On Saturday as the world came to grips with the sad news of Whitney Houston’s tragic passing at the age of 48, social media once surfaced by Monday as the universal meeting place for fans and celebrities alike to mourn the loss of another of music’s greatest icon.
“There were shades of Michael Jackson’s death apparent on Saturday,” business and social media analyst Mike Randazzo tells Mobile Marketing Watch on Monday, “not just in terms of how both superstars ultimately perished but in terms of how news of their passing brought the Internet to a standstill.”
Outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel the entire weekend, fans gathered to celebrate the life of their late hero and to mourn her passing.
“She was the greatest singer in the world,” one female fan said, with tears streaming down her face. “I can’t believe she’s gone. I just can’t believe she’s gone.”
The disbelief among fans was comparable across Hollywood as some of the biggest names in myriad industries turned to Twitter to share their condolences and heartfelt wishes for Whitney Houston and her family.
Mariah Carey: “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston.”
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. My heart goes out to Cissy, her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby.”
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.'”
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.”
Lionel Ritchie: “I’m absolutely devastated … she had that voice that could just turn a story, a melody into magical, magical notes.”
Christina Aguilera: “We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney’s family. She will be missed.”
Will.i.am: “I’m so sad…whitney houston was so kind, sweet, wonderful, amazing, talented, and a true gift to the world.”
Ricky Martin: “RIP Whitney Houston. Sending my love and deepest condolences to her family and friends. Fly Whitney Fly”
Cee Lo Green: “R.I.P. Sister WHITNEY HOUSTON!!!!! We will always love you.”
Alicia Keys: “I feel sick…. Life is precious, we are fragile souls. Let’s love each other! I miss you beautiful Whitney, the whole world misses you!!”
Katy Perry: “So devastating. We will always love you Whitney, R.I.P.”
