Celebrities, music impresarios and politicians around the globe rushed to pay tribute to Michael Jackson.

Madonna said she was brought to tears by his death. "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."

Lisa Marie Presley, Jackson’s first wife and daughter of Elvis Presley, was one of the first to react. "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.”

Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, the film directors, also paid homage.

Mr Scorsese, who directed one of the King of Pop’s biggest hits, said Jackson was “extraordinary”.

“When we worked together on Bad, I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other,” he said. “Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion.

"He was wonderful to work with, an absolute professional at all times, and - it really goes without saying - a true artist. It will be a while before I can get used to the idea that he's no longer with us."

Mr Spielberg, who directed ET – one of Jackson’s favourite films – said the star was irreplaceable. "Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson,” he said. “His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."

Quincy Jones, the music producer who collaborated with Jackson on three of his best-selling albums, Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad, said he was “absolutely devastated”.

“For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at this 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."

Fellow artists expressed their shock at the King of Pop’s death.

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