Whitney Houston, Usher remember Jackson's influence

While it may be difficult for some to simply remember Michael Jackson for who he was -- an entertainer, philanthropist, humanitarian and in some ways a man before his time -- iconic performers and those who have taken similar paths including Whitney Houston, Usher, and Chris Brown have no trouble in celebrating Michael Jackson -- the true King of Pop.

Issuing statements amidst inappropriate reports just hours after Jackson passed, celebrities who admired the work of the man so many loved and adored, led strength to the words and Jackson single "You Are Not Alone".

Whitney Houston, who like Michael Jackson, was preparing for a comeback this year, issued a statement late Thursday saying "I am full of grief".

Houston, long associated and often compared to Jackson over the years, was pitted against Jackson on networks earlier this year in a playful "Whitney Vs. Michael" showdown. The showdown, of course, was simply to celebrate the fact that two pop icons were essentially getting back up after being dogged by personal woes that became tabloid fodder. Nonetheless, it is evident through Whitney Houston and fellow diva Mariah Carey's statement, that their lives were touched just as much by the King of Pop even though they're seen as icons themselves.

Carey, also set to debut her quasi-comeback album this year, said she is "heartbroken" in a statement and goes on to say: "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 & the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world. I feel blessed to have performed with him several times & to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever."

Taking a note from Mariah Carey, Usher Raymond, seen by many as the only R&B male celebrity to sort of reach a Michael Jackson-esque level, is deeply saddened.

"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," says Usher.

While Houston, Carey and even Usher witnessed Jackson's early years a children, his legacy can truly be seen across all generations. For those born in the 90s or late 80s, including Chris Brown, Jackson's steps, videos and overall striking presence are and will forever be undeniable.

Brown, while embattled with his own legal woes and a whole different set of circumstances earlier this week, knew Michael Jackson personally and most important performed with the star at the World Music Awards. In fact, Brown had been dubbed the "new Michael Jackson" by some of his peers and fans. Nonetheless Brown says he would not be who he is without Michael Jackson. Issuing a heartfelt statement Thursday, Brown states:

"Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer. 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."

As the days and hours go by there will be, of course, a mirage of statements tributes and other forms of expression that will come forward. However, there will be and already has been a wave of inappropriate comments, statements, and opportunistic ideals from people around the world. No matter what your feelings are or were about Michael Jackson we must remember that a life has been lost. Let us remember his life,  talent, and the important and undeniable legacy he has left on not just the entertainment world but the world at large. To Michael Jackson -- the greatest that ever did it and the man who provided the soundtrack to life through its joyous, difficult and somber times -- You Are Not Alone.

The Apollo marquee above, says it all.

More coverage on the death of Michael Jackson