Usher says he’s ready to be the new MJ

WASHINGTON - Usher has revealed that he is under pressure to be the new Michael Jackson but insists he’s ready to take the challenge.

The ‘Pop Ya Collar’ singer says he feels there is something missing in the music world following the ‘Thriller’ star’s tragic death last June but he is happy to fulfill the void.

“You know, we lost Michael Jackson. A lot of pressure is on me and I don’t mind taking it,” Contactmusic.com quoted him as saying.

In a bid to become like Jackson, Usher is planning a spectacular tour next year and says it’s something the ‘King of Pop’ himself would have been proud of.

“I wanted to make sure that you get that type of experience that leaves you saying, ‘OMG’,” he told the Daily Star newspaper.

“The impression that I would like to leave is that this guy is really stepping it up to a level where people can hopefully compare me to people like Michael Jackson.

“I basically tear myself apart emotionally, energetically, connecting with you and making sure that you enjoy this moment,” he said.

Jackson died of acute Propofol intoxication aged 50 in June 2009, just days before he was due to start a historic 50-night residency at London’s O2 Arena. (ANI)