Celine Dion: 'Jackson was my idol'

Celine Dion has expressed her shock following the death of Michael Jackson, revealing that the late singer was her "idol".

The 'Billie Jean' star died at the UCLA Medical Centre last night after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. He was 50-years-old.

In a statement posted on the BBC website, she said: "I am shocked. I am overwhelmed by this tragedy.

"Michael Jackson has been an idol for me all my life. He was not only a talented person but he was unique - a genius.

"It's such a loss. It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis died. My sympathy goes to the family. It's a big loss and it's not even sinking in right now."

> Obituary: Michael Jackson