SA “Idols” winner Jody Williams is heartbroken following the death of Whitney Houston over the weekend.

The singer woke up on Sunday morning to dozens of text messages saying that Houston had passed away – she was Jody Williams’ personal idol.

Jody told The New Age: “I am so sad. It is depressing. My star and legend is gone.”

Jody made history when she became the youngest winner of “SA Idols” at age 17 in 2007. She constantly said that Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion were her main influences.

She went on to say that singing two of Houston’s songs during the series had “played a big part and helped [her] win the title of SA Idol.”

Jody grew up singing her songs, and has promised Whitney’s songs will “travel with [her] wherever [she goes].”

Jody is now 21, and her debut platinum-selling album “Just Gonna Be Me” reached number one on the South African Albums Chart.

Are you as sad as Jody about Whitney’s death?