Whitney Houston blows a kiss to the audience at the BET Honors Awards in Washington, DC Jan. 17, 2009. (file photo) [Xinhua/Reuters]

Whitney Houston, who reigned as pop music's queen until her majestic voice and regal image were ravaged by drug use, erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, has died, media outlets reported. She was 48.

Her death was revealed by her publicist Kristen Foster, according to various media reports. Initial media reports said she was found by veteran music producer Clive Davis at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California.

However, the cause of the singer's death has not been made public at the time when this story is filed.

Whitney Houston was an award-winning singer, actress, producer and a former model. She was the most awarded female act of all time, garnering a total of 415 awards during her lifetime, according to Guiness World Records.

She is also one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold more than 170 million albums and singles before her death.

Her most popular and familiared film for Chinese fans is "The Bodyguard" in 1992.

The singer had a history of drug abuse. In 2004, following years of rumored drug abuse, Houston entered a rehab during her first stint. She returned for second sting in the following year. In March 2011, the singer checked in for the third treatment of the problem.

Houston was seen out partying earlier this week and looked worse for wear, according to media reports.

She left behind her only child Bobbi Kristina who she had during her marriage to singer Bobby Brown.