American singer Sobule dies in house fire

Jill Sobule, the pioneering American singer-songwriter best known for her hit 'I Kissed a Girl', has died in a house fire in Minneapolis, according to her publicist.

She was 66. Sobule also gained recognition for her witty track 'Supermodel', which was featured in the 1995 teen film Clueless.

She had been due to perform on Friday in her hometown of Denver, showcasing songs from her autobiographical stage musical.

A free gathering will now take place in her honour.

Tributes have poured in across social media, with English musician Lloyd Cole among those mourning the loss.

"I’m really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us," he wrote.

Born in 1959, Sobule built a career over three decades, using her music to explore subjects such as capital punishment, eating disorders, and gay rights.

Her most iconic work appeared on her self-titled 1995 album, which featured 'Supermodel' and 'I Kissed a Girl.'

The latter resurfaced in public conversation in 2008 after Katy Perry released a different song under the same name.

Sobule was also a trailblazer in music production, embracing crowdfunding to release her work independently.

She composed music for theatre and television, including the theme song for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous.

Her manager, John Porter, described her as "a force of nature and a passionate advocate for human rights," adding, "Her music is part of our cultural fabric. I’ve lost both a client and a dear friend. May her legacy and voice continue to inspire."

Canadian music commentator Eric Alper honoured Sobule on X, praising her as someone who "paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty."

American actress Carrie Coon called the news "heartbreaking," saying simply, "Jill Sobule was so special."

According to the Star Tribune, authorities in Woodbury, a suburb of Minneapolis, are currently investigating the cause of the house fire where Sobule was found.