Music world stunned by death of Whitney Houston
Stars and music industry leaders paid tribute Saturday to singer Whitney Houston, who died aged 48 on the eve of the annual Grammys show.
Whitney Houston performs before winning for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 42nd annual Grammy Awards. Houston has died, according to her publicist. PHOTO: Gary Hershorn/ ReutersIt's a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed
Grammys organizing chief Neil Portnow called Houston "one of the world's greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades.
"A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice," said the head of the Recording Academy.
Many stars took to Twitter to voice shock after Houston was found dead in the Beverly Hilton Hotel, hours before a traditional pre-Grammys dinner which she was due to attend.
"It's a tragedy. Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed," wrote veteran crooner Tony Bennett.
Mariah Carey added: "She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth." while "Queen of Funk" Chaka Khan tweeted: "I'm speechless...I'm in shock right now. Just pray for her and the family."
Jermaine Jackson, whose brother Michael died in similarly shocking fashion at the age of 50 in June 2009 in Los Angeles, said his thoughts went out to Houston's gospel singer mother Emily "Cissy" Houston.
"I can imagine what she's going through, because I... , we've been through with my mother and its very tough to lose a child, and for your to outlive your child," he told CNN.
Christina Aguilera added: "We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed."
Motown great Smokey Robinson, who recently attended a tribute to Jackson in Hollywood, called Houston "one of the greatest voices in the history of music," adding "I will always love her."
From the younger generation, Canadian teen sensation Justin Bieber tweeted: "Just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family."
"California Gurls" singer Katy Perry added: "So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P," while award-winning rap artist Nicki Minaj: "Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time."
"No words! Just tears," added US singer Rihanna, while Hawaiian-born Bruno Mars said" "This is terrible news..I'm sick to my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney."
Reality TV star Sharon Osbourne said she was "devastated" by the news. "My heart goes out to (Houston's daughter with Bobby Brown) Bobbi Christina. Always be proud of your mother, she was magnificent," she said.
Comments
Tunta
Bobby ammolaya ngoana batho. May her soul rest in peace. Your voice will always live on.Asshole
May her soul RIP.The planet has lost one of the greatest voice of ol time.
langman
My favourite singerAyoyo
May her beautiful soul rest in peace, she will be truly missed.Mar10
Bobby ammolaya ngoana batho. May her soul rest in peace. Your voice will always live on.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did he put a gun on her head to force her take drugs? Musos must just learn that the industry is high demanding (lots of pressure to be all over the shows). It's greed that makes them to not be able to turn down some invites in favour of rests.
We are still going to mourn the loss of supersatrs (in different entertainment codes) as long as drugs are put upfront.
May she rest in peace.......
DjEp
R.I.P madam, you will truly be missed!KukuyaLethosa
She leaves behind her daughter, fans and me. RIP sesi waka. I'll always love you.Mphetoleng
Ke eng lena di Artist le rata di drugs,le tlo swa ka lebaka la motekwane.We won't feel shame bcs is your choice.moralett
We lost the beautiful star ,will miss you May soul rest in peace.Charriii
Can we hear of the death of another celecrity I'm tired of Whitney xemRead all 10 comments