'My pride at Michael Jackson tribute' - Shaheen Jafargholi

SWANSEA schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi has said he was honoured to pay tribute to Michael Jackson at the Mobo awards.

The 12-year-old performed Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There at the bash after being introduced to the crowd by Michael's sister LaToya.

The awards, which were held at Glasgow's SECC arena on Wednesday, were the first UK event to pay tribute to Michael since his death in June.

In an exclusive interview yesterday, Shaheen told the Post: "It was an unbelievable night and experience, and it was an honour to pay tribute to Michael Jackson and be part of a fantastic event.

"I love music and singing and being part of an awards evening with so many artists that I admire and respect was amazing."

Jermaine Jackson also performed one of Michael's songs — Smile — and collected the lifetime achievement award on behalf of his brother.

The event saw Shaheen share a stage with Jermaine for a second time, after they first met at Michael's memorial concert in July.

That night Shaheen, who lives in Mount Pleasant, sang Who's Lovin' You to around one billion viewers worldwide, the same song that brought him fame on Britain's Got Talent in April.

In Glasgow, Shaheen's reality TV co-stars Diversity also entertained the crowds with a high-energy performance.

The dance troupe, who were set to join Michael at his O2 comeback gigs, also played in his honour.

Shaheen added: "It was great to catch up with the Diversity boys, who I haven't seen since the Britain's Got Talent tour. I enjoyed every minute."

A host of big names joined Shaheen at the awards, including Beverley Knight, Alexandra Burke and former Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland.

X Factor runners up JLS scooped two awards, while N'Dubz also went home with two gongs. And Shaheen told the Post he was proud to be flying the flag for Wales at the bash.

He said: "I'm so happy to be representing Wales. I can't believe I sang at the awards, it was really great. The response I got from fans in the crowd made me really happy. I was watching the Mobos last year at home in Swansea and this year I was on them singing."

For more showbiz gossip see Ed Gleave's Celebrity Scoop in tomorrow's Post.