Grammy award winning songstress Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48. Houston’s publicist, Kristen Foster, confirmed the news to CNN.
In a press conference Lt Mark Rosen said they received a emergency call and were dispatched to the Beverly Hilton. The singer was found in her room on the fourth floor were paramedics attempted to revive her. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m (6:55 p.m. ET). Rosen stated there were “no obvious signs of criminal intent” and that the cause of her death is being investigated. Houston was staying at the hotel preparing for the annual Grammy party hosted by her mentor, Clive Davis.
Houston’s untimely death spawned a tidal wave of reaction on twitter.
Grammy winning singer Mariah Carey tweeted, “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”
Music producer Russell Simmons wrote he was “deeply saddened by the death of Whitney Houston,” while singer Gloria Estefan said she was “shocked we’ve lost the immensely talented” entertainer.
Quincy Jones, said he was “absolutely heartbroken” by the news. “She was a true original and a talent beyond compare,” he said.
Legendary singer Aretha Franklin tweeted, “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.”
Justin Bieber wrote, “Just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed.” He continued, ”RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family”
R&B singer Tyrese Gibson wrote, “I’m in Houston on the night we lose Whitney Houston .. Tonight’s show is dedicated to her legacy”
Skrillex tweeted, “Young guns, go listen to Whitney Houston if you havent given her a PROPER listen and you’ll understand why she changed the world.”
Over the course of her storied career Whitney had seven straight Billboard No. 1 hits in the 1980s, including “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know,” “Greatest Love of All” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, and sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos.
She also had one of the biggest-selling albums of all time in the soundtrack for ”The Bodyguard”. She also starred in the film.
The news of Houston’s death comes on the eve the biggest night of music, the Grammy awards. She is survived by Bobbi Kristina Brown, her 18-year-old daughter with ex-husband Bobby Brown.
Update: The Grammy awards ceremony Sunday will include tributes to the singer, including one by Jennifer Hudson. The Recording Academy released the following statement on Saturday evening:
Six-time GRAMMY(r) winner Whitney Houston was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. 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.
Update: No illegal drugs were found in Whitney’s room, but the prescription drug Xanax was found. Click HERE for further information.
Update: An autopsy was completed Sunday and now Whitney’s body will be transported to Atlanta on Tyler Perry’s private jet. The director and actor offered the family the use of his jet after he heard of Houston’s death.
Her funeral will be held in New Jersey later this week.
Whitney performing Jesus Loves Me
