Usher’s Respect and Admiration for Michael Jackson

57604091Usher, who shared a stage with Jackson once, is also “deeply saddened” by the loss.

“May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael’s mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much,” Usher wrote in a statement released by his rep.

“I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.”

Pictured: Recording artist Usher attends the 16th Annual Do Something Awards at The Apollo Theater on June 4, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)