British soul singer Estelle at the BET Awards in Los Angeles wearing a single white glove in homage to Michael Jackson.

Quincy Jones, the man who produced the best selling album of all time 'Thriller' and worked with Michael Jackson on 'We Are The World' and movie 'The Wiz', said of the King of Pop: “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.”

Michael Jackson's former wife and daughter of Elvis, Lisa Marie Presley, was shocked by the news, saying: "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."

Soulja Boy at the BET Awards wearing a T-Shirt of a young Michael Jackson and the years of his life, 1958-2009

Hollywood actor and singer Jamie Foxx moonwalking in full Michael Jackson attire at the BET Awards. In a statement, Foxx honoured Jackson saying: “What a great entertainer. There will never be anybody like him.”

John Landis, the director of Michael Jackson's seminal, 14-minute music video for 'Thriller' says he feels privileged to have worked with the legend. He said: "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him."

Since Michael Jackson's death, Madonna has professed to being devastated at the sad news. She 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."

Lily Allen wears a solitary white glove in honour of the King of Pop while performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend.

Sir Paul McCartney had a turbulent relationship with the Michael Jackson in life. The pair became great friends when they recorded their 1982 duet 'The Girl Is Mine' but things soured three years later when Jackson bought the rights to Beatles recordings. In a statement on his official website, McCartney only had kind words, saying: “He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."

R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn shows off a Michael Jackson art piece he bought at an auction during the pre-BET Awards bash.

Influential music producer and rapper Timbaland told USA Today that Michael Jackson was inimitable. “He’ll be remembered for his music, his voice, his dancing and just being him. He’s not an everyday thing. You can’t mold somebody to be Michael Jackson. A musical genius has been taken away,” he said.

US actor Orlando Brown wears a King of Pop waistcoat in tribute to Michael Jackson

Former Fugees star Wyclef Jean reportedly fell out with Michael Jackson over unpaid royalties for a remix on 'Blood On The Dancefloor: HIStory in the Mix'. Despite their supposed differences, Jean has nothing but kind words for the late legend, saying last Thursday: "Michael Jackson was my Music God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, you can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him."

Denver Nuggets NBA player Carmelo Anthony shows of a Michael Jackson t-shirt at the BET Awards.

Immediately after Michael's death was announced, Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am, who worked with Jackson on his new material, wrote on Twitter: "I am so grateful to have worked with the King. He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn't be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow.”

In the wake of Jackson's death Beyonce Knowles released an emotional statement, saying: “The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the king of pop!” She finished: “I love you Michael!”

Smokey Robinson knew Michael Jackson from his early days on Motown Records. He remembers the late star's sense of fun: “Michael was a gregarious prankster, but so advanced for his age talent-wise. He was watching everybody and learning all the time. He was a typical young boy too. One of my fondest memories is of him riding the golf carts when Bobby Taylor, who brought the Jackson 5 to Motown, and I played golf.” Robinson continued: “The world is mourning the loss of his talent, and people will miss his music.”

In an interview with CNN, Ne-Yo hailed Michael Jackson as the ultimate superstar. He spoke of the time he first hit the recording studio with Jackson to work on his unreleased new album: "When I first met him, I was shaking like a leaf. ... Growing up, Michael Jackson could no wrong. Everything the man did was magic. ... There will never be another Michael Jackson. ... It's a really sad day for us."

Legendary Motown founder and the man who first signed Jackson, Berry Gordy, expressed his sheer despair at Jackson's death in an interview with CNN. He said: "I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream -- a bad dream.  This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here?” Explaining he was always close to the young Michael, he continued: “He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities. When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy.”

Another Michael Jackson collaborator, Eddie Van Halen, who paid tribute by saying: "I am really shocked; as I am sure the world is, to hear the news.  I had the pleasure of working with Michael on Beat It back in '83, one of my fondest memories in my career.  Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace.”

In her succinct yet poignant tribute the soul singer said of the King of Pop - "One of my Angels has gone home. Michael, your love and greatness will live forever through me. I miss you and love you forever and ever. I'm so hurt and saddened."

Speaking to USA Today, the movie director Steven Spielberg said of his fellow entertainment industry legend: "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."

Motown label mate, friend and co-star in The Wiz, Diana Ross was left devastated by Jackson's death. "I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. ... I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family," she said.

Whitney Houston praised Jackson for helping African-American music break into the mainstream. Acknowledging his inspiration to herself and music in general, she enthused: "He was my friend. ... He was one of the reasons I got into the music business. He inspired me. He taught me. He laughed with me. He paved the way for African American artists to be played on MTV which was huge. My heart is full of grief for his family and his children and I pray that they take solace in the incredible legacy of his music and art."

Too devastated to comment personally, Elizabeth Taylor's publicist had to read out a statement about her closest friend on behalf of her. It read: "Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time. We will direct her words to you once we receive them."

Mariah Carey wrote of Michael: “Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world and the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever."

One of the first stars to comment on Jacko's passing, Diddy wrote on his Twitter page: "Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!"