**UPDATED**Thousands of fans have flocked to the hospital in L.A., and Times Square, to pay tribute to the legend that was Michael Jackson. Celebrities have also been giving their tributes. 

Beyonce: "This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the king of pop!"

Liza Minnelli:"He was a kind, genuine and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life."

Stephen Spielberg:"Just as there will never be another Fred Astaire or Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, there will never be anyone comparable to Michael Jackson. His talent, his wonderment and his mystery make him legend."

Sir Paul McCartney: "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."

Emily Eavis at Glastonbury:"So sad to hear the news about MJ. There will be tributes all over the site all weekend. A truly great artist."

Britney Spears:"I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"

Quincy Jones:"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news... (he) had it all - talent, grace, professionalism and dedication. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

P Diddy:"Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!"

Cher: "I'm having a million different reactions I didn't expect I would feel. He was a great singer - God gives you certain gifts and this child was just an extraordinary child touched by this ability. He could sing like nobody else and he was able to connect with people."

Former wife, Lisa Marie Presley: "I'm completely shocked and saddened... My heart goes out to his children and his family."

Justin Timberlake: "I can't find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael's passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

Usher:"I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael (you don't say). He transcended the 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.

Madonna: "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."

Dionne Warwick: "We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through. He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many."

Joe Pesci: "He was a fun kid and did so much. He always reinvented himself time and time again and certainly was a great entertainer and dancer and great to watch with all that energy. He was excited about getting back to the stage. He was downhearted for a while and I think he finally got himself up."

Corey Feldman: "I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend."

Eddie Van Halen: "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 - one of my fondest memories in my career.  Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Arnold Schwarzenegger: "We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans."

Stephen Fry: "Goodness. Michael Jackson. Poor old soul. Oh dear."

Uri Geller: "The whole world's absolutely devastated and I'm lost for words because everyone expected him to come to England to do his concerts. He was in good health. He was rehearsing, dancing, practising for the shows in England and I am shocked, that is all I can say."

A rep for Elizabeth Taylor said: "Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."