Tributes pour in for Houston

Music stars and Hollywood actors paid their tributes to Whitney Houston hours after the Grammy winning singer died in a hotel here.

Music mogul Quincy Jones said in a statement, "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."

Pop stars Katy Perry, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera took to Twitter to share their grief and shock.

Carey, whose 'When You Believe' duet with Houston appeared in the 1998 DreamWorks animated film 'The Prince of Egypt', is "heartbroken" over her friend's passing.

"Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Whitney Houston. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth," Carey said.

Perry wrote, "We will always love you Whitney, RIP."

"We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney's family. She will be missed," Aguilera wrote on Twitter.

And Rihanna wrote, "No words! Just tears #DearWhitney (sic)."

Teen sensation Justin Bieber also sent his condolences.

"So crazy. One of the Greatest Voices Ever just passed. Rip Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family."

Crooner Tony Bennett called Houston "the greatest singer I've ever heard," he said.

R&B singer Akon 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."

Actress Eva Longoria also took to Twitter upon hearing the sad news, posting, "My heart is broken. ripWhitneyHouston."

Moviemaker Adam Shankman, who directed the singer's 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' video, added, "You taught me so much good... miss you angel."

"I truly hope you are in peace #WhitneyHouston I feel so honored to have known you! I love you Rip!" Kelly Osbourne tweeted.

Michael Jackson's daughter Paris also took to the social networking site to honour the star.

"R.I.P. Whitney Huston (sic), I've always idolized her and her amazing talent," Paris said.

There were Twitter tributes also from, Dolly Parton, 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 Miley Cyrus.

Houston, 48, was pronounced dead at just before 4pm on February 11 at the Beverly Hilton hotel after emergency service officials had failed to resuscitate her. The singer's death is being investigated.