"(MJ) Was Going to Pass the Torch to Me"

(CBS)  Twelve-year-old Shaheen Jafargholi, of Wales, was apparently being groomed by Michael Jackson to be the next superstar.

Jafargholi, who was up against YouTube sensation Susan Boyle in the popular talent competition, "Britain's Got Talent," didn't win, but he was seen by millions - including Michael Jackson.

Jackson contacted Jafargholi, CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips reported on "The Early Show" Wednesday, about performing together on his London tour.

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Jafargholi told CBS News Jackson saw him on YouTube performing in the competition. Then, Jafargholi said, Jackson asked the young singer to join him in a duet every night on his comeback tour dates. Jafargholi said Jackson wanted him to sing "Heal the World."

"He was going to pass the torch to me," Jafargholi said, "And, you know, hand down to the next generation."

But it wasn't to be. Instead, Jafargholi sang the Jackson 5 song "Who's Lovin' You" alone at Jackson's memorial service Tuesday.

Jafargholi told the thousands gathered at Staples Center in Los Angeles he was grateful for the pop star.

"I just want to thank him so much for blessing me and every single individual on the earth with his amazing music."

[Sumjays]

Why do the people fail to understand that we know MJ was not convicted in his pedophile trial. but cmon people he paid someone 22 miilion dollars in an out of court settlement. any man that i know would pay every penny to their name to fight an accusation like that. so MJ tacitly admitted his guilt as far as I am concerned, not to mention he freely admitted to sleeping with little boys and still peiople are idoling him. the man was a musical genius no doubt but the pedophile thing overshadows any other aspects of his life. they should remove his star from the walk of fame. The man was truly a freak!

[stupidfolks]

Enough already. Instead of worrying about MJ read a good book, educate yourselves if you're not good at math, find a job if you're unemployed. I didn't watch the show-that's what it was - a show. I had better things to do. I have a life. Don't you guys have hobbies?

[jodyrae4]

Hope his dreams come true...

[excoachken]

"Is that a torch in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"

[nirak2-2009]

Dream on little boy

[ampsanne]

Oh boy! Will they be popping out of the wood now. Wonder how many others will claim that Michael was training them to be his protege. This kid may be good, but I wonder how many others out there could outshine him. I'm not a M. J. fan, but don't think anyone will ever take his place.

[connita2]

Hope this boy finds another good man like Barry Gordy and be as great as he can be...

[Cas2dy]

He has an amazing voice. For those who only heard him during the memorial, you need to visit the YouTube video. He was nervous at the memrial, and justly so. Not only was his first true job in front of the whole world, but can you imagine doing what he was doing with MJ's casket right there too? Give the kid a chance...as for passing the torch, well, I admit that this manchild is fantastic, but there never has been and never will be another who can do what MJ did. R.I.P. Michael Jackson.

[harrymmm]

Lay off the Kid he is 12!!!! and has some outstanding vocals good luck to him

[rmcturnan]

There is only one Michael Jackson. No one will ever be able to do what he did. This second-stringer will never be able to live up to the legend.
This kid has talent but Jackson was destined to be a a legend and was a legend. No one will ever be able to compare themselves to him.