In a TV Patrol interview yesterday, Charice Pempengco revealed that she was formerly scheduled to perform alongside the late Michael Jackson in a duet/dance-off to “Billie Jean” for this year’s comeback tour. Like all of us, the King of Pop was first introduced to Charice via Youtube –last year’s Oprah performance in particular, followed by a Youtube video of her rendition of “Billie Jean.”

This year, she was approached by Jackson’s lawyer at a Warner Brothers party expressing Jackson’s interest in Charice performing on this year’s comeback tour. With the comeback tour scheduled to happen in two weeks, Charice had planned to announce her participation on the tour. In the interview she expressed her gratitude for his interest and her sadness and shock over the passing of her idol. Watch the performance that captivated Michael Jackson:

Charice - Billie Jean (live Carousel of Hope rehearsals):

Charice - Billie Jean (actual performance she was rehearsing for):

Michael Jackson - Billie Jean, 30th Anniversary special, 2001: