Whitney Houston was once the ultimate symbol of grace, in addition to being one of the most-talented singers of all times.
If you have attended pageants since the 1980s, you have counted on pageant hopefuls to sing their renditions of songs Whitney made famous.
"The only reason I ever sang my first note was because I wanted to emulate Whitney so desperately," Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap Tweeted Friday night. "She inspired me to discover my voice. I am beyond sad."
Whitney's death also evoked memories in reigning Miss USA Alyssa Campanella.
"I don't want to believe that Whitney Houston has passed," Campanella wrote. "I'm truly speechless and shocked. My thoughts are with her family and daughter.
"My mother was a huge Whitney Houston fan. I grew up listening to her and singing along with my mother. She loved 'The Bodyguard.'"
Whitney's death was felt far from the United States.
"Just can't believe it," wrote Miss Universe Leila Lopes of Angola. "Such a huge loss. We loved her."
At "the Super Bowl back in 91', she sang the best version of the 'Star Spangled Banner' that I've ever heard," wrote Mario Lopez, host of Extra, who also has hosted the Miss America and other pageants. "Never forget it. It was in the middle of the Gulf War going on. God Bless her daughter and family."
"So disheartened by the passing of Whitney Houston," wrote Miss Maryland 2010 Lindsay Staniszewski. "Such a beautiful voice that lit the world on fire."
Whitney was pronounced dead at 3:55 PT, according to CNN. She died at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
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