Paramore's Hayley Williams and Katy Perry are among the music stars who have expressed their sadness following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The country was rocked by its most powerful earthquake since records began in the early hours of this morning (March 11).

The 8.9 magnitude quake triggered a massive tsunami, which has spread to surrounding countries in the Pacific Ocean.

Many music stars have been reacting to the disaster on Twitter.

"My prayers go out to anyone that is being effected by the disaster in Japan,” Katy Perry said.

Williams said she was “praying so hard” for people in Japan and Hawaii, which was also struck by the tsunami.

Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am told his Twitter followers to “pray for Japan” and revealed he had been unable to contact several friends.

Chris Brown said: “I’m buggin out right now over japan!!#praying."

The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami is unclear.

(by Jason Gregory)