P. Diddy says Whitney Houston was "full of life and joy".

The rapper was a close friend of the tragic soul diva and spoke about their friendship on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show.

The music mogul remembered the singer's vibrant personality and admired her empathy for people even at the height of her fame.

"Throughout the years I got to meet her. She was so full of life. So full of just joy. She always made you feel that she noticed you and recognised you and spoke to you. She'll definitely truly be missed," he said.

Diddy also recalled attending the global superstar's wedding to Bobby Brown.

Whitney celebrated her nuptials in 1992 at a time when the rapper hadn't made it big yet and he admitted he was overwhelmed at being in the presence of the I Will Always Love You singer.

"When I was growing up in the music industry, before I had success, I somehow got on her wedding invitation," he said. "So I was at her wedding but I didn't really know her but it was one of the hottest things in town for the music industry... I didn't crash the party. Somehow, you know, I was a hustler. I got my name on there; me, plus one. I was just like, 'Oh my God! I'm at Whitney Houston's wedding.'"

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the singer's private funeral will be broadcast live on US television so fans can watch the icon's memorial service.

Around 1,500 people have been invited and soul legend Aretha Franklin is said to be performing.

"Her publicist has chosen one person who will be allowed into the sanctuary and who will be streaming [video] to you all," funeral director Carolyn Whigham was quoted as saying by The Herald Sun.

According to Whigham, jumbo screens will be erected outside the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.