US police said Houston, formerly one of the world's best-selling artists, was found in a room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

The cause of her death is not known.

The news has been confirmed by her publicist.

VIDEO: A diva dies, aged 48. Video has emerged of Whitney Houston's last performance as the world mourns the death of a woman once regarded as the queen of pop.

Whitney Houston had hits inlcuding I Wanna Dance With Somebody, The Greatest Love Of All and How Will I Know.

She also starred in movies such as The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale.

GALLERY: Whitney Houston at Hope Estate

The singer performed at Hope Estate in Pokolbin in February 2010.

The iconic singer was heavily criticised during her tour of Australia and the flak did not die down after her appearance in the surrounds of Hunter wineries.

Some fans were disappointed by the singer’s efforts in reaching her famous high notes and critics slammed her sub-standard performance.

However Michael Hope, owner of Hope Estate, said he would remember Houston’s performance for different reasons.

‘‘We felt for her when she came because she wasn’t hitting the high notes,’’ he said.

‘‘But for us she is a sentimental favourite because me and my wife were married to the song from The Bodyguard. I thought the criticism was unfounded.

‘‘If you want a perfect performance you can play her CDs at home and save a couple of hundred dollars.’’

Mr Hope said it was a huge shock to hear about Houston’s unexpected death.

‘‘It was great to have her in the Hunter Valley for her last Australian tour,’’ he said.