Madonna told the audience…
“Let’s give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known - Michael Jackson!”

Later in the gig, the lyrics to Jackson’s hit track “Man in the Mirror” were flashed up on screen as Madonna took to the stage wearing a black armband and a single white glove - in honor of the late music legend. In an interview before the concert, the star expressed her shock over the sudden passing of her friend — and explained her onstage tribute. She says:
“I am so terribly sad about Michael Jackson’s death. I don’t know what artist wasn’t inspired by him. To be able to do what he did at such an early age was unearthly, everybody grew up in awe of him. To work with him and become friends and hang out with him, was exciting for me. I used to love picking his brains about musical stuff. Obviously we have very different personalities - he was a lot more shy than I am. That’s because I was allowed to have a normal childhood and he wasn’t, so there was a vulnerable side to him that made you want to take care of him and protect him. He was a real paradox, one of the world’s greatest performers and obviously very confident on stage, but in real life he was shy and you really felt for him. I chose ‘Billie Jean’ (to perform at the O2) because it’s instantly recognizable. Kento, my dancer, was obsessed with Michael all his life. And when Michael was having auditions for his tour, Kento really wanted to go but he’d already made a commitment to me. So now he’s about to have his moment and be Michael at my show.”

What does it feel like being on the same stage with Madonna? Do you remember the very first song of hers to which you performed live onstage?
There were around 50,000 or 60,000 people in Wembley Arena. My first moment live onstage was the moment she was about to sing “Beat Goes On.” It was so beautiful to be able to perform my own dance numbers besides the set choreography.

What was your story before you auditioned in New York to become one of Madonna’s dancers for her European tour? Were you a fan of hers?
I have always watched Madonna’s shows with a great appreciation; I loved her shows on the Drowned World Tour and Re-Invention Tour as a dancer myself. I was born in 1977; we all grew up listening to Madonna’s songs throughout our childhood, but honestly I was more into rap and hip-hop as I was into break dancing also. I first dreamed about dancing with Madonna while I was watching her Confessions Tour and that was because I saw one of the most famous American break dancers, Cloud, dancing with her there. Last January, my girlfriend and I got this text message from one of our friends about auditions for dancers for Madonna in New York, and we flew to New York immediately. Throughout the auditions, [we were asked to perform] set choreographies for three and also freestyle performances. Madonna has enormous positive energy, and dancing right in front of her was like a dream.

How is Madonna’s behavior towards her dancers?
In my opinion, Madonna is more of a beautiful mother than an artist. … She approaches all of us just like a mother. She cares about our comfort, and she approaches with love and protection just like a mother does.

In a documentary, I watched Madonna gather her dancers and pray together with them before her stage shows. Did you also pray with her?
Yes, of course we did. Among her dancers there is also another Muslim dancer named Norman, who normally lives in Malaysia. Madonna knew we’re Muslims. She heard us read al-Fatiha [ahead of a performance] in one corner, and she listened to us. Just two days later, while we were about to pray all together before the show, she said to us, “You read ‘al-Fatiha,’ too.” She is so unique and so special.

Which Madonna song gives you the greatest inspiration for dancing?
My favorite song from her Sticky & Sweet Tour is “Beat Goes On.” Actually I was chosen as a choreographer, and I prepared the choreography for the song “Heartbeat.” You will see it when the tour’s DVD comes out. I love the song “Heartbeat,” as well.

Who else have you danced with onstage, or who would you like to dance for?
My dream was to dance with Madonna, and it came true. I can’t even dream about dancing for someone else after dancing with Madonna. Previously, I performed with Lionel Richie for a show in France. Now we are going on with our rehearsals in London for Madonna’s summer tour … which starts off in London on July 4. It makes me so happy that I will be dancing on the same stage with Madonna once more.

Any hints for approaching Madonna or any guidelines for getting a chance to become a dancer for her?
Actually, there is a hint. Madonna likes things she has never seen before, things that are very unique. A brand new dance undiscovered, brand new music undiscovered. She liked my slow-motion numbers when she chose me. … Madonna likes original and very different things, and she is not afraid of giving it a try. She is open to novelty. If you want to approach her, you have to come up with new things.

According to newspaper Rossiskaya Gazeta, the deputies have submitted a request to city governor Valentina Matviyenko proposing legal action be taken against her.

Here’s the audio of the promo message from Madonna…

As he was doing some interviews during his visit in Israel to promote his exhibition, he couldn’t stop criticizing her and her mean attitude. He got very personal into trying to bring her down while posing mainly next to the 1998 photograph he made of her…

Talking about his friend, Lady Gaga, he also revealed that Madonna asked Lady GaGa to sing on her tour.