Shaheen: 'I kept my eyes shut when I was singing'

09/07/2009 - 09:47

Welsh singing sensation Shaheen Jafargholi says he kept his eyes shut to cope with the pressure of singing live in front of millions.

The 12-year-old Britain's Got Talent finalist sang solo at Michael Jackson's memorial on Tuesday after a special request from Jackson's family.

He told the Daily Mirror: "Nobody, not even my family knew that I was coming over here. It was perhaps the hardest secret I have ever kept, he said.

"It was then that I found out too that Michael wanted to duet with me on Heal the World at his London concerts. That would have meant 50 nights on stage with Jacko; it was just surreal hearing these things.

"All they kept saying was that Michael was a big fan of Britain's Got Talent and that he used to watch me on YouTube all the time."

But despite appearances, the kid from Swansea felt extremely nervous. "I mainly kept my eyes shut as I was singing, but occasionly I would open my eyes and look down at him," he said.

"It was quite strange to see him there and not something I have done in the past. It was almost as if I was singing for him, that was the weirdest thing about it."

Backstage he mingled with pop legends. "Stevie Wonder was really nice and a real joker. He was playing practical jokes with me and made me laugh which eased the nerves a bit.

"I also met all the Jackson family and they were so genuine and congratulated me. I told them that Michael meant everything to me and was a real inspiration. They told me that he liked me too which was amazing."

Michael Jackson's former record label Motown are now reportedly interested in signing Shaheen.