Tributes pour in after Jackson's sudden demise

Spicezee Bureau

Los Angeles, June 26: Just minutes after the word of King of Pop Michael Jackson’s shocking death spread, the entertainment industry came forward to pay tribute to the one of the world’s greatest entertainers’ ever. Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson said, "May Allah be with Michael always." Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock great Elvis Presley and who was married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, said in a statement: "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. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me." Actress Brooke Shields, a longtime friend of the "King of Pop," said in a statement released through her publicist: "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." A devastated pop diva Madonna said, "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 3 children and other members of his family. God bless." Expressing shock John Mayer said, "A major strand of cultural DNA has left us. Rest in peace Michael Jackson." Representatives for actress Elizabeth Taylor, another of the singer's longtime friends, said she was "too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time" but promised one later. 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." Entertainer Liza Minnelli told 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." And actress Demi Moore one of Jackson’s greatest fans said, " Greatly saddened epically for his children." Singer Celine Dion said, "He was a genius and an incredible artist." California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "World has lost one of its most iconic figures. He never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity." Taken aback by the sudden demise of the Pop icon Quincy Jones, the producer of Jackson record-breaking album ‘Thriller’, said. "For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don`t have the words. 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." The most exciting performer of his generation, Jackson was a rage for his signature backward-gliding moonwalk, his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched singing, punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks, as was his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance. Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy said, "true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim". One of the first ever black entertainers to take world by a storm, Jackson went to achieve sky-soaring success only to see it crumble down like a pack of cards courtesy his bizarre acts and obsession with his skin colour. As he grew older he appeared to lighten his skin to a pale white -- which he said was caused by the skin pigmentation condition vitiligo. And even though they were concerns about his health with several reports claiming that the singing sensation was suffering from cancer, they were never confirmed. The reports were said to be baseless after the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors. About 200 fans and reporters gathered outside the Los Angeles hospital. Some fans cried and hugged each other. "I hope he`s gone to God, and I hope that he`s free of all the troubles he`s been plagued with," Tonya Blazer, 50, who said she had been a fan going back more than four decades. "I just feel like I`m paying tribute to him," said Dawn Burgess, 42, a fan who said she had posters of Michael pinned to her bedroom wall when she was a child. With the news out, entertainment channels wasted no time and switched their programming to play videos from Jackson`s heyday. Radio stations began playing marathons of his hits. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital. In New York`s Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.