Shaheen's Michael Jackson tribute

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Shaheen Jafargholi said he had been inspired by the King of Pop's music

Britain's Got Talent finalist Shaheen Jafargholi paid his own tribute to Michael Jackson at the singer's memorial service in Los Angeles.

The Swansea schoolboy thanked Jackson for blessing him with his music after a standing ovation from the audience of fans, family, friends and stars.

The youngster had flown to Los Angeles at the request of Jackson's family.

He performed alongside worldwide music stars including Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.

Dressed in black trousers and with a yellow rose in the lapel of his black jacket he sang Who's Lovin' You, which was a hit for the Jackson Five.

Shaheen with Lionel Richie at the service

Afterwards, he said: "I love Michael Jackson. I just want to thank him for blessing me and everyone on this earth with his amazing music."

Choreographer Kenny Ortega praised the youngster and revealed that Jackson had personally requested his appearance in his planned London concerts after watching Britain's Got Talent.

Jackson's family held a private function at a Los Angeles cemetery, followed a few hours later by the service.

Shaheen's head teacher at Dylan Thomas Community School in Swansea, Rob Phillips, had predicted he would take the service in his stride.

Mr Phillips said: "We are all immensely proud of Shaheen.

Shaheen on the BBC big screen in his home city of Swansea

"We were proud when he took part in Britain's Got Talent, when he reached the final, but this has exceeded any expectations any of us could possibly have had.

"You can't get any bigger than this. Who would have thought a pupil at our school would be centre stage at the most spectacular celebrity send-off of all time?

"It's mind-blowing that someone from our community is getting this ultimate accolade and it's even better to know it was at the request of the family.

"They knew how much Michael Jackson rated him and I know Michael Jackson was one of the people Shaheen held in high esteem.

"I think he will take it in his stride. There would be something wrong if he wasn't nervous at this point, but he's handled everything that's come his way until now.

"He dealt with the finals of Britain's Got Talent comfortably. He's a level-headed young man with tremendous support from his mum who is keen to see that he stays that way."

I think it's so cool with him being a friend Fahima Sultana

Mr Phillips said he was told about the invitation last Thursday, but had been sworn to secrecy.

"We were approached because in order for youngsters to perform anywhere during school time they have to have their teacher's permission to release them.

"They were reluctant to let us know because it's so high profile and it's been very hard keeping it secret."

The teacher said the youngster had flown to LA with his mother, Karen Thomas, and Mark Jermin from the Mark Jermin Stage School in Swansea.

"Everyone in the whole of Swansea is going to be rooting for him," Mr Phillips said.

Shaheen's friend Lauren Squibb, 12, said prior to the event: "I just hope he has the best of times tonight.

"He'll probably be feeling really nervous but actually really excited because he's actually there performing for Michael Jackson."

Classmate Fahima Sultana added: "I think it's so cool with him being a friend."