Legendary singer Whitney Houston passed away this afternoon in Beverly Hills at the age of 48. The cause of death is unknown.

Houston was in town to attend tomorrow night's Grammys and this evening's pre-Grammy party given by record producer Clive Davis. Davis was the man who discovered her.

News outlets in the U.S. have been providing non-stop coverage of the tragedy as tributes to Houston poured in from all corners of the entertainment community. A statement from Barbra Streisand was first reported by the Associated Press:

"She had everything, beauty, a magnificent voice. How sad her gifts could not bring her the same happiness they brought us."

Houston competed head-to-head with Barbra at the 1988 Grammys, the only time the two have ever done so. Houston was nominated for her single, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" while Barbra challenged her with the "One Voice" album. Voters awarded Houston the Grammy over Barbra in the category of Best Pop Female Vocal.

Houston certainly knew how stiff her Grammy competition with Barbra Streisand and "One Voice" would be. She supported Barbra's philanthropic efforts by attending Barbra's performance of "One Voice" where the live album was recorded. Speaking on camera at the event, Houston expressed her delight in attending her first Barbra Streisand concert:

"I have never heard her sing in public, but this is the night and I'm real excited."