On the eve of last week’s American Idol 7 finale, Idol judge Paula Adbul confirmed reports that the big show would likely feature a performance by the King of Pop; Wham! star George Michael performed instead. No explanation was given for the Jacko No Show, but international tabloids are now reporting that Michael Jackson pulled out of his scheduled appearance on the show following a crippling bout of stage fright.

According to The Sun, Michael had agreed to perform on the reality show but just hours before the live broadcast a frantic Jackson cried to producers: “I can’t do it. Everyone will hate me.”

“This was his big chance but he got stage fright,” an Idol mole reveals.