Bobby Brown is grieving for his ex-wife, deceased pop singer Whitney Houston, but that doesn't mean he plans to get stuck in the past — even if that past was a little less than a week ago.
Brown, who's currently on tour with New Edition, performed with the group in Upper Marlboro, Md., on Thursday night, and paid tribute to Houston during a speech in which he noted, "You have to move on sometimes."
Also read: Whitney Houston's Death: Why the Media Sidestepped the Lurid Details
Brown began his speech by expressing his gratitude for his fans for their support.
"I'd like to say thank you for your prayers…I'd like to say thank you. Period. I'm gonna throw two up for Whitney," Brown said, throwing a peace sign skyward. "That's my love."
Brown cautioned the crowd, however, that it's important not to dwell on unpleasant events.
"Life is life. You have to move on sometimes," the singer added. "I love her like I love God."
Also read: Whitney Houston's Death Won't Stop "Waiting to Exhale" Sequel
Houston died in her Beverly Hilton hotel room on Feb. 11, prior to producer Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammys bash. The singer, who was found submerged in her bathtub by a member of her personal staff, was 48. The cause of her death has not been announced, pending the results of a toxicology test.
Brown will reportedly attend Houston's funeral, which takes place noon Saturday at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, which Houston attended and sang at as a child. Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry and Aretha Franklin are among those who will speak and perform at the service.
Also read: Whitney Houston Funeral: Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder to Take Part
Brown and New Edition are scheduled to perform at Uncasville, Ct. — about 140 miles from Newark — later that evening. The tour will bring Brown back to Newark on Sunday.
Watch his concert tribute to Houston below.