The self-titled "King of Pop" had planned to perform in Sydney on New Year's Eve, then fly over the international dateline to perform a second millennium show in Hawaii.

However, he has informed a German-based concert promoter that he's now cancelled both concerts.

Marcel Avram of Mama Concerts said the 41-year-old star wants to finish recording his new album and doesn't want any concerts to interfere with that, though he may reschedule the shows.

There were doubts that the Sydney show would go ahead last month when the Australian promoters revealed that they were afraid that Jackson would not make his Hawaii show on time.

Happy days: Michael and Debbie celebrating

Sydney has strict flight laws which do not not allow planes to land or take-off after midnight. If Jackson hadn't made it, the Australian promoters may have been liable.

It's been a rocky month for Jackson. On 8 October it was announced that he is divorcing his second wife, Debbie Rowe, after the couple cited irreconcilable differences in their marriage.

The divorce petition said both parties reached a confidential agreement regarding property and debts. The couple have two children.