"He was doing a song for Hurricane Katrina and he wanted me to be a part of it," she said. While waiting for Jackson's call, which she had been told of by her management, Ciara turned on some music to calm her nerves. The music was so loud that she didn't hear the phone ring.
The 23-year-old performed Jackson's 1991 hit 'Heal the World,' at this year's BET Awards. Moved by emotion, Ciara began to cry as she talked about Jackson's influence."I didn't grow up in music. For me, he was the reason why [I perform]. He means that much," she said.
Following the death of both Jackson and her godmother who recently lost her battle with cancer, the Grammy-winner understands how precious life is. "Moments like this is when you realize to live life to the fullest."
Fans Mourn Michael Jackson
A Japanese woman weeps during a memorial vigil for Michael Jackson in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, June 27th.
Koji Sasahara, AP
Michael Jackson fans dance the 'Moon Walk' on the Trocadero place on June 28th in Paris, France.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
Fans of the late pop icon Michael Jackson light candles to pay tribute to the singer in an orthodox church in Skopje on June 27th two days after the King of Pop's death.
Robert Atanasovski, AFP / Getty Images
Michael Jackson fans gather to mourn the death of the pop star at the Eiffel tower on June 28th in Paris, France.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
Fans pay tribute to Michael Jackson during a candle-lit vigil on June 27, 2009 in Xian of Shaanxi Province, China.
China Photos / Getty Images
New Edition performs a tribute to Michael Jackson at the start of the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28th in Los Angeles.
Chris Pizzello, AP
Bernadette Gillies of Salt Lake City cries while browsing through Michael Jackson 45s at Randy's Records & CDs in Salt Lake City.
Laura Seitz, Deseret News / AP
Indian artist and Michael Jackson fan Gonay Vijay gives final touches to portraits of the recently deceased pop star at his gallery in Hyderabad on June 28th.
Noah Seelam, AFP / Getty Images
Tshaka Lafayette, of New York, left, takes a picture of the marquee at the Apollo theater as people gather to remember Michael Jackson in the Harlem neighborhood of New York.
Tina Fineberg, AP
Orock Orock holds a sign outside the UCLA Medical Center, where entertainer Michael Jackson was taken prior to his death, in Los Angeles, Thursday, June 25th.
Matt Sayles, AP
Reader Comments(1 of 1)
Bettyboo865at 6-29-2009
I have never appreciated Michael Jackson when he was alive...but now I feel like I owe him everything...I'm one of his loyal fans now
karmenitasutraat 6-29-2009
My mom grew up with his music, I was raised off his music, my little sister was blessed to know of his music. I guess I never imagined life without Michael Jackson, I thought that my kids would be able to admire such a GREAT TALENTED MAN!! Michael please be that ANGEL looking down on us all. We love you and you will be terribly missed.
Your devoted Fan
marciabishop7at 6-30-2009
He will forever be missed R.I.P MJ
Justiceat 6-30-2009
I will always love you Michael. No more worries...R.I.P.
Kittyat 6-30-2009
I grew up with MJ's music and can't think of any I really didn't like! His love for our world, other countries will always be admired! My heart and prayers go out to his children and family! This will always be a shock to really think he is gone at such a young age! You really are the Man in the Mirror for everyone, God Bless!!!
Elishaat 6-30-2009
Everything Michael Jackson did was extrodinary. I loved his music and grew up listening to it. He was a worldwide icon and will forever be missed. R.I.P MJ the true King of pop.
starnizzle1984at 8-20-2009
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