Stars react to Whitney Houston's death Stars react to Whitney Houston's death - Music updated 10 minutes ago Mariah Carey is 'heartbroken'; Al Sharpton calls her 'a gifted songbird' LOS ANGELES - A collection of reactions to Whitney Houston's death Saturday in Beverly Hills at age 48. "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth." - Mariah Carey, in messages posted on Twitter. Story: Singing superstar Whitney Houston dies at 48 "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." - Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy. "I truly, truly adored Whitney Houston. Her album 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' was the very first album I ever bought." - Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. Slideshow: Whitney Houston, 1963-2012 "I can't believe that Whitney is gone. My heart goes out to her family, to Clive (Davis), and to everyone who knew and loved this amazingly talented and beautiful artist. I will always love her." - Barry Manilow. "The morning of the Grammys, the world should pause and pray for the memory of a gifted songbird." - Rev. Al Sharpton, who called for a national prayer to honor Houston and support her family. "I've know Whitney since she was a little girl and I loved her. She was like family to me. I will miss her." - Smokey Robinson. "Without a doubt, her voice, for me, and for the world, was the gold standard. She had it all, she broke all barriers." - Tommy Mottola, former chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment "Whitney Houston was the greatest singer I've ever heard and she will be truly missed." - Tony Bennett in a post on Twitter. "Whitney was the reason many of us do what we do." - Pink, in Twitter post.