Celine Dion has stated: "I am shocked. I am overwhelmed by this tragedy. Michael Jackson has been an idol for me all my life."

Cher says of the performer: "He was a great singer - God gives you certain gifts, and this child was just an extraordinary child touched by this ability. He could sing like nobody else and he was able to connect with people."

Britney Spears has released this statement: "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!"

Singer Dionne Warwick knew Michael Jackson for most of his life and has this to say about him: "We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow. He will live on in my memory, and most definitely through the music he shared with so many."

Rapper Ludacris says: "If it were not for Michael Jackson, I would not be where or who I am today. His music and legacy will live on forever. Prayers to the family."

Lindsay Lohan claims to "feel sick" at the news of his death.

Calvin Harris posted this on his Twitter page: "I can't believe it, Michael Jackson rest in peace. Prince and Michael where I come from was our Elvis and Beatles..show sum Respect!!!”

Tributes have begun at the Glastonbury Festival with Australian singer Gabriella Cilmi slipping a few lines of 'Billie Jean' into her song 'Sweet About Me'.

Other artists playing Glastonbury have honoured the life of the singer by sending their condolonces.

Tommy Bowen the keyboard player from White Lies said: "You can't help but be touched by what's happened".

Felix White from The Maccabees claims that Jackson's death leaves him with mixed feelings. "It's weird because you kind of feel that he seemed so unable to cope with the world that, you don't want to say that's it's a blessing in disguise, but it's hard to know how to feel about it."

Tweets from fans at Glasto have said that MJ's songs have been playing across the campsites with one fan saying "Everyone thought it was a joke at first - then people started watching the news and saw it was true."

The Hot Press Newsdesk