Stunned Celebrities Mourn Whitney Houston Sudden Death

Houston performs during an AmFar Benefit Concert in New York City in December 1998. Photo by Getty Images

The sudden death of singer Whitney Houston at age 48 shocked fans and musicians all over the world. The outpouring of grief was immediate.

Nearly all of the trends on Twitter worldwide were shortly associated with the singer's death: R.I.P Whitney Houston, #DearWhitney, #IWillAlwaysLoveYou, The Bodyguard, Bobby Brown and Wanna Dance With Somebody.

"The first full hour after the news broke saw 2,481,652 tweets and retweets, peaking at 61,227 tweets at 5:23 p.m. (all times are PST)," according to Topsy.com, which indexes and ranks results based on the most influential conversations on social media

"That is over a thousand tweets a second, not quite as much as during the Superbowl but still a lot."

Christina Aguilera:

"Whitney's voice was so special to me. Her notes soared to places most singers dream of reaching. She will be missed."

Kelly Rowland:

"I am beyond heartbroken. Whitney Houston was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers and performers of all time and such a huge influence on me."

Mariah Carey:

"Heartbroken and in tears ... 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."

Smokey Robinson:

"I've known Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her."

Gloria Estefan:

"Sending prayers of peace and solace to her family, friends & fans! Such a loss! Whitney was always so sweet to me! Was rooting for her through her struggles! Such a shame ... I'm truly saddened by this news!"

Aretha Franklin:

"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."

Simon Cowell:

"You're going to remember where you were when you heard the news. It's that significant. She was undoubtedly one of the greatest superstars of all time. One of the greatest voices in our lifetime we're likely ever to hear. And to hear this news, it really, really, really upset me. It really has."

Quincy Jones:

"I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. Ashford & Simpson first made me aware of Whitney when she was just 16, and I always regretted not having had the opportunity to work with her. She was a true original and a talent beyond compare. I will miss her terribly."

Paul Shaffer:

"What a voice. What a beauty. What an actress. She had everything and she made us all feel so good when we heard her."

Britney Spears:

"I was the biggest fan of hers. She influenced me so much. She sent so much love out to the world and she was an inspiration for so many people, and we're there with her."

Michelle Williams, of Destiny's Child:

"Whitney was my musical hero ... the reason why I wanted to sing. I will never forget the voice."

Bruno Mars:

"This is terrible news. I'm sick to my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney. I hate this feeling."

Jessica Simpson:

"I found my voice singing Whitney Houston's music. Today I lost my idol."

Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records:

"Whitney Houston was not only an amazing artist but also a beautiful person. She was so smart and her knowledge and appreciation for the musical art form was remarkable. Every time we would see each other, we always had wonderful conversations about life and the business."

Cee-Lo Green:

"R.I.P. Sister WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!!! We will always love you."

Ricky Martin:

"RIP Whitney Houston. Sending my love and deepest condolences to her family and friends. Fly Whitney Fly."

Dolly Parton:

"Mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'"

Marc Anthony:

"I can't believe it ...Rest in Peace Whitney. Descanses."

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