TOP Michael Jackson tribute Navi’s uncanny impersonation of the King of Pop was a real thriller.

The 36-year-old, dubbed the world’s number one Michael Jackson tribute artist, left fans of the superstar singer awe-struck and with tears in their eyes when he took to the stage at Stourbridge’s River Rooms just a week after Jackson’s untimely death.

Some were there to celebrate the life and music of the man they are calling the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen; some were there out of curiosity - to see just how much the surgically-enhanced Navi resembles his idol; and some were there as loyal fans of Navi himself - whose likeness to Jacko in image, moves, mannerisms, vocals and presence is staggering.

Once seen his one-hour tribute show is not one to forget - and now of course it takes on a new poignancy; it offers fans a last taste of what it would have been like to see the legend on stage for real.

River Rooms owner Mark Ellis described Navi as the best tribute to have graced the stage at the venue - and even Jackson himself is reported to have credited his impersonator’s dance talents after seeing him perform at his 45th birthday party.

Inspired by the real MJ’s meticulous attention to detail, Navi’s show was choreographed to perfection and featured the very best of Jackson’s hits - all performed with an infectious energy, and with the imposter clad in shimmering replicas of the star’s iconic outfits.

Fantastic from start to finish, the highlights for me were the opening Smooth Criminal, Black or White, Wanna Be Startin’ Something, Billie Jean and Thriller.

Navi - from Trinidad, who has been impersonating MJ for the last 20 years, also belted out a medley of early Jackson 5 material - and gave fans a chance to get up on stage and show off their own Jacko moves.

He pulled off the moonwalk - of course, and gave stunned fans an up-close chance to pose for pictures with him when he jumped off stage mid-song into the crowd; before bowing out to rapturous applause following his final number - an emotional rendition of Man in the Mirror.

Not only is his high-energy stage show a treat for mourning Jacko fans - it’s a dream come true for Navi, who says when he was little he wanted to be Michael Jackson.

And as Jackson’s star continues to shine even brighter now than ever - Navi’s ambition to be the greatest tribute to the world’s greatest entertainer is realised.

Since the star’s death he has been inundated with enquiries and has more than 300 shows booked over the next 12 months - one of which will be back at the River Rooms in November.

So Jackson fans out there, remember the time...and date - you won’t be able to beat it.

To see exclusive video footage and pictures of the gig check out our website - www.stourbridgenews.co.uk