LONDON — Madonna paid tribute to Michael Jackson on Saturday at the venue in which the King of Pop was scheduled to launch his comeback.
After performing her 1980s hit “Holiday” at London’s O2 Arena, a picture of a young Jackson appeared above the stage. A Jackson impersonator then appeared as Madonna moved to the background. The lookalike flashed the music icon’s trademark moves as he danced to a brief medley of Jackson hits, including “Billie Jean” and “Wanna Be Starting Something.”
“Let’s give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known,” Madonna told the roaring crowd following the in-concert tribute.
Jackson, who died at the age of 50 on June 25, was scheduled to kick off his 50-date comeback run at the venue on July 13.
Madonna, who famously attended the 1991 Academy Awards with Jackson, told London’s Daily Mail that Jackson was one-of-a-kind.
“I am so terribly sad about Michael Jackson’s death,” she said. “I don’t know what artist wasn’t inspired by him. To be able to do what he did at such an early age was unearthly, everybody grew up in awe of him.
“To work with him and become friends and hang out with him was exciting for me.”
