Michael Jackson reportedly pulled out of a planned appearance on American Idol due to stage fright.

The star had been rumored to be staging a comeback during the live final of the hit TV show last week despite denials from both his representatives and the show's producers. However it has now been reported that Jackson was due to appear and the news was kept secret.

The Thriller hit-maker was eventually absent from the celeb-studded lineup and according to British tabloid newspaper The Sun, he pulled out at the last minute as he was too nervous to perform.

A source tells the publication, "This was his big chance but he got stage-fright. (He kept saying) 'I can't do it. Everyone will hate me'."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)