Eva Longoria, Katy Perry, music mogul Quincy Jones and Kelly Osbourne were among the first celebrities to pay tribute to Whitney Houston on Saturday, hours after the singer died in Los Angeles.
The stars took to Twitter.com to share their grief and shock, while Jones, who was due to attend Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy Awards party at the Beverly Hilton hotel, where Houston died, released a statement to the media.
He wrote, "I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing... She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."
Actress Longoria was among those who took to Twitter.com upon hearing the sad news, posting, "My heart is broken.... #ripWhitneyHouston," and moviemaker Adam Shankman, who directed the singer's I'm Your Baby Tonight video, added, "You taught me so much good.... miss you angel."
Kelly Osbourne also tweeted, "i truly hope you are in peace #WhitneyHouston i feel so honored to have known you! i love you RIP!" The news prompted the pop singer-turned-reality TV star to scrap plans to attend pre-Grammy Awards parties on Saturday.
She later tweeted, "not going to any pre grammy parties as i dont feel it is appropriate!"
Her mother Sharon agreed, adding, "Clive Davis Grammy party... not going... Can't celebrate tonight when one of the greatest voices ever is dead."
There were also Twitter tributes from Foster The People, Glee star Lea Michele, Toni Braxton, Demi Lovato, Cee Lo Green, music mogul Jermaine Dupri, actor Rob Lowe, Paris Hilton, Kings of Leon star Nathan Followill and R&B singer Akon, who posted, "We've lost another Legend. RIP WHITNEY HOUSTON. I'm Honored to have had the chance to work with such an amazing human being."
Rapper Ludacris also paid his respects, tweeting, "R.I.P WHITNEY HOUSTON. ONE OF THE PUREST SOULS I'VE EVER MET IN MY LIFE," while Katy Perry recalled one of the late superstar's greatest hits when she wrote, "We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P."
Michael Jackson's daughter Paris also took to the social networking site to honour the star, adding, "R.I.P. Whitney Huston (sic), I've always idolized her and her amazing talent."
Other tributes came from Mariah Carey, who duetted with Houston on Prince of Egypt tune When You Believe. She wrote, "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston... She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth."
Christina Aguilera and Rihanna were also left devastated. The Beautiful singer tweeted, "We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed." And Rihanna wrote, "No words! Just tears #DearWhitney."
Justin Bieber also added his thoughts: "so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family." And crooner Tony Bennett called Houston "the greatest singer I've ever heard".
Houston was pronounced dead at just before 4pm on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton after emergency service officials called to the hotel had failed to resuscitate her. The singer's death is being investigated.
Whitney's life in pictures: