Madonna has been sobbing uncontrollably since she heard about the death of Michael Jackson on June 25.

Madonna and Michael Jackson [China Daily]

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 three children and other members of his family. God bless."

'Candle in the Wind' singer Sir Elton John was halfway though his annual White Tie and Tiara Ball when he heard about Michael's death.

He broke the news to his guests - including Liz Hurley, Hugh Grant, Lily Allen and Kelly Osbourne - before dedicating his song 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' to Michael.

Nearly half of his guests left after they found out about the death.

Britney Spears was one of the first to express her grief about the pop icon's passing.

In a statement issued last night, she said: "I was so excited to see his show in London. 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!"

Justin Timberlake has also paid tribute to the "inspirational genius".

He wrote on his website: "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

Beyonce Knowles has also sent her condolences to Michael's family, saying: "This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. 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.

"Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honoured to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael."

Elizabeth Taylor, one of Jackson's oldest friends, was "too devastated" to comment.

Brooke Shields, Cher, Jane Fonda, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Moore, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, MC Hammer, John Mayer, Lindsay Lohan, Ashton Kutcher, Denise Richards, Nicky Hilton, Katy Perry, Celine Dion and Usher have also expressed their shock and sadness and sent their love to Michael's family.

(Agencies/China Daily June 29, 2009)