Michael Jackson’s influence is so vast that he is admired by musical icons in their own genres. Legends from Madonna to Tina Turner to Celene Dion to Diana Ross to Mariah Carey to Britney Spears to Paul McCartney to Whitney Houston to Usher to Beyonce and more paid their condolences to the late pop star, who died of cardiac arrest on Thursday.

Many of them have emulated MJ’s music, style and dance moves, like Rihanna who used the “Ma Ma Se, Ma Ma Sa, Ma Ma Coo Sa” chorus of Jackson’s 1983 hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” in her 2007 song, “Please Don’t Stop the Music”.

Various music icons voiced their respects to the unanimous King of Pop. But when death comes knocking at their doors, none of them will be as widely celebrated by their peers and as many races, genders and generations of people as Michael.

Here are some of the musical icons’ reactions to Michael Jackson’s death in alphabetical order by first name:

Alicia Keys: “There is no one in the world like MJ. Never has been. Never will be. We all know him in one way or another. In some way he has touched us, been the voice of one.”

Berry Gordy: “I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream – a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here? As a kid, Michael was always beyond his years. He had a knowingness about him that was incredible. When I first heard him sing Smokey’s song, “Who’s Lovin’ You” at 10 years’ old, it felt like he had lived the song for 50 years. Somehow, even at that first meeting with him, he had a hunger to learn, a hunger to be the best and was willing to work as hard and as long as it took. I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.”

Beyonce: “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. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”

Britney Spears: “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!”

Ciara: “He was part of the reason why for me. Whenever someone asks me who inspires me to do what I do, I always say Michael. That’s it for me. “He’s everything to me. He’s really a part of the reason why. He’s going to be remembered in so many ways for me. I feel it’s important for me to continue to let my generation know how important he was to music.”

Celine Dion: “Michael Jackson was not only an extremely talented person, he was unique. He was a genius. I was very privileged to work with the same record company as him. And I did have the privilege of meeting with him a long, long time ago. He will never die. He will never, ever die.”

Cher: “God gives you certain gifts.

“This child was an extraordinary child.”

Chris Brown: “Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer.

Chris Brown ended his 2007 MTV VMA Awards performance with an on-point duplication of Michael Jackson’s famous “Billie Jean” performance at Motown Records’ 25th anniversary celebration.
VMA’s 2007 Chris Brown Rihanna

“I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy. My prayers are with his family. Michael will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He’s the greatest, the best ever. No one will ever be better.”

Diana Ross: “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.”

Justin Timberlake: “I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music but of all music.”

View the rest of Justin’s comments and his tribute to MJ, which includes videos of The Gloved One.

Kanye West: “Thank you for everything, Mike.”

Lil’ Wayne: “I personally can’t believe it. But it’s more unfortunate for the world of music. My love goes out to his family. A sad day in history, not (just) music.”

Liza Minnelli: “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.”

Madonna: “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.”

Paul McCartney: “It’s so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael.

“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. I send my deepest sympathy to his mother and the whole family and to his countless fans all around the world.”

Quincy Jones: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words.

“To this day, the music we created together on ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all. Talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother and part of my soul has gone with him.”

Mariah Carey: “My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. 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.”

Slash of rock band Guns N’ Roses: “Michael Jackson was one of the most talented and dynamic performer/singer/songwriters I ever had the pleasure of working with, he was amazing.

“Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding his personal life in recent years overshadowed his unparalleled contributions to the music world, which is a tragedy in and of itself. But his music will live on forever no matter what and his memory will be adored and admired for years to come.”

Smokey Robinson: “It is always hard to lose a friend. I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius. I know that his legend will live on and that the world will miss him dearly.”

Tina Turner: “I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing.

“I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”

Usher: “This loss has deeply saddened me. With a heavy heart I composed this statement. May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire Jackson family, particularly Michael’s mother and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael.

“I have great admiration and respect for him, and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer. In so many ways, he transcended culture. He broke barriers. He changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.”

Whitney Houston: “I am full of grief.”

By Teneshia LaFaye

Buy a limited edition I Was There, King of Pop Commemorative Journal featuring many of these stories to remember the positive side of Michael Jackson’s life. The journal went on sale at the pop icon’s public memorial in L.A., and a limited supply is left over. Don’t let this moment pass you by. Get the journal while supplies last as a keepsake for MJ’s passing with spaces for your personal experience and pictures.

To receive your copy, please send $8 per copy in cash or money order to King of Pop Journal, 3832-10 Baymeadows Rd., Suite 205, Jacksonville, FL 32217 and make sure your name and address is on the envelope.

Or you can buy now for $7.35:

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