The eccentric singer's disastrously brief and shaky performance at the World Music Awards on Wednesday (11.15.06) has been attributed to him losing his famous voice as a result of recent personal problems.
It is claimed that the stress of last year's child molestation allegations - charges he was cleared of - coupled with his financial struggles have taken a toll on Jackson's legendary vocal talent.
A source told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Throughout all his problems Michael has always been able to count on his musical genius."
"But judging by that performance he can no longer even get through one song. And if his singing voice has gone it has to be the end for him."
"He looks a shadow of his old self and it's hard to see how he can carry on."
The "Thriller" singer's appearance at the WMAs was billed as his big comeback, but he failed to impress eager fans managing only a few lines of his charity song "We Are The World."
Event organizers have insisted the short performance was a result of Jackson's microphone being switched off by the venue in order to observe a strict noise curfew.
However, an Earls Court spokesperson has denied this, saying: "It is simply not something we would do. From my understanding he stopped singing."
Sources at the five star Hempel Hotel where Jackson has been staying since arriving in London have also revealed that the singer "appeared to start sobbing" when he returned from his catastrophic appearance.
