20 Beyoncé Facts Only a Real Beyhive Member Would Know

Beyoncé considers the late singer her ultimate influence. She went to a Michael Jackson concert (her very first) at 5 years old and realized that she wanted to be a performer. When she presented him with a tribute award at the World Music Awards in 2006, she told the crowd, "If it wasn't for Michael Jackson, I would never ever have performed."

On the fifth anniversary of his death in 2014, Beyoncé shared a heartfelt message to him on her website, writing, "Michael Jackson changed me, and helped me to become the artist I am. Thank you Michael."