Pop stars and legends took to Twitter to express their sense of loss upon hearing of Whitney Houston’s death on Saturday:
Bruno Mars: “This is terrible news . . . I’m sick in my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney.”
Pink: “Whitney was the reason many of us do what we do.”
B.o.B.: “I remember all that my mom played were her albums. She was a presence I grew up with. I can’t believe it . . .”
Sean Kingston: “One of the greatest voices . . . Huge inspiration!”
Rihanna: “No words! Just tears.”
Demi Lovato: “One of my idols gone? This is so unbelievably sad.”
Queen Latifah: “Oh dear Lord! Hurting so bad! My Sister Whitney! Newark please pray! World please pray!”
Usher: “R.I.P. Whitney Houston . . . A true icon of our time. Gone too soon. My heart goes out to the family in their time of distress.”
Busta Rhymes: “Can’t believe we’ve lost another one of our royalty. Sister Queen Whitney Houston. God bless you on your journey as you now stand with the Most High.”
Wyclef Jean: “The voice of an angel, the heart of a lamb, the spirit of a lioness, the presence of a goddess, love you, R.I.P. Whitney Houston.”
Timbaland: “R.I.P. to a legendary diva, icon, mother and friend, Whitney Houston. One of the greatest voices ever. You will be truly missed.”
Lil’ Kim: “A voice, talent, and spirit that will forever remain incomparable. R.I.P. to the Queen, Whitney Houston.”
Chaka Khan (for whom a 15-year-old Houston sang backup vocals on “I’m Every Woman” in 1978): “I’m speechless . . . I’m in shock right now. Just pray for her and the family.”
Aretha Franklin (Houston’s godmother): “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 [Houston’s mom] Cissy, [Houston’s] daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby [Brown, Houston’s ex-husband].”
Skrillex: “Young guns, go listen to Whitney Houston if you haven’t given her a proper listen and you’ll understand why she changed the world.”