The world was gripped by an overpowering force — a force that grew as a magnificent idol, a voice that seduced every stiff-neck and an artiste who came to be called — ‘a diva to end all divas’ —Whitney Houston will always be one of the greatest artists of all times!
“It is absolutely shocking. I’ve been very upset from the time I’ve heard the news,” says Grammy Award winner, Tanvi Shah, a playback singer. “I grew up listening to Whitney’s songs, I love her tracks like I wanna Dance with Somebody, When you Believe and I have Nothing. To lose her just before the Grammys is just very sad,” she adds. Whitney’s death came on the eve of the Grammy Awards, where her mentor, record mogul Clive Davis, was holding an annual pre-event party at which she was scheduled to perform.
Whitney was the first female artiste in music history to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. “I would like to classify Whitney as a classy ‘soul’ singer. Her lyrics had so much character, it touched you,” says actress Jennifer Kotwal, a huge fan. “Her songs were mood-lifters. From the Greatest Gift of All to I’m Every Woman – which is my number one – Whitney Houston is like Michael Jackson to me. Things that you grow up to treasure as a child will always stay with you. That’s how Whitney will remain too,” adds Jennifer.
The success and fame brought with it an onslaught of nightmares. The singer battled drug addiction and domestic violence for over 14 years. In May 2011, Houston enrolled in a drug and alcohol rehab programme.
“It is really sad the way things turned out. But that can never change what she means to the world,” says music director Anirudh, of the Kolaveri Di fame. “Houston was a phenomenal singer and a great pianist. During my childhood, I spent a lot of time learning from her music — including playing a piano. I love her song, I will Always Love You. She was an inspiration to many musicians like us and will continue to be,” he adds.
Adds Luke Kenny, “Whitney’s death is a huge blow to anyone who loves pop music. She is one of those rare talents that had the potential to convert every song into a hit. Her voice is immortal.” The world stands deprived today, from a loss that leaves a void deep within every fan’s heart. ‘The Voice’ (as Whitney was called) shall continue to heal and inspire, and will always remain as one of the biggest influential artistes of all times.
All praises for the diva actress Sophie Choudry said, “What beauty, what talent. Her voice spoke to your soul. We have lost one of the greatest, most gifted singers of all time. I’m so heartbroken. She deserved a happier, easier life because God only knows how many people she has given joy to through her timeless music. RIP Whitney. You lived by your own words — ‘I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadows. If I fail, if I succeed at least I live as I believe.’ ”

Reactions WORLD OVER:
First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all. Second, I would like to say, I love you Whitney. The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage.” — Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown, performing a show in Southaven, Mississippi, hours after Whitney’s death.

This is a sad day today, all I want to talk about is her music. She was the most beautiful woman I think I ever saw.... Thank you for giving us your talent, and one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard. — Elton John

“She had everything, beauty, a magnificent voice. How sad her gifts could not bring her the same happiness they brought us.” — Barbra Streisand

“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

With inputs from Ipsitaa Panigrahi