Entertainment industry mourns the loss of 'King of Pop'

The music and entertainment industry mourned the death of one of its greatest icon as everyone from Madonna to Cher paid tribute to Michael Jackson.

The 'Queen of Pop' Madonna is immensely saddened by the loss and "can't stop crying over the sad news," People magazine reported.

"I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless," Madonna said.

The 'Thriller' hitmaker, who won 13 Grammies in a career spanning more than three decades, died last night after a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles.

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Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, one of Jackson's closest and longstanding friends said that she was "too devastated" to say anything.

Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis Presley who was briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, said, "I am very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael," said Brooke Shields, who reportedly dated Jackson.

"He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing," she added.

In a statement issued pop princess Britney Spears said, "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"

Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's biggest hits, said, "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words."

The 'Believe' singer Cher said, "I am having a million reactions. When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met... He was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable."

Whitney Houston, who has battled her own demons to make a comeback, just as Jackson was, released a statement saying, "I am full of grief."

Another star who counts Jackson as his inspiration, Justin Timberlake wrote on his website, "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music but of all music."

"He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones," Timberlake added.

R&B star Usher said, "May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire Jackson family particularly Michael's mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael.

"I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten," Usher added.