14 DAY TRIAL // Ever since Michael Jackson passed away the other week, many fans have still not been able to let the news sink in. For the pop industry, though, his death leaves a gap that will not be filled by any other artist, as he was an icon that influenced the younger generation more than any other, as both Beyonce and Madonna pointed out in their touching tributes to the man who was – and will always remain – the King of Pop.
During her 90-minute set at the Essence Music Festival, Beyonce paid a very touching and highly personal tribute to Michael Jackson, as USA Today can confirm. The music paused during “Halo,” the diva’s latest hit that is currently getting massive airplay all over the world, and a home-made video showing a very young Beyonce started to play on the big screen. In it, the girl who would later become the hottest R&B female performer of our times explains how she wants to grow up and see Michael Jackson on stage.
It was then that Beyonce realized she what she wanted to do with her life, the singer said once the video had run. “That night I saw my hero perform. When I saw Michael Jackson hit the stage, that’s when I decided who I wanted to be.” Beyonce told the crowd of screaming fans. She then dropped to her knees and sang a modified version of “Halo” meant to pay tribute to the late King of Pop. “Michael, I can see your halo, I can feel your halo... I pray, I pray, I pray it won’t fade away.” the lyrics said.
The Queen of Pop also honored Michael Jackson as she opened her UK leg of the tour at London’s O2 Arena, the same place where the late star was also to perform in just days. Despite recurrent speculation back in the ‘80s and ‘90s that they were somewhat rivals in terms of sales and chart positioning, Madonna duly acknowledged Michael’s influence on her and any other artist’s music, right after a dancer dressed in one of Jackson’s iconic outfits did some of his more popular moves, including the Moonwalk, TMZ informs.
“Let’s give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known. Long Live the King!” Madonna told the crowd. Immediately afterwards, both the singer and the accompanying dancers took out jeweled gloves that they put on their right hand as they honored Michael Jackson in their dance. See the videos of both tributes (Beyonce and Madonna’s) below.
Beyonce’s tribute to Michael Jackson
Madonna’s tribute to Michael Jackson