Police have sealed off the Los Angeles hotel room where Whitney Houston died and are seeking a warrant to search it for drugs.
The 48-year-old music legend was found in the Beverly Hilton hotel this morning by a member of her entourage who called 911, and was later declared dead by paramedics, TMZ reports.
Sources said there were no obvious signs of foul play.
But there were reports she "partied heavily" in the hotel last night, drinking and chatting loudly with friends in the bar.
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Houston's mother Cissy Houston and cousin Dionne Warwick claim they spoke to her on the phone just hours before her death and she sounded fine.
The award-winning singer was filmed partying in Hollywood on Thursday night and looking dishevelled, with her hair hanging over her face.
She is believed to have made her last impromptu performance that night, hitting the stage with fellow singer Kelly Price at a Grammy party.
Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown is said to be distraught and falling "in and out of crying fits," according to a Hollywood source.
Fellow celebrities have reacted to Houston's death on Twitter with an outpouring of grief and shock.
Singer Lady Gaga said: "When I wrote Born This Way I imagined Whitney singing it because I wasn't secure enough to be a star. RIP Whitney Houston."
Pop star Rhianna said: "No words. Just tears #DearWhitney."
Nicki Minaj said: "Jesus Christ, not Whitney Houston. Greatest of all time."
Friends star Courteney Cox said: "Devastating news about Whitney Houston. What an amazing talent."
Singer Toni Braxton said: "My heart is weeping...RIP to the Legendary Diva & Icon Whitney Houston!!!!! Such an incredible influence over music as a whole!"
Former NBA basketball star Earvin Magic Johnson said: "Cookie & I are shocked & saddened about the news of Whitney Houston. A great friend & one of the most beautiful voices this world."
With a ferociously powerful voice and a dazzling range, Houston dominated the US music scene in the 1980s and 1990s as a pop-soul singer known as "the Voice" and the "Queen of Pop." She also appeared in hit movies like "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Bodyguard."
From a musical family that included mother Cissy, a gospel star, and fellow singer Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston started out as a teen model and then made a dazzling segue to music.
Her hits included "How Will I Know," "Saving all My Love for You," and "I Will Always Love You."
She also struggled with substance abuse, which took a toll on her health and career.
Houston has sold more than 170 million records worldwide but suffered a major career setback after admitting drug use during an abusive relationship with ex-husband Bobby Brown.
Brown was one of the hottest rhythm and blues singers in the late 1980s and early 90s, but became better known as the husband of Houston and for his frequent brushes with drugs and the law.
The pair, who were divorced in 2007, starred in a television reality series, "Being Bobby Brown," that featured their marriage, warts and all. They have a daughter Bobbi Kristina.
Brown was detained in Atlanta in 1993 for lewd conduct and for brawling in 1995. He was arrested for drunk driving in 1996 and for alleged battery of Houston in late 2003.
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