The world has lost a gift from God in the form of a uniquely talented individual – Whitney Houston. Her contribution to music, and the world, is undeniable. The Voice, as many called her because of her incomparable vocals, produced classic tunes including “I Have Nothing,” “Run To You” and “Greatest Love of All.” Whitney has earned 11 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, six Grammy awards and sold over 170 million records.

Days ago, Houston performed with Kelly Price at a pre-Grammy in honor of R&B. A scuffle reportedly happened, leading to controversial headlines claiming Whitney had relapsed on drugs.

Yesterday evening (Feb. 11), Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 pm (6:55pm ET) at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California. The Beverly Hills police report said “no obvious signs of criminal intent” was involved. Paramedics performed CPR on her, but they were too late. CNN reports her bodyguard, not by alleged boyfriend Ray J, found her body.

TMZ reports within a half-hour of her death, Houston’s mother Cissy and cousin Dionne Warwick spoke with Whitney.

She was scheduled to appear at Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy party, which is being held at the same hotel Whitney’s body was found in. Alicia Keys, joined by her husband Swizz Beatz, consoled Clive Davis as they arrived at his party. Like Whitney, Clive plays a major role in Alicia’s career.

Notable musicians and friends of Whitney has reacted to her death.

Clive Davis: ”By now sadly we have all learned of the unspeakable tragic news of our beloved Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight. She was not at all scheduled to perform she loved music and loved this night that celebrates music. Whitney would have asked that the music go on. And her family said the show should go on.”

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 (Houston’s mother), her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown).”

Mariah Carey: “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.”

Toni Braxton: ”My heart is weeping…RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!! Such an incredible influence over music as a whole! She’s paved the way for every single singer in the music industry. Iconic, legendary, innovating, amazing, humble…1 the best in the world.”

Barbra Streisand: “She had everything, beauty, a magnificent voice. How sad her gifts couldnt bring her same happiness as us.”

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!!

Dolly Parton: ” ‘I Will Always Love You’ 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.’”

Kelly Rowland: “I am beyond heartbroken. Whitney Houston was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers & performers of all time & such a huge influence on me.” “Clive Davis has lost one of his children!”

Christina Aguilera. “We have lost another legend. Love and prayers to Whitney’s family. She will be missed.”

Lady Gaga: ”R.I.P Whitney Houston - She has won 415 Awards, 2 Emmys, 6 Grammys, 22 American Music Awards, 30 Billboard Awards, >300,000,000 Albums Sold”

Ciara: ”RIP Whitney Houston. A Legend lost:( Her voice was insurmountable, her smile was illuminating, she was truly one of a kind and a huge inspiration to me. She has always had sweet and fun words to say to me. I will cherish the moment I was able to share with her, forever. This is truly unbelievable. My prayers and condolences to her family at this sad time.”

Missy Elliot: “This is such a sad moment! I’m speechless I have no words of what I’m feeling right now. Rest in Peace Whitney Houstan I love u.”

Kelly Price: ”My heart is so heavy…..#WHITNEY my friend.”

L.A. Reid: “I am completely devastated by the loss of the greatest voice of all time! R.I.P. Whitney Houston. I will always love you!”

Bruno Mars: “This is terrible news..I’m sick to my stomach. Nobody sang like Whitney”

Whitney was expected to make a massive comeback, starting with her return to the big screen in Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 hit. Simon Cowell even considered her as a judge on The X Factor.

Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan have been enlisted to pay tribute to her at the 54th Annual Grammys. Houston covered Khan’s classic “I’m Every Woman” for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Houston’s influence on Hudson is apparent. Both soul divas tweeted their condolences. ”I’m speechless…I’m in shock right now. Just pray for her and the family,” said Chaka. Jennifer followed, “Such a loss. One of the greatest voices of our time. Sending out prayers to her family… #R.I.P.Whitney.”

Bobbi Christina, her daughter with ex-husband Bobby Brown, and mother Cissy Houston survive Whitney Houston.

Regardless of Whitney’s past, recent or ongoing struggles, we shall continue to celebrate the music titan’s many accomplishments. Rest peacefully.

[Update - 2.12.21, 7:30 AM]

Whitney’s only daughter Bobbi Christina was reportedly denied access from seeing her mother’s lifeless body. Her cousin, Warwick, was also denied entrance into the 4th floor room.

No illegal drugs have been found during the investigation, but prescription pills were present. There’s speculation Whitney may have drowned. When paramedics arrived, Whitney’s body was already removed from the tub.

Whitney’s body has been removed from the hotel room and will be taken to a morgue for an autopsy to reveal the official cause of death.

[Update 2.12.12 2:25 PM] Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, has been rushed to Cedears-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. As previously reported, Bobbi wasn’t allowed to see her mother’s body.

[Update 2.15.12 2:10 AM] Whitney Houston’s funeral service will be held at the New Jersey church she attended as a child. It will take place on Saturday at New Hope Baptist CHurch in Newark. The services will be extremely private, per the request of the family.

Reports claim members of Houston’s family doesn’t want her ex-husband and father of her child, Bobby Brown, to attend the funeral. Also, he has yet to see his daughter, Bobbi Christina. He thinks Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, isn’t allowing him to see his daughter.

Below is a playlist of some of her best videos and performances, along with photos of the iconic superstar.