Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter and dancer, dubbed the “King of Pop” for his international stardom. As a global figure, Jackson sold more than 350 million records worldwide, won hundreds of awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. Through his unique stage performances, the Thriller singer popularised complicated dance moves – including the moonwalk – which, it has been suggested, NASA was interested in.
According to Uri Geller, a magician and television personality who was close to Mr Jackson, the space agency even considered putting the pop star on the moon as a publicity stunt.
The 72-year-old, who had Mr Jackson as a best man for his wedding, revealed NASA’s plans during Amazon Prime’s “Michael Jackson – A Remarkable Life” series.
He said in 2003: “I’d like him to do the moonwalk on the moon.
“As a matter of fact, I’m talking with very high officials at the space agency [NASA] in the United States.
“They are taking it very seriously.”
Mr Geller went on to reveal how the bizarre idea came about.
He explained: “Michael once asked me: ‘Hey, Uri, can you get me to the moon?’ And he wasn’t joking.
“I sort of laughed at him and said: ’That’s a great joke’, but he replied: ‘No, I’m serious.’
“So I called my friend, an astronaut – Edgar Mitchell – and he gave me a number to call.
“And I did, but I could not believe the emails that I got from these people.
“They said the only thing that keeps Michael away now is time – we are talking 11 or 12 years from now – and money.”
Mr Jackson’s legacy has been at risk after his death in 2009, amid claims of sexual abuse.
On Wednesday, a controversial documentary – “Leaving Neverland” will air on Channel 4.
The two-part series focuses on alleged sexual abuse by Mr Jackson with two men – Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
The documentary has been met with fury by the Michael Jackson Estate, who are suing HBO – the original producers – for £85million.
They claim it is “an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in”, something Janet Jackson has previously backed.
It also previously emerged how close Michael Jackson was to Princess Diana.
According to his former bodyguard – Matt Fiddes – he was “in love” with the Princess of Wales and “wanted to marry her”.