As news of the death of British singer George Michael broke Sunday, celebrities, fans and musicians began offering condolences and expressing their sadness on social media.

Michael, who rocketed to stardom with Wham! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career, died at the age of 53, his publicist confirmed Sunday to CBS News.

His Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley wrote that he was “heartbroken.”

Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6 — Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

British comedian and host of CBS’ “The Late Late Show” James Corden was on one of the first to offer up his condolences, tweeting: “I’ve loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.”

I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time. — James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

Elton John paid tribute to his “beloved friend,” a “generous soul and a brilliant artist.”

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. RIP @GeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/1LnZk8o82m — Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 26, 2016

British pop star Robbie Williams paid tribute and wrote, “I love you George.”

Oh God no …I love you George …Rest In Peace x — Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) December 26, 2016

Queen guitarist Brian May wrote on Instagram that he had “no words.” Michael performed “Somebody to Love” with Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in London in 1992.

No words. RIP George. Bri A photo posted by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on Dec 25, 2016 at 4:19pm PST

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell posted a throwback photo of herself with Michael and called him “the kindest, most generous & talented person.”

So so sad , R.I.P George, a dear friend, the kindest, most generous & talented person . My thoughts are with his family.#GeorgeMichael A photo posted by Geri Horner (@therealgerihalliwell) on Dec 25, 2016 at 4:02pm PST

Madonna tweeted, “Farewell My Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us” — and threw in a final expletive about the tragic losses of 2016.

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Many on social media referenced Wham’s song “Last Christmas” as it appeared Michael died over the Christmas holiday.

R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now 🙏 — OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) December 25, 2016

Fellow ’80s pop star Boy George tweeted a statement, calling the loss “devastating”: “I am thinking of @GeorgeMichael’s family, friends and fans right now. He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words. Devastating. What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can’t believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms. NMRK.” (NMRK refers to a mantra chanted by practicing Buddhists.)

Others shared their sadness and disbelief in his passing.

You have given the #world an amazing gift! What a #talent! What a #loss! We will continue to love you! #RIP George Michael! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/plb7KjXOaP — La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) December 26, 2016

i bought (& worshipped) Listen Without Prejudice on my 15th birthday. this song readied me for Stevie Wonder... https://t.co/a3gnL9DnfT... — Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) December 25, 2016

I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad. — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016

What an enormous shame, what a talent, writer, performer, one of the finest male pop vocalists that ever recorded. Another Good Guy is gone — MIKA (@mikasounds) December 25, 2016

R.I.P. George Michael. You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed x pic.twitter.com/tjXqkArahj — Stonewall (@stonewalluk) December 25, 2016

George Michael?!?!? Nooooooo! 2016 has been brutal. Show ppl you love them everyday. Life is too short — Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 26, 2016

Michael enjoyed immense popularity early in his career as a teenybopper idol, delivering a series of hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” ‘’Young Guns (Go For It)“ and “Freedom.”

As a solo artist, he developed into a more serious singer and songwriter, lauded by critics for his tremendous vocal range. He sold well over 100 million albums globally, earned numerous Grammy and American Music Awards, and recorded duets with legends like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Luciano Pavarotti and Elton John.

