Whitney Houston

SKYNEWS

Friends and fans of Whitney Houston have been paying tribute to the superstar singer just hours after it was announced she had died in a Los Angeles hotel room.

The 48-year-old was in the city for the Grammy awards which are due to take place on Sunday night, reports Sky News.

Many of the celebrities due to attend the huge music event have taken to Twitter to express their condolences to Houston's family and show their love for her.

Katy Perry wrote: "So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P." and Rihanna said: "No words! Just tears #DearWhitney."

Rapper P Diddy echoed the same sentiments saying: "Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can't believe this.. This is one of the saddest days ever.."

Mariah Carey sang the track When You Believe with Houston in 1998 for the film The Prince of Egypt.

She 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 mogul, Simon Cowell said: "I am so sad to hear about Whitney. We have lost one of the greatest singers of all time."

And Justin Bieber wrote: "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."

During her career Houston admitted to having problems with drugs including crack cocaine and marijuana.

Mitch Winehouse, whose daughter Amy died last year after a long battle with drink and drugs, said: "We are in LA and just got the news about Whitney. We are absolutely devastated. Rest in peace Whitney."

And Michael Jackson's sister La Toya wrote: "I can't fathom the fact that #whitneyhouston has died! My heart goes out 2 her mother, daughter & her love ones. #Whitney U will be missed!"