Beyonce has paid tribute to the late Michael Jackson for helping her "become the artist" she is today

Under the title 'Inspiration Michael Jackson' and accompanied by an early-1970s picture of the late star, she wrote: "When I was just starting out, my first producer used to make me listen to Michael Jackson's live performance of 'Who's Loving You'. He would have me watch that for hours back to back to back.

"What he wanted me to learn was his soul. You could hear his soul. And he was this little kid who hadn't experienced love but he was a vessel.

"For whatever reason he could evoke more emotion than an adult. It was so raw and so pure. It was these little things that he did that were just swag. It's something that's God given."

The 32-year-old star - who has two-year-old daughter Blue Ivy with husband Jay Z - went on to explain she had learned to be free with her singing and not always worry about technique thanks to Michael.

She added: "Michael taught me that sometimes you have to forget technique, forget what you have on. If you feel silly, you have to go from the gut just let it go.

"Michael Jackson changed me, and helped me to become the artist I am thank you Michael."

The message was then signed off "Love always, B."

Last night, Beyonce and Jay kicked off their 'On the Run' joint tour in Florida.