LONDON - Michael Jackson's close friend Uri Geller, the television psychic, said Thursday he was "devastated" at the news of the pop star's death - and admitted he still hoped it was not true.

"I'm just devastated, very very sad. I pray that his soul is up there now," Geller told the BBC, after multiple US news outlets confirmed Jackson's death. "I'm still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it is not true. It is too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us."

Jackson was best man when Geller renewed his wedding vows in 2001. Earlier, as reports that Jackson had died after suffering a cardiac arrest were only emerging, Geller told the BBC that he was "absolutely shocked".

"Michael was in good shape because he was practising, he was training, he was rehearsing for the shows (in London due to start next month)," he said.

"Michael was careful with what he ate, he was just fine. Last time I know and heard of what he was doing he was in great shape. And this is why I'm so absolutely shocked by this news and I'm praying and hoping it's not true."