As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, Winehouse's close friend and collaborator Mark Ronson, a producer on her Grammy-winning album Back To Black, has paid a touching tribute to the 27 year old in a post on Twitter.com.

He writes, "She was my musical soulmate and like a sister to me. This is one of the saddest days of my life."

Sir Elton John also joined the long list of stars grieving for Winehouse, branding her "a seminal artist" before adding, "She was one of the greatest artists this country has ever produced."

Tony Bennett, who once performed onstage with the Brit, says, "She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist. I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end."

In a post entitled For Amy on his blog, British funnyman Russell Brand recalled his first meeting Winehouse before they were famous and described his "awe" at hearing her sing for the first time.

He writes, "(She had) a voice that seemed not to come from her but from somewhere beyond even Billie (Holiday) and Ella (Fitzgerald), from the font of all greatness. A voice that was filled with such power and pain that it was at once entirely human yet laced with the divine."

Meanwhile, Lily Allen tweeted, "It's just beyond sad, there's nothing else to say. She was such a lost soul, may she rest in peace," and Rihanna wrote, "Dear God have mercy!!! I am SICK about this right now! I am genuinely heartbroken about this. Dear Amy U (you) made a MAJAH (major) impression on this industry and throughout the world, in such a short space of time...too short! ICONS never DIE."

An inconsolable Kelly Osbourne added, "i cant even breath (sic) right now im crying so hard. i just lost 1 of my best friends. i love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"

Soccer superstar David Beckham says, "Such a talented girl, and a girl with such a huge future, but our hearts go out to her family, her loved ones. And everyone in the world feels sad we have lost someone with such great talent. Everyone's love goes out to her family."

Bosses at Winehouse's record label, Universal, said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of such a gifted musician, artist and performer. Our prayers go out to Amy's family, friends and fans at this difficult time."

Winehouse's incarcerated ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil had not commented on the news from behind bars, but his mum Georgette Fielder-Civil is adamant he will be heartbroken by her passing.

She tells Britain's Daily Star Sunday, "He will be devastated, totally and utterly devastated... He was always ringing her and she was always ringing him... It's a tragedy."