LOS ANGELES - SOME of the loudest applause at Michael Jackson's final send-off on Tuesday came for one the more obscure artists performing in his memory - a 12-year-old from Wales.

Shaheen Jafargholi put on an energetic song-and-dance rendition of 'Who's Lovin' You,' which Jackson sang as a child himself, in front of the King of Pop's gold-plated coffin and a television audience of hundreds of millions.

'I love Michael Jackson,' Shaheen told the crowd after performing. 'I just want to thank him so much for blessing me and every single individual on this earth with his amazing music.'

The youngster had come to prominence on 'Britain's Got Talent' television show, where he also sang 'Who's Lovin' You.' That earned him an invitation on what was supposed to be his big break - performing alongside the King of Pop at his 50-date comeback concert set that had been due to start next week in London.

Instead, Shaheen joined the ranks of musical superstars such as Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder at Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

'There were lots of great performers but that kid, he was really good,' teenager Andres Gomez said after the service.

'Who's Lovin' You' was written by Smokey Robinson, who told the service he was so shocked when the 10-year-old Michael Jackson sang it that he 'wanted to see his birth certificate.' 'I didn't believe that someone that young could have that much feeling and soul in him,' Robinson said.

'But I never thought I'd be here today,' he said, looking at Jackson's coffin. 'That's my little brother over there.' -- AFP