On June 25, 2009, the world was shocked by reports of Michael Jackson‘s death. Most people did not want to believe it and practically crashed the Internet while searching for information on the King of Pop. Alas it was true: MJ was truly gone.
Here is how celebrities around the world reacted to the death of the greatest musician the world had ever seen.
I just don’t have the words
‘I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on ‘The Wiz’ and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s.
‘To this day, the music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller and bad is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all…talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.
‘He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.’ – Quincy Jones.
Sad and confused
‘I am so sad and confused with every emotion possible, I am heart broken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family’ – ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley.
Moonwalk into God’s arms
‘RIP Michael Jackson, moon walk into God’s arms by HIS Grace… You will be solely missed’ – Kemi Adetiba.
Only idol I’ve ever had
‘I think MJ is the only idol I’ve ever had. I never got the chance to tell him how much he and his music mean to me’ – Keri Hilson.
Greatest entertainer ever
‘RIP to the greatest artiste/ entertainer ever Michael Jackson’ – Banky W.
I so loved him
‘I am shaken though, because one night he was, and now he isn’t. And I so loved him. R.I.P to the true King of Pop. Hope you find rest now’ – Tosyn Bucknor.
Learnt a lot from watching his videos
‘I’m very sad today …Michael Jackson is one of the greatest Artistes I looked up to I learnt a lot from watching his videos….his performances…I’m absolutely stunned may his gentle soul rest in peace….’GONE TOO SOON’ this is also a lesson to us all life is too short no one is promised tomorrow. Let’s live life to the fullest and put God first’ – Weird MC.
Had tears in my eyes only time I saw him live at Wembley
‘When I was 6 I saw this good looking afro wearing boy singing on TV with his brothers, I wanted to be like him. When I first danced in front of a crowd in Igbobi College, it was to ‘Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough’, I wore the white glove, I did the moonwalk, I performed Thriller as a Zombie at the National Theatre, I had tears in my eyes the only time I saw him live at Wembley Stadium… My Michael, Our Michael.’ – Ayo Shonaiya.
I cried for hours
‘I’m still in shock. It is so hard to believe that Michael Jackson is gone, I cried for hours as I watched the breaking news on CNN and Sky News at midnight.
‘He’s been an icon to me despite all he’d been through, the best performer the world has ever seen. May His Soul rest in peace.’ – Nikki Laoye.
Overwhelmed
‘I’m overwhelmed by the love shown to MJ in DEATH one, he was denied in the last 10-15years of his life. They called him a pedophile, cosmetic junkie etc. reminds me of Jesus Christ and here on earth Princess Diana’ – Djinee.
His music will live forever
‘I can’t stop crying over the sad news; I have always admired Michael Jackson. The World has lost one of the greats, but his music will live forever.’ – Madonna.
An inspiration to multiple generations
‘We lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him’ – Justin Timberlake.
Incomparable
‘The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artiste in the history of music. He was magic.
‘For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his Art, we are honoured to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson’ – Beyonce.
MY Michael
‘My fifth birthday party was M.J. themed, I insisted and my mother found a look alike to come sing happy birthday but I knew he wasn’t MY Michael’ – Solange Knowles.
He made the music come to life
‘Michael showed me you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!!! He made me believe in magic’ – Diddy.
I’d not be who I am today
‘If it were not for Michael Jackson I would not be where or who I am today. His Music and Legacy will live on forever. Prayers to the family R.I.P’ – Ludacris.
Gave me and my family hope
‘I have no words. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP…I will be mourning my friend, brother, mentor and inspiration. He gave me and my family hope. I would never have been me without him’ – MC Hammer.
He brought joy to his devoted fans
‘I am heartbroken. My prayers go out to the Jackson family, and my heart goes out to his children. Let us remember him for his unparalleled contribution to the world of music, his generosity of spirit in his quest to heal the world & the joy he brought to his millions of devoted fans throughout the world.
‘I feel blessed to have performed with him several times and to call him my friend. No artist will ever take his place. His star will shine forever.’ – Mariah Carey.
Never be the same
‘Music will never be the same’ – Kim Kardashian.
Unparalleled
‘He broke barriers, he changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled’ – Usher.
Every artist I personally know has been influenced by him
‘Michael Jackson’s accomplished so much that there’s not even words to explain what he’s done for urban and pop music.
‘Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him. The world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and will continue to for years to come’ – Akon.
Had his poster on my wall
‘From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. … I had his poster on my wall’ – Celine Dion.