MICHAEL JACKSON returned to the stage at a starstudded World Music Awards in London last night (15NOV06), but only managed to sing a few lines of his hit WE ARE THE WORLD.
Jackson was at the event to collect a Diamond Award for selling more than 100 million albums.
But what was billed as a spectacular comeback for the world's biggest star fell flat.
Fans outside the Earls Court venue were left fuming when Jackson failed to greet them and then revealed he wouldn't be performing - despite reports he would sing live in the British capital for the first time in nine years.
Inside, the arena was only half full.
The superstar did make it onstage to join a gospel choir performance of the 1985 song he co-wrote with LIONEL RICHIE - but he barely uttered a line.
Jackson was presented the Diamond Award by BEYONCE KNOWLES and also a Guinness World Record for THRILLER, the biggest selling album of all time.
During an emotional speech, Jackson thanked his friends, family and fans.
He said, "I'm greatly humbled by this award.
It was my dream that thriller would become the biggest selling album ever.
I thank God and you for it's success.
"There have been so many who have loved and stood by me for the 25 years I have been in the entertainment industry.
I'd like to thank my children particularly.
PARIS, PRINCE MICHAEL and BLANKET (PRINCE MICHAEL II) for their unconditional love.
I love all my fans from the bottom of my heart." At the ceremony - hosted by LINDSAY LOHAN - MADONNA was presented with the Best Pop Artist award, Beyonce won Best R&B Artist and KANYE WEST was named Best Hip Hop Artist.
KATIE MELUA, ANDREA BOCELLI and FAITHLESS also performed at the awards, being held in Britain for the first time.

The full list of winners is as follows:

World's Best Pop Artist - MADONNA
World's Best Pop/Rock Artist - NELLY FURTADO
World's Best Rock Group - NICKELBACK
World's Best R&B Artist - BEYONCE KNOWLES
World's Best Hip Hop Artist - KANYE WEST
World's Best Latin Artist - SHAKIRA
World's Best New Artist - JAMES BLUNT
World's Best DJ - BOB SINCLAIR
Best-selling Arabic Artist - ELISSA
Best-selling British Artist - JAMES BLUNT
Best-selling German Artist - TOKYO HOTEL
Best-selling Irish Artist - ENYA
Best-selling Italian Artist - ANDREA BOCELLI
Best-selling Russian Artist - DIMA BILAN
Legend Award - MARY J BLIGE
Diamond Award - MICHAEL JACKSON.