Beyonce hails Whitney Houston as 'ultimate legend'

Singer Beyonce has hailed Whitney Houston as the 'ultimate woman', in a touching tribute detailing her first meet with the singer who died on Saturday.

Beyonce and Whitney Houston

The 30-year-old singer also admitted that she has been left heartbroken by the tragedy. "The loss of Whitney Houston is painful. I remember meeting Whitney for the first time when I was 15. She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman. Not only was she confident, poised, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but she was sincere and kind.

She took the time to make everyone feel like they were very important to her," Contactmusic quoted Beyonce as saying. The 'Crazy In Love' singer also insisted that she modelled her career after Houston's and the legendary singer is irreplaceable.

"I, like every singer, always wanted to be just like her. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her cadence, her control. "So many of my life's memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us. God bless her," she added.