Michael Jackson's sudden death at the age of 50 brought reactions from across the music world and elsewhere. Below are some of those reactions.
Jackson's brother Jermainesaid he believed the 50-year-old singer suffered the heart attack at his Holmby Hills home in Los Angeles yesterday and was taken to the UCLA medical centre where he was pronounced dead.
He said: “My brother, the legendary King of Pop, passed away on Thursday June 25 at 2.26pm.
“We believe he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known. The personal physician who was with him at the time attempted to resuscitated him.”
Singer and actress Chertold CNN presenter Larry King: "He was a great singer. You know, it's like God gives you certain gifts. And some people he gives different gifts and some people he gives more gifts.
“And this child was just an extraordinary child, touched by this ability to have people feel him and feel people. You know, he was a genius, like Ray Charles, like Stevie Wonder. They just have this gift.”
Jackson's first wife, Lisa Marie Presley, told MTV: "This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."
"I am so 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.”
Madonnasaid in a statement on the BBC website: "The world has lost one of its greats but his music will live on forever."
Madonna told People magazine: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. ... 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."
The head of the Sony Corporation, Sir Howard Stringer, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era."
Justin Timberlake— who has been compared to a young Jackson — told MTV: "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music."
Jackson's close friend, Uri Geller, said it may have been the stress of Jackson's London comeback that killed him. Speaking from his home in Sonning, Berkshire, he said: "I guess the stress, the anticipation and the passion he was emitting from his heart, wanting to do this comeback so badly, maybe that got to him.
“That is all I can think, that maybe the stress killed him.”
He described Jackson, who was best man when Geller renewed his wedding vows, as a “genius”.
Randy Phillips, president and chief executive officer of AEG Live, said the date changes had "absolutely nothing to do with (Jackson's) health".
The Rev Al Sharpton, a leading US civil rights campaigner and friend of Jackson for 35 years, said the star was a "trailblazer" and an "historic figure".
“Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of colour way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama,” he said.
“Michael did with music what they did in sports, in politics, and in television.
“No controversy will erase the historic impact.”
Matt Blank, from the Michael Jackson World Network fan club, told BBC News 24 he was "a bit dumbfounded and a bit shellshocked by it all". He added: "I find it hard to believe this could be a reality.
“In the past, health issues of Michael Jackson have always been rumoured. I can only imagine this is down to the amount of stress he was under to come out and perform.”
Music producer Quincy Jones, who collaborated with Jackson on three of his best-selling albums, Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad , said: "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at this young age, I just don't have the words."
Jones added: "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him."
Representatives for actress Elizabeth Taylor, a close friend of the Grammy-winning performer, said she was "too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."
Actress Brooke Shields, another long-time friend of the "King of Pop," said: "My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. 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."
Former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, who performed Jackson's 1991 hit Black or White , said: "Really sad news about Michael. He was talent from on high."
Singer and Jackson friend Liza Minnellitold Entertainment Tonight : "He was a kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life."
Disco star Donna Summertold CNN in an interview that Jackson's death came as a "total shock."
Of Jackson's talents as a performer, Summer said: "His greatness was perfection. Michael was one of those people who wouldn't stop until he was perfect and he would keep going after that."
Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the Recording Academy, the group that organizes the Grammy Awards, said in a statement: "Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim.
"A 13-time Grammy recipient, Michael's career transcends musical and cultural genres and his contributions will always keep him in our hearts and memories."