Akon: 'Jackson will never tour again'

Akon is convinced Michael Jackson will never commit to another world tour - because constant media intrusion has destroyed his confidence.

The singer has been the centre of growing speculation he is about to stage a comeback tour, with internet gossips suggesting he is lining up a series of dates for 2009.

But Akon, who got to know Jackson after they teamed up to record a collaboration last year, admits that although the star is capable of putting on performances similar to those of his 1980s heyday, he will never tour again because the negative press coverage throughout his career has left him unable to "focus".

He said: "All of the good artists suffer from it these days. That's why they disappear and you've got people who don't even deserve to be there up there (in the charts) and people get tired and bored of that.

"If you want quality concerts and quality performances they (the media) have to lay off people. Michael Jackson is the best performer ever and he can't even focus - you will never see another tour from him. (The media intrusion) plays a big role in that.

"It affects the people they're writing about. It's a lot to do with Michael Jackson not coming out and being open.

"I think all he needs is a record, one hit record then he might get his confidence back."

And Akon is adamant that the public can already see the damage media influence can do to stars - insisting the constant presence of the paparazzi was one of the major reasons for Britney Spears' January breakdown.

But the singer is pleased the singer looks as if she has put her troubles behind her.

He adds: "I really hope she is now here to stay. I'm pleased her album is doing so well. It's really neat of her to make a comeback."