MICHAEL JACKSON SET FOR POSTHUMOUS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOW

Michael Jackson will be paid tribute to in a spectacular new stage show created by the brains behind acrobatic circus troupe Cirque du Soleil.

The theatrical troupe will begin touring with a live production featuring the Thriller hitmaker's songs next year (11) after signing a deal with the executors of the Jackson estate.

The tour will be followed by a residency in Las Vegas in 2012 at a property owned by casino operator MGM Mirage, which will feature 3D technology.

Jackson's estate and Cirque du Soleil producers will each own 50 per cent of the project and will equally share production costs. The estate will also receive royalties from the use of Jackson's music and other property.

The Jackson show isn't the only specially-dedicated Cirque du Soleil production - the troupe has also performed tributes to fellow pop icons Elvis Presley and The Beatles.