Malta's own Michael Jackson, impersonator Robert Lautier, 22, of Zejtun, felt like he had lost a brother when the singer's death was announced.

Mr Lautier, who has adopted Michael Robert Jackson as his stage name, dreams of being recognised as a Michael Jackson tribute artist.

He spoke to timesofmalta.com about his idol, as the sound of his song Billy Jean reverberated around the room which had posters of the singer stuck to its walls.

Different outfits used by Mr Lautier during his shows are hung against a wall-to-wall mirror and different memorabilia were scattered around.

The young pastizzar (cheesecake maker) has been impersonating Michael Jackson since he was six years old, practicing daily in the small room, which is part of the Zejtun youth centre.

Mr Lautier said the first move he copied was the moon walk. “I was fascinated and started practicing to master it,” he said, adding that he watched the video thousands of times to perfect the walk.

He said that Michael's death was a big loss for fans and his death had left him"shocked and speechless".