Beyonce: "Etta James Death Is A Huge Loss"

20 January 2012, 21:57 | Updated: 20 January 2012, 22:02

The 'Love On Top' star pays an emotional tribute to a singer she says had "the greatest vocals of our time".

Beyonce has presented an emotional tribute to Etta James following the news of her death at the age of 73 today (20^th January).

The Destiny's Child star described the star's passing as a "huge loss" and was happy to have had the chance to meet Etta before she passed away.

In a statement on her official website, Beyonce wrote: "This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. "

The 'Crazy In Love' star even portrayed Etta in the 2008 film Cadillac records and admitted the role taught her a lot about herself.

"Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph.

"Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed," she added.

Beyonce joins the likes of Rihanna, Jessie J and Ed Sheeran who have all paid tribute to the singer via their Twitter accounts.

News of the singer's death was broken by her good friend and manager Lupe De Leon who announced that the cause was due to complications of leukemia.