Stars line up to pay tribute to tragic Whitney
Eva Longoria, Katy Perry, music mogul Quincy Jones and Kelly Osbourne were among the first celebrities to pay tribute to Whitney Houston on Saturday (11Feb12), 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.