Whitney Houston has died, aged 48.
Following early reports from Los Angeles, her publicist Kristen Foster confirmed that the singer had been found dead in her Beverly Hilton Hotel room on Saturday afternoon (February 11).
Houston, mother to Bobbi Kristina, 19, had been staying at the hotel ahead of attending Clive Davis's pre-Grammy gala, where she had been tipped to perform.
Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen confirmed that the singer was pronounced dead at 3.55pm EST. He told reporters that there are "no obvious signs of criminal intent", adding that an investigation into the cause of death has begun.
A "devastated" Davis proceeded to hold his annual bash, which he dedicated to his friend, telling guests: "She was full of life, looking forward for tonight. She loved music and she loved this night that celebrated music.
"Whitney was a beautiful person and she had a talent beyond compare. She graced this stage so many times. So simply put, Whitney would have wanted the music to go on."
The Grammy Awards will pay tribute to the artist, with Oscar winning singer Jennifer Hudson due to perform a "respectful musical tribute" to Houston.
Neil Portnow, president of The Recording Academy, said in a statement: "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."
Her official website now directs users to a tribute page (seen above), on which it simply states: "In loving memory".
Aretha Franklin, Godmother to the late star, said in a short statement: "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."
Amateur footage of Houston's final performance at Kelly Price's 'For The Love of R&B' Grammy party at True Hollywood on Friday (February 10) night has surfaced online. The video, below, shows the duo perform 'Yes, Jesus Loves Me'.
In what will be her fourth theatrical release, Houston had most recently starred alongside Jordin Sparks in upcoming remake Sparkle. Her final studio recordings will reportedly feature in the film, including a duet with the American Idol star.
Tracks from her back catalog are already making their way up download charts around the world, with her version of 'I Will Always Love You' currently at number three in the US iTunes chart. Meanwhile, the UK's Official Charts Company said that it "understands that sales are already surging".
A "devastated" Simon Cowell confirmed reports that the singer was being considered for a judging role on the second series of the American version of The X Factor. Cowell said that a meeting had been planned for Monday to discuss the possible appointment of the "legendary diva".
Houston, who starred alongside Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard, was regarded by her peers and fans as the voice of a generation. Reacting to the news, 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."
The New Jersey-born singer, who had battled with drug and alcohol addiction, ended her 14-year marriage to singer Bobby Brown in 2006.
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