Justin Bieber on Michael Jackson's legacy: 'He inspired me'

Published Jan 27 2012, 16:38 GMT  |  By Justin Harp

Justin Bieber has praised the late Michael Jackson for inspiring him to become a singer.

The musician sang 'Rockin' Robin' at a tribute to the King of Pop at Hollywood's Grauman's Chinese Theatre, which was attended on Thursday by Jackson's children Prince, Paris and Blanket.



Bieber spoke of Jackson's influential career with Access Hollywood at the gala.

"He's an icon. Every time that I go out on stage, every time I go out and perform, I'm always trying to be the best and that's what he always did," Bieber said of the 'Thriller' singer.

"There's never gonna be another Michael Jackson as long as anyone lives. I think that he's just incredible and it's an honour to be here."

Bieber also admitted that it's a great disappointment that he was never able to meet the legendary popstar.

"I wish I would've been able to meet him… It was really sad that... I basically released my first single the week he passed, so it was really unfortunate," the teen explained. "So I feel like, it's just really sad. That was one person I really wanted to meet."

Glee stars Harry Shum and Amber Riley and the cast of Cirque Du Soleil's Jackson-themed stage show Immortal also attended the Grauman's Chinese Theatre ceremony.

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Watch Justin Bieber perform 'Rockin' Robin' at the event below: