Music world stunned by death of Whitney Houston

Atmosphere at the Apollo Theater on the streets of Manhattan on February 11, 2012 in New York City. DAVE KOTINSKY/GETTY IMAGES/AFP

LOS ANGELES—Stars and music industry leaders paid tribute Saturday to singer Whitney Houston, who died aged 48 on the eve of the annual Grammys show.

Fans also gathered outside the Beverly Hilton hotel where she died, holding candles and singing songs including her hit “I Will Always Love You” after the news emerged.

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, 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 it’s 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.

Renowned black preacher the Reverend Al Sharpton called for prayers to be said for Houston on Sunday.

“The morning of the Grammys, the world should pause and pray for the memory of a gifted songbird,” said Sharpton, ahead of a service at the Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles.