Search under way for missing singer and private plane

The plane Jenni Rivera was flying in took off from Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday morning, officials say. NEW: Helicopters are assisting in the search for singer Jenni Rivera Authorities suspect the plane she was flying in crashed The plane lost contact with air traffic controllers outside Monterrey, Mexico Mexico City (CNN) -- Singer Jenni Rivera is missing after a private plane she was flying in lost contact with air traffic controllers in Mexico early Sunday morning, officials said. Two pilots and and four other passengers are also missing in the suspected crash, Mexico's transportation ministry said in a statement. The plane took off from Monterrey, Mexico, at 3:15 a.m. and lost contact with air traffic controllers about 60 miles away, the statement said. Helicopters are assisting in the search for the missing plane. The Mexican-American singer had a concert in the northern Mexican city Saturday night, according to her website. Born in Long Beach, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Rivera, 43, released her debut album in 1999, her website said. She sings traditional Mexican ballads, and was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in 2002 in the category of "Best Banda Album." She is a judge on the popular TV show, "The Voice, Mexico," which was scheduled to air Sunday night. Noting its concern for Rivera, Mexican broadcaster Televisa said it would air a special report on the singer instead. A fellow judge on the show took to Twitter following news of Rivera's disappearance. "My heart is devastated," wrote Beto Cuevas. "All my prayers are with you, Jenni, and your family." Rivera's "I Love Jenni" reality show began airing on Telemundo's mun2 network last year. In October, People en Espanol named Rivera to its list of the 25 most powerful women. She is a mother of five. CNNMexico.com contributed to this report.