Madonna's emotional onstage tribute to Michael Jackson
Madonna thrilled fans in London on Saturday night by performing a medley of
Michael Jackson's hits at the O2 Arena -- just a week before the late legend was
due to grace the same stage.
The pop superstar restarted her Sticky & Sweet world tour in the British capital
but stopped the show to give her own personal tribute to Jackson, who passed
away in Los Angeles last week.
The Material Girl recently confirmed that she planned to perform with Jackson at
one of his 50 comeback concerts, which were due to kick off on July 13.
Madonna halted the gig halfway through while iconic images of the tragic star
flashed up on screens behind her.
As the beat to Jackson's classic hit "Billie Jean" was pumped into the arena,
one of her dancers, dressed in the King of Pop's trademark black and white with
a wide-brimmed hat and white gloves, began performing Jackson's most famous
moves -- including moonwalking across the stage.
The song turned into a medley with another classic Jackson hit, "Wanna Be
Startin' Something", much to the delight of the London crowd.
Madonna told the audience, "Let's give it up for one of the greatest artists the
world has ever known -- Michael Jackson!"
Later in the gig, the lyrics to Jackson's hit track "Man in the Mirror" were
flashed up on screen as Madonna took to the stage wearing a black armband and a
single white glove -- in honor of the late music legend.
In an interview before the concert, the star expressed her shock over the sudden
passing of her friend -- and explained her onstage tribute.
She says, "I am so terribly sad about Michael Jackson's death. I don't know what
artist wasn't inspired by him.
"I chose 'Billie Jean' (to perform at the O2) because it's instantly
recognizable.
"Kento, my dancer, was obsessed with Michael all his life. And when Michael was
having auditions for his tour, Kento really wanted to go but he'd already made a
commitment to me. So now he's about to have his moment and be Michael at my
show." (source: Hollywood.com)
 
THE SUN.COM
 
MADONNA paid an emotional tribute to Michael Jackson during her concert last
night at London's O2 - just days before the King of Pop was due to appear at the
same venue
 
 
The Material Girl - looking toned in a fitted black top and short red skirt -
performed a 90 second dedication to her 50-year-old friend halfway through her
gig.
Immediately after singing 'Holiday', a huge picture of Jackson as a child was
beamed above the stage.
A Jackson lookalike - clad in sequined jacket, black hat and trademark white
glove - then emerged on a platform from under the middle of the stage.
Madonna stepped back to be with her backing dancers while the impersonator
moonwalked across the stage to a short melody of Jackson's greatest hits,
including Billie Jean and Wanna Be Starting Something.
Afterwards, Madonna turned to the crowd and said: "To one of the greatest
performers the world has ever known - Michael Jackson."
Those who attended the concert said the tribute to Jackson was a "fitting" way
to remember the star, who died on June 25 after suffering a suspected heart
attack.
Many also said it was the highlight of the show.



 
 

 




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]