Stars React to Whitney Houston's Death
Whitney Houston was pronounced dead Saturday in Beverly Hills, California at 48 years old. Reaction from the entertainment world to the loss of the legendary singer has been swift.
Beyonce released a statement that reads, "The loss of Whitney Houston is painful. I remember meeting Whitney for the first time when I was 15. She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman. Not only was she confident, poised, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but she was sincere and kind. She took the time to make everyone feel like they were very important to her. I, like every singer, always wanted to be just like her. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her cadence, her control. So many of my life's memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us. God bless her."
"Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston," fellow singing superstar Mariah Carey tweeted. "My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."
"No words! Just tears #DearWhitney," Rihanna tweeted.
"I can't believe that Whitney is gone. We spent more than twenty great years together at ARISTA Records with our friend and mentor, Clive Davis," Barry Manilow told ET. "My heart goes out to her family, to Clive, and to everyone who knew and loved this amazingly talented and beautiful artist. I will always love her."
Like many of Houston's fans, legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin was in a state of shock.
"I just can’t talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby," she told ET in a statement.
"We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed," Christina Aguilera tweeted, who recently sang at singer Etta James' funeral.
"Such a loss," Jennifer Lopez tweeted. "One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family... #R.I.P.Whitney."
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"I found my voice singing Whitney Houston's music. Today I lost my idol," Jessica Simpson tweeted.
Some stars took on a more reflective response to the sad news.
"Please cherish life and those around you. Tomorrow is never promised," Janet Jackson tweeted.
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"Yes, we have lost too many gifted friends. A part of all of us died today and it hurts. Take care of yourself for us," Nancy Sinatra tweeted at Bette Midler.
Prominent figures in the music industry have also been devastated at the shocking loss.
"I am completely devastated by the loss of the greatest voice of all time! R.I.P. Whitney Houston. I will always love you!," L.A. Reid tweeted.
"Wow I am devastated. The world has lost another one of the best voices in history," Randy Jackson tweeted. "RIP whitney houston, so fortunate am I to have worked with u, and have u touch my life. May god bless this family."
"I am in shock and filled with sadness over the death of Whitney Houston. Without a doubt, her voice, for me, and for the world was the gold standard...today the world has lost one of its greatest treasures that we will remember forever," Tommy Mottola, Former Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment told ET.
Even the younger generation has taken Houston's death hard.
"Just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed," teen superstar Justin Bieber tweeted. "RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family."
"This can't be true... One of my idols gone?? No.," Demi Lovato, who's been open with her own problems with substance abuse, tweeted. This is so unbelievably sad... #RIPWhitneyHouston."
The singer's shocking passing has also put a damper on Clive Owens' annual pre-Grammy party tonight, where she was due to perform.
"Clive Davis Grammy party..not going. Mark Burnett party..not going. Can't celebrate tonight when one of the greatest voices ever is dead," Sharon Osbourne tweeted.