'BGT' finalist to sing at Jacko memorial

‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finalist Shaheen Jafargholi will sing at Michael Jackson’s memorial service today.

The 12-year-old singer – who wowed audiences with his version of Jackson’s song ‘Who’s Lovin’ You’ in this year’s final of the show – was invited to appear at the concert in Los Angeles by the Jackson family.

The family told Jafargholi that the late ‘King Of Pop’, who passed away last month, was a big fan of his tribute.

Welsh-Iranian Jafargholi – who has also appeared as a young version of his idol in the stage show ‘Thriller’ – will join a cast of the biggest A-list stars for the concert which will receive an estimated TV audience of over one billion people.

Jafargholi said: “Michael was a huge inspiration to me. I’m nervous, but I’m honoured and privileged to have been invited to perform here.”

Confirmed to appear at the memorial show are Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson and Usher, among others.

A spokesperson for the Jackson family said Jafargholi had gained the seal of approval from the star himself after he saw a clip of his performance on the internet and had reportedly considered asking him to take part in his comeback shows.

A source told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “Michael saw a clip from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ on YouTube. He thought it was fantastic and was even considering getting him on stage to perform with him at some of his O2 shows later this year.”

The concert will reportedly end with all the performers from the show singing Jackson’s hit ‘Heal The World’.

Jafargholi finished seventh in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, which was won by dance troupe Diversity.