Madonna is "devastated" by the shock death of David Bowie.

Madonna's David Bowie tribute [Instagram]

Madonna's David Bowie tribute [Instagram]

The 69-year-old musician passed away on Sunday (10.01.16) following a secret 18-month battle with cancer and Madonna took to her Instagram page to share a picture of herself with the icon and praise his unique talent.

She wrote: "I'm Devastated! This great Artist changed my life! First concert i ever saw in Detroit! R.IP. #rebelheart

"Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever! #rebelheart

"So lucky to have met you!!!! Hot Tramp I love you So! #rebelheart (sic)."

Madonna is not the only star who took to social media to pay tribute to David and Kanye West hailed him as one of his "most important" inspirations.

He wrote: "David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime. I pray for his family and friends."

'Gladiator' star Russell Crowe remembered him as "one of the greatest performance artists" ever.

He posted: "RIP David. I loved your music. I loved you. One of the greatest performance artists to have ever lived. #sorrow"

And hours after hosting the Golden Globe Awards, Ricky - who convinced his reclusive idol to appear on his 2006 sitcom 'Extras' - was mourning the passing of his "hero".

He tweeted: "I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie."

Singer Marc Almond has been left "devastated" by the news.

He wrote: "It's not often I truly cry at the loss of an artist but I'm devastated. He meant so much. Goodbye David Bowie and our youth. We loved you. X

"There will never be another that comes close. It's too much . Just can't take it in. Black day!"

Singers Gary Newman and Alison Moyet also paid tribute to the singer, whose real name was David Jones.

Gary simply wrote: "A True Legend. David Bowie. RIP."

Alison added: "David Bowie. Our greatest, gone and here forever. A world's heart breaks. #Bowie (sic)"