Madonna transformed her concert at London’s O2 Arena last night (July 4) into a tribute to the late Michael Jackson.

Jackson, who died on June 25, had been due to play 50 shows at the same venue, starting later this month.

Madonna’s first tribute to the star began when she was joined by a Michael Jackson impersonator during the song ‘Holiday’.

As the impressionist, who wore the singer’s familiar white glove and socks, began to dance, Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Wanna Be Startin' Something’ began to play through the venue’s speakers.

The dancer thrilled fans with a run through Jackson’s most iconic moves, including the moonwalk.

Madonna, who is widely regarded as the Queen of Pop, told the audience to “give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known”.

She added: “Long live the King” - a reference to Jackson’s reputation as the King of Pop.

Madonna’s show at the O2 Arena marked the opening night of the second leg of her Sticky & Sweet world tour.

The concert saw the singer unleash a host of tracks which spanned her career, including her latest album ‘Hard Candy’.

But the 50-year-old star ended the show with another tribute to Jackson.

Madonna and her backing dancers all sported jewelled gloves on their right hands for the final track ‘Give It 2 Me’.

At the same time, the lyrics to Jackson’s hit ‘Man In The Mirror’ appeared on a video screen: “If you want to make the world a better place look inside yourself and make a change."

As previously reported, Madonna’s manager revealed in the wake of Jackson’s death that she had hoped to perform with the star in London.

(by Jason Gregory)