

But Clive isn't done.

This week Oprah is going to bring it home. She has devoted Monday AND Tuesday to Whitney.

I hear that a video for the Alicia Keys' penned "Million Dollar Bill" is due out at the end of the Oprah week.

The set up and roll out for the promotion of "I Look To You" is incredible.

If it weren't for the release of Jay-Z's highly anticipated "BP3," Whitney would have easily held down another week at No. 1.

I wonder what they are planning for the holiday shopping season.

This is what I call a comeback.

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