Editorial: Houston a singing star like no other

Whitney Houston's sudden death has sent shock waves around the world - even reaching Rotorua.

Fans were quick to pay their respects to the troubled singer on Facebook and Twitter when news broke that her body was found in the Beverly Hills Hotel.

At 48, Whitney Houston was too young to die. How she died will no doubt come to light, but speculation is rife her drug troubles played a part.

We prefer to remember the beautiful star with unsurpassed vocal chops as opposed to the erratic drug-ravaged addict she sadly became.

Yes, superstars like Houston are privileged, but they are also easy targets for the evils of drugs.

Fans are still trying to get over the untimely death of Amy Winehouse last year.

As sad as Winehouse's death was, Houston was in a league of her own among female singers.

I've heard many singers around - countless karaoke contests included - trying to copy Houston's voice and style. No one could. Her voice, in its prime, was breathtaking.

There will never be another singer like her. May she now finally rest in peace.