BELEAGUERED pop star Michael Jackson has converted to Islam and changed his name to Mikaeel, according to UK reports.

The 50-year-old singer, who was once photographed wearing a traditional Arab women's veil, reportedly became a Muslim in a ceremony at a friend's house in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, a London court was told that an Arab sheik showered Jackson with money, cars and trips worth millions of dollars in return for the singer recording and performing new songs.

Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the second son of the King of Bahrain, is suing Jackson for about $10m.

The singer claims the cash was a gift.

The court heard that Jackson was a long-term guest in the sheik's palace. Al Khalifa says he lent Jackson millions of dollars to help shore up his finances and subsidise his lifestyle.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24693119-662,00.html