Whitney Houston has died aged 48

It has been confirmed that Whitney Houston, one of the world's biggest selling stars, died in the very late hours of yesterday evening in a Los Angeles hotel room whilst preparing to attend a pre-Grammy party. It's not totally surprising, but it's still very sad. 

Police spokesman Mark Rosen told reporters the singer was pronounced dead at 15:55 pm (23:55 GMT) in her room on the fourth floor of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It is claimed fire department personnel and members of hotel security were attempting to resuscitate her when police arrived at the scene but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Talking to reporters, Rosen announced:

"She has been positively identified by friends and family that were with her at the hotel, and next of kin have already been notified."

He also added:

"[There were] no obvious signs of criminal intent".

Houston had been due to perform at the annual pre-Grammy party held by music mogul Clive Davis, but it was reported on Thursday that she had been behaving erratically at rehearsals.

While we're all too aware of the drug problems - and beyond - that came to overshadowed her singing career (she told Oprah in 2010 that she was clean), it's almost impossible to recall 1992 without thinking of her ten week reign at the top of the charts with I Will Always Love You. Loads of people will be remembering her for that, which is fine - especially if they're on their period, but what about that key change in Saving All My Love For You. Or 3am classic All The Man I Need? Whether you like her or not, you can't dispute her talent, so understandably, the tributes have been pouring in...

In a satement, Quincy Jones said:

"I am absolutely heartbroken at the news of Whitney's passing. 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."

Meanwhile, Aretha Franklin added:

"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. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown)."

FYI, here she is in 1991... Not sure if anyone has matched that since?