Vesta Williams, Hit 80′s R&B Singer, Found Dead In Her California Hotel Room        

[UPDATED AT @2:34 PM]

Vesta Williams, the diva known for her powerful voice and 80′s hits, was found dead in her California hotel room last night, according to reports. Though news sources have reported the singer was 48 years old, Williams can be seen in a 2010 interview saying she was 53.

TMZ is reporting that bottles of prescription pills were found in the hotel room, and that the authorities are treating the singer’s death as an accident or suicide.

Williams scored a big hit with “Congratulations,” a song about a woman who is distraught upon learning that her former lover is getting married. “Congratulations,” with its vocal acrobatics and dramatic story, became a talent show staple.

Jackeé Harry, the television actress, tweeted her condolences about the singer’s passing.

“…just received truly devastating news: R&B great, and my friend of many yrs, Vesta Williams (@vesta4u), has passed away. #RIPVesta”

Williams portrayed Harry’s sister on the sitcom, “Sister, Sister.” She also appeared in the movie western “Posse” as a lounge singer.

MORE HERE