Michael Jackson Re-BORN

KJ's Biz Partner: Estate Doesn't Care About MJ's Kids

2010-12-11T09:18:00.000-08:00

The man doing business with Katherine Jackson just thumbed his nose -- BIGTIME -- at the Michael Jackson Estate ... essentially saying they're just a bunch of lawyers who don't care about MJ's kids.

Last night Howard Mann slammed the Estate for the suggestion it's more invested in helping MJ's children than he and Katherine -- saying, "I would ask if the Estate has ever met those children, ever spoken to those children. To me it's a farce that they care about what happens to those children."

Mann was In Beverly Hills ... outside the "Unveiling of the Jackson Secret Vault Lithographic Collection" -- his ongoing business venture with Katherine -- and an event that prompted MJ's Estate to fire off a cease and desist letter.

Fans Pissed Over Televised 'Michael Jackson Autopsy'

2010-12-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson fans are scrambling to stop the Discovery Channel from broadcasting a gruesome reenactment of MJ's autopsy ... calling the whole thing an "affront to human dignity."

TMZ has learned ... fans have already collected nearly 1,500 signatures -- all demanding the network pull the plug on a special entitled "Michael Jackson's Autopsy" ... in which MJ's bloody autopsy is expected to be reenacted in gory detail.

The fans behind the petition call the documentary "an affront to human dignity" -- adding, "This type of sensational and unscrupulous reporting can only cause harm."

The petition states, “We ask the directors of the Discovery Channel programming to proceed with the outright cancellation of this indecent documentary.”

The doc is scheduled to air January 13th in the UK.

Michael Jackson estate is warily watching rival releases

2010-12-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

The King of Pop's mother, Katherine, has formed an alliance with Toronto entrepreneur Howard Mann. The estate's lawyers are monitoring releases from his Vintage Pop Media.

For someone trying to sell a book, it couldn't get much better than this: Oprah Winfrey, the nation's reader-in-chief, was holding up a glossy volume of Michael Jackson photographs for her vast television audience while tossing softball questions to its co-author, the late singer's 80-year-old mother.

The gauzily shot moment of marketing gold last month was not the work of the official Jackson estate but of a little-known Toronto businessman, Howard Mann, a brash, goateed 38-year-old who cut his teeth in the titillation trade — nude online gambling, a naked women's wrestling league — and is now pursuing an unorthodox plan to profit from what he calls "the most valuable name in history."

That plan is a direct challenge to the Jackson estate, the behemoth quasi-corporation whose carefully strategized promotion of the pop star's legacy and ironhanded crackdown on unlicensed merchandise have translated into hundreds of millions in posthumous earnings. The brewing fight between the estate and Mann is the latest wrinkle in the settling of his affairs and another reminder that even in death, nothing involving the King of Pop is ever simple.

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Mann is taking on the estate armed with two weapons — a legal loophole that he says gives him carte blanche to flout intellectual property laws and an unlikely alliance with Jackson's mother, Katherine. Frustrated with the size of her allowance from the estate, the family matriarch has entered into a business partnership with Mann in which she has given her blessing to the book and other projects and he has paid her what he said was "hundreds of thousands of dollars."

"I'm very pleased working with Howard. He's been very good to me," she said recently.

These joint endeavors are becoming a headache for estate administrators, who seem reticent to offend Katherine Jackson, the guardian of the singer's three children and a much admired figure to fans. A lawyer for the estate dismissed Mann's novel legal theory as flawed, but the administrators have not moved to stop sales of his unauthorized Jackson products as they have others who tried to cash in on Jackson's name or likeness. For the past five months, the estate has sat silent as Mann's company, Vintage Pop Media, has touted its ownership of a trove of Jackson memorabilia — photos, personal papers, costumes and music — and hawked the book, calendars and other items on its website.

Asked to explain, the estate's lawyer, Howard Weitzman, said of Mann: "His day is coming. The estate will be taking appropriate legal action."

In the scope of the Jackson empire, with its $273-million deal with Sony and the $260-million concert movie, Mann's ventures — the $39.99 book and the $27.98 calendar — are small-time. However, his projects have hit a nerve in the delicate relationship between Jackson's beloved mother and the two music veterans he tapped in his will to control his business affairs.

Under the terms of a private trust set up by the will, the singer's children and his mother each get a 40% share of the trust with the remainder going to charity. Upon Katherine Jackson's death, her portion passes to the children. Jackson owed creditors about half a billion dollars at the time of his death. The estate remains in the red although massive music and merchandise deals as well as financial restructuring have significantly reduced the debt.

In a telephone interview, Katherine Jackson praised administrators John Branca and John McClain for doing "a very good job" managing the estate but criticized her monthly cash allowance of $7,000 to $8,000 as inadequate and said it left her dependent on Mann to cover her expenses.

"I wish they would leave Howard alone and I wish they would leave me alone for working with Howard. I'm not greedy like people say. It's need not greed," she said.

The estate disputes the suggestion that administrators are not meeting her living expenses. Weitzman, the lawyer, noted that the allowance was approved by a probate judge and said the cash payments were only one aspect of the financial support that administrators provided. The estate also paid off the mortgage on the family home in Encino and foots the bill for household staff, security, vehicles, food, tuition and vacations.

"The estate has spent millions of dollars for Mrs. Jackson's benefit and on the direct living expenses of both Mrs. Jackson and the children," Weitzman said.

But for Katherine Jackson, it is not enough. "I think I should be getting more," she said. She declined to specify why she needed the money. Her husband, Joe, sought an allowance from the court but was denied. Several other grandchildren also reside at the family home.

Finances were on her mind a few months after her son's death when she was approached by Mann. The business partners seem an odd pair: Katherine Jackson is a devout Jehovah's Witness while much of Mann's résumé is X-rated. Mann was the former chief executive of an online gambling site that featured topless porn stars as dealers and also headed up the Naked Women's Wrestling League, an outfit that made its biggest headlines when it was sued by its hostess, Carmen Electra.

But when Mann introduced himself to Katherine Jackson a few months after her son's June 2009 death, he offered her two things she wanted: money and the opportunity to protect her son's reputation from yet another damaging press report.

Both stemmed from his purchase of an enormous memorabilia collection that Jackson's parents had originally assembled for a planned family museum. Katherine and Joe Jackson subsequently developed financial problems and the collection was sold at a 2001 bankruptcy auction. Eventually, the memorabilia came into the possession of a New Jersey construction company owner, Henry Vaccaro Sr., who set up a pay-per-view website to profit from the material.

Michael Jackson sued Vaccaro and his company, Vintage Pop, for copyright infringement, cybersquatting, violation of his privacy rights and other claims in 2004, but the next year after his acquittal on child molestation charges, he decamped to Bahrain, refused to submit to a deposition and stopped paying his lawyers. A federal judge dismissed the case in 2006 "with prejudice" — meaning the singer was barred from refiling the same claims.

After Jackson's death, word that Vaccaro was trying to sell the collection reached Mann. He wasn't a fan of Jackson's music, but he had previously considered purchasing a music catalog of early Jackson 5 recordings and he saw investment potential in the warehouse of old costumes, yellowing papers, artwork, pictures and recordings. When he looked closer, however, he concluded that the most valuable thing Vintage Pop had was not a particular piece of memorabilia but the court decision.

Inside The New Michael Jackson Album

2010-12-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

Inside The New Michael Jackson Album

Michael Jackson's posthumous album

In 2007, Michael Jackson began working on new music that he wouldn't live to finish.

Since the King of Pop's untimely death, several producers and songwriters have picked up where he left off, finishing the album, Michael, out Dec. 14.

"I think he'd be very proud," says producer Tricky Stewart, who worked on "Keep Your Head Up." "If I didn't think he's be proud, I wouldn't do this."

The songs on the album, he adds, appear "as they were written, but it was up to us to produce and deliver them to their fullest potential."

One of those songs, "Hold My Hand," was co-written by songwriter Claude Kelly. "Michael loved everything about it," says Kelly, who wrote the song with rapper Akon. Though the track was originally intended for Whitney Houston, Akon liked it so much that he kept it for himself.

Enter Michael Jackson. When Akon played it for him to get his feedback, "Michael was like, 'I have to get on this; this is me, and exactly what I want to talk about,'" says Kelly.

Like many who worked with the music icon, Stewart has a memorable story of the day he first met Jackson, back in 1993.

"He would send a bunch of stuff to personalize the studio, and in this case, he sent arcade games," says the producer. "I was young and not really thinking and I started playing Pac-Man when I heard this voice – and there's no mistaking that voice – saying, 'You know those are my games, don't you?'"

Luckily, the star was happy to share. "He was really cool and nice about it," Stewart recalls with a laugh. "He even let me keep playing."

Usher: An eye-popping spectacle, but he’s no Michael Jackson

2010-12-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

Bringing his OMG tour to the first of two Canadian venues, a superstar singer talked the talk, but never came close to walking the moon walk.

“Not too long ago, I paid tribute to one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived,” said Usher, the guileful crooner and pro-sex supporter. “And I was just wondering, ‘Would you guys mind if I did it again tonight?’”

He was speaking of Michael Jackson, the deceased king of pop whose throne is left unoccupied. “Do I have your permission,” Usher continued, “to fill his shoes?” The seduced crowd, like a footwear salesman on commission, was obliging, willing to nod and say, “Oh yes, those boots are you,” whether the fit was perfect or not.

Did Usher fill the sparkly high-tops that appeared on the stage? Of course not – the very act of asking the question gave us the answer. Did Genghis Khan ever say, “Excuse me”? Did Elvis Presley politely ask, “Y’all mind if I give the world a little shake?” And does Oprah ever seek permission for that last slice of pecan pie?

No, the best ones unhesitatingly take. And while Usher is a highly successful record seller and a generous, physically charismatic performer, he’s no king of anything.

But hey, he did take to the stage on Monday, in support of his latest hit albums (Raymond v. Raymond and Versus), in a stupendous high-flying way, gliding on a floating metallic platform from the back of the arena to the fore, where he was lowered onto an ultramodern stage by a stuntman’s harness. Athletically built – like a tattooed middleweight boxer – and ruggedly handsome, the self-confident 32-year-old singer-dancer began his eye-popping, carnally charged spectacle garbed Will Smith-like, with a black-leathered post-apocalyptic getup. The career of the Justin Bieber mentor and world’s wiliest R&B artist is certainly on solid ground, so why not shoot for the moon?

Usher’s music isn’t the most complicated or melodic: He does fashionably rhythmic pop, leisurely undulating foreplay (“slow jams,” in the parlance) and material more ruggedly danceable, some with nuanced hints of reggae.

More than once, he took his shirt off, as if to say, “Is it hot in here?” To which a lady might answer, “Oh god, yes.” As to what he sang topless about, with his expressive tenor and soulful falsetto, was readily apparent in the song titles: You Make Me Wanna, Hot Tottie, I Need a Girl, Love ’Em All, Bad Girl and Love in This Club.

I think you get the idea. And if you don’t, opening act Trey Songz certainly does. The sexually keening singer’s overt performance left children puzzled, men emasculated and women practically impregnated. But the American recording artist’s best trick was bringing to the stage Toronto hip-hop sensation Drake. He rhymed a bit, wore a Blue Jays jacket and said nice things about his hometown – all well enough to receive a screaming level of approval that would rival anything earned later by the headliner.

Would Jackson allow himself to be upstaged in such a way? Better yet, could he have been upstaged in such a way?

Usher, like MJ before him, relies heavily on an elaborately choreographed production. The athletic performer and eight dancers (four men and four women) worked the hell out of the wide stage. A five-piece band was tucked away in a pit in back; complicated backing vocals were played from a tape. Interludes allowed for costume changes. Dry ice fogged low, confetti fluttered high, lights flashed, flames flew and sparks spewed and showered.

It was a thrilling exposition, ending with a swirling version of OMG, his popular but by no means historic single. Where Usher is the all-star lover man with a history of urban-radio hits, Jackson was an asexual extraterrestrial with a stunning catalogue of mainstream classics. Can Usher ever measure up to that? Oh my god, no.

Jackson wrongful death case refiled

2010-12-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson's father has refiled a wrongful death lawsuit against the doctor charged over his son's death.

And he has added as a defendant a Las Vegas pharmacy that records show sold the physician a powerful anaesthetic blamed for the star's death.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages against Dr Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the separate criminal case over the singer's June 2009 death.

Ciara Still Devastated About Michael Jackson's Death

2010-11-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

Gimmie Dat singer Ciara admits she's still struggling to cope with the loss of Michael Jackson, because the star was her idol as a child.

"My favorite singer growing up was Michael Jackson," shared Ciara, who added that she regrets never getting the opportunity to meet the late King of Pop face-to-face.

"I got the chance to talk to him on the phone but I never got to meet him physically," she continued. "I'm still devastated that he's gone - it's unbelievable."

Ciara also sees herself as a good businesswoman and she's been getting inspiration from books like The 48 Laws of Power.

"It's a book that encourages you to be smarter and make good decisions," she explained. "It helps you understand why people do things in a certain way. It's very good for business.

"It's very important for me to be a good businesswoman as well as a performer. I have big goals that I want to accomplish."

Ciara releases her fourth studio album Basic Instinct on December 10.

Nokia's treat for Indian Michael Jackson fans

2010-11-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson fans in India have something to cheer about. They can download his song Hold My Hand which also features Akon free of cost from the Nokia Ovi Music Store. The Store is accessible to internet enabled Nokia devices and the song will be available till November 30.

This is the first Michael Jackson song to be released in the past nine years. Hold My Hand, a duet with R&B singer Akon, was recorded in 2007.

A handwritten note by Michael Jackson indicates that he desired this song to be the first single in his subsequent project, but the song leaked out, still unfinished in 2008. Akon recently completed the production of Hold My Hand and that version of the song is now available on Ovi Music Store.

While it can be downloaded exclusively from Ovi Store, Hold My Hand will also be released by Sony Music as part of an album called Michael.

The managing director of Sony Music India, Shridhar Subramaniam, said, "Through this offer, fans of Michael can legitimately download his music from the Ovi store in India well in advance of the CD release."

Sony Music, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release the much anticipated new album On December 14.

Akon wants to burn the unfinished collaborations with Michael Jackson

2010-11-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

The death of Michael Jackson, King of Pop, left behind intrigue, dissatisfaction, regret and strong controversy.

After the arguments about the launch of a postmortem album titled “Michael” and about some songs on the album, including a collaboration with Akon, who comes with other news about MJ.

Akon, rapper who worked with Michael for the song “Hold My Hand”, which was recently launched and which will find the album “Michael”, said in an interview that he will burn all the unfinished records with Michael Jackson because he don’t want to launch any song that was left unfinished.

Besides the song “Hold My Hand”, which promises to be the first single from Michael Jackson’s postmortem album, Akon says he still has a lot of other records that he did with MJ, but he wants to destroy them because the temptation to “work and finish them” would be too high. “Me and Mike have worked on many concepts and ideas before he died. “Hold My Hand” was, in fact, the only complete record on which we performed together, the others are incomplete” says Akon.

It seems that the other recordings that the artist has with MJ is a big temptation for him and he is thinking very seriously to get rid of them because he don’t want to launch a incomplete song without any chances the be a big hit. “There are only ideas, concepts, harmonies and things like that, the fans probably never going to see that, because I don’t want to release them unfinished, so would burn them, because the temptation to do a remix of them is too high” Akon says about recordings.

“Michael” , Michael Jackson’s postmortem album, which will be released in December, is a series of collaborations with big artists, including Lenny Kravitz, 50 Cent and of course, Akon.

Michael Jackson's music videos to be released in DVD boxed set called 'Michael Jackson's Vision'

2010-10-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's music videos are set to be released in a boxed DVD set on November 22 and the collection, called "Michael Jackson's Vision", will include an unreleased clip of his 2003 single "One More Chance", penned by R. Kelly.

The set retails for $39.98 and contains more than four hours of footage and 40 music videos, including "Thriller", "Heal the World", "Black and White", featuring actor Macaulay Culkin, and "Bad", which was directed by Martin Scorcese. Clips of Jackson, who died in 2009, performing with his brothers in The Jackson Five are also included. Check out the list of videos below:

Michael Jackson's Vision DVD set:

DISC 1

1. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Director: Nick Saxton

2. Rock With You
Director: Bruce Gowers

3. She's Out of My Life
Director: Bruce Gowers

4. Billie Jean
Director: Steve Barron

5. Beat It
Director: Bob Giraldi

6. Thriller
Director: John Landis

7. Bad
Director: Martin Scorsese

8. The Way You Make Me Feel
Director: Joe Pytka

9. Man In the Mirror
Director: Don Wilson

10. Dirty Diana
Director: Joe Pytka

11. Smooth Criminal
Director: Colin Chilvers

12. Another Part of Me
Director: Patrick T. Kelly

13. Speed Demon
Director: Will Vinton

14. Come Together
Director: Jerry Kramer & Colin Chilvers

15. Leave Me Alone
Director: Jim Blashfield and Paul Diener

16. Liberian Girl
Director: Jim Yukich

DISC 2

1. Black or White
Director: John Landis

2. Remember The Time
Director: John Singleton

3. In the Closet
Director: Herb Ritts

4. Jam
Director: David Nelson

5. Heal The World
Director: Joe Pytka

6. Give In To Me
Director: Andy Morahan

7. Who Is It
Director: David Fincher

8. Will You Be There
Director: Vincent Paterson

9. Gone Too Soon
Director: Bill DiCicco

10. Scream
Director: Mark Romanek
Janet Jackson appears courtesy of Virgin Records

11. Childhood
Director: Nicholas Brandt

12. You Are Not Alone
Director: Wayne Isham

13. Earth Song
Director: Nicholas Brandt

14. They Don't Care About Us
Director: Spike Lee

15. Stranger In Moskow
Director: Nicholas Brandt

16. Blood On The Dancefloor
Director: Michael Jackson & Vincent Patterson

17. Ghosts
Director: Stan Winston

18. You Rock My World
Director: Paul Hunter

19. Cry
Director: Nick Brandt

DISC 3 (Bonus Features)

1. Blame It On the Boogie - The Jacksons

2. Enjoy Yourself - The Jacksons

3. Can You Feel It - The Jacksons

4. Say Say Say - Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson
Director: Bob Giraldi

5. They Don't Care About Us - Prison version
Director: Spike Lee

6. Why? - 3T featuring Michael Jackson

7. One More Chance - previously unreleased

http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/2010/10/michael-jacksons-music-videos-to-be-released-in-dvd-boxed-set-called-michael-jacksons-vision.html?rss=rss-kabc-snippet-7724666

Attorney For Michael Jackson's Doctor Fights Jackson's Father

2010-10-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

An attorney for Michael Jackson's embattled physician Dr. Conrad Murray is fighting a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the King of Pop's father, insisting the patriarch has no grounds to sue.

Joe Jackson filed the claims against Murray in August, accusing him of administering the fatal dose of the anesthetic Propofol, which led to the singer's death in June 2009.

Joe, who is seeking unspecified damages from the doctor, produced sworn statements regarding the "Thriller" hitmaker's financial records to prove he was being supported by his son at the time of his passing, claiming they give him the legal standing necessary to pursue the wrongful death suit.

A sworn statement submitted by Michael's alleged former manager, Leonard Rowe, claimed the superstar's mum Katherine acted as his agent and handed over cash to Joe to help cover his living expenses. Other court documents, including a declaration from Joe's lawyer Brian Oxman, stated Michael was paying Katherine $50,000 in the early 2000s, but later upped the amount to $66,000, to take care of the family patriarch too.

But Murray's lawyer, Charles Peckham, is appealing to have the statements thrown out of court - because the claims are based on hearsay and cannot be officially determined. Peckham also questions Oxman's credentials in newly-filed court papers, dismissing him as an "incompetent legal expert", and doubts whether Rowe ever officially served as Michael's adviser, reports TMZ.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from Jackson's death and is awaiting a preliminary hearing in January 2011 to determine if he will face trial.

http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/entertainment/201010/91615.php

Oprah visits Michael Jackson's mom for interview

2010-10-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

Oprah Winfrey's production team moved into Katherine Jackson's Encino, California, home Saturday to tape an interview with Michael Jackson's mother, a source inside the home said.

Winfrey was in the Jackson home to conduct the interview Saturday afternoon, according the source, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Katherine Jackson has not given any interviews since her son's death last year except for a paid interview for a documentary.

Winfrey's production company did not immediately respond to a CNN request for comment.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/10/09/oprah.jackson.interview/

Auction fetches $1M for Jackson objects

2010-10-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

Basketball with Jackson, Michael Jordan signatures nets $245,000

An auction in China of celebrity items pulled in more than $1 million US for Michael Jackson memorabilia.

The biggest selling item was a basketball bearing the signatures of the singer, who died at age 50 in 2009, and ex-NBA player Michael Jordan. That piece got $245,000 at the auction in Macau.

A black crystal-studded glove that Jackson wore in 1995 for a video shoot garnered $180,000 US from an online buyer. And one of the performer's Beat It jackets was sold for $156,000 US — more than 19 times its estimated auction price.

The Hollywood Legends sale of 435 items wasn't limited to Jackson things.

Other objects on the block included the costume and the yellow sneakers worn by Bruce Lee for Game of Death, a Madonna costume worn during her Girlie Show world tour and a Marilyn Monroe black lace bra.

A Princess Diana velvet ball gown was snatched up by a museum in South America for $114,000 US.

Saturday's sale was touted as the largest celebrity memorabilia auction ever held in Asia.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2010/10/10/jackson-auction-macau.html?ref=rss

Jackson's kids finally join school

2010-09-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Late pop legend Michael Jackson's children have finally joined school for the first time thanks to their grandmother's efforts.

Jackson's
son Prince Michael, 13, and daughter Paris, 12, were sent by their grandmother Katherine, 80, after she complained: "They have no friends."

The children, kept hidden from the public while Jackson was alive, have been enrolled at The Buckley School in California's San Fernando Valley, a prestigious private day school that boasts of Paris Hilton and "Friends" actor Matthhew Perry as former pupils, reports thesun.co.uk.

Jackson's youngest child, eight-year-old Blanket, is continuing to be taught at home and friends say he too will soon be attending classes.

Katherine, who is taking care of all three, wants them to have a normal life.

"They are such bright kids. They have adjusted very well to the loss of their father and are definitely ready for this step. Prince wants to be a movie director and Paris wants to be an actress," said a family source.

http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100151405&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=music&nid=48030

MICHAEL JACKSON'S GHOST IN $1M THEFT CLAIM

2010-09-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

ANGRY Michael Jackson has been speaking from beyond the grave after his ghost made a series of appearances across Los Angeles.

A psychic reckons the star won’t rest until he’s battled a string of injustices – including having $1million stolen from his home on the day he died.

The star’s ghostly presence has been felt by friends and family regularly since his death last year.

Now a celebrity psychic in the States has tracked down Jacko’s restless spirit.

In an astonishing hour-long session with the Daily Star Sunday, celebrity medium Melodie lifted the veil over the dead singer’s search for peace and justice in the afterlife.

At one stage, after meditating silently then apparently making contact with Jackson, she declared: “You can talk to him through me. Ask him anything you want.”

During the remarkable exchange that followed, the “spirit of Jackson” revealed the cash was stolen from his rented mansion immediately after his death, aged 50, on June 25 last year.

He also revealed he speaks to his kids regularly and blames his personal physician Dr Conrad Murray for his death. But he believes it was an accident and has forgiven him.

Melodie declared Jackson was “amused” by the séance – his first despite an attempt “by a man in the Middle East” to make contact.

Melodie, who claims to be a “spiritual adviser” to several major celebrities, has appeared regularly on US television.

She has aided the LAPD on several high-profile criminal cases – including the murders of which OJ Simpson was acquitted.

She said: “He is not a vengeful spirit but he wants the truth to be told. He is perfectly happy and is tied here by the love he has for his children. Outside of them and his mother, he had few friends in the world.
“He told me, ‘I knew a lot of people and had many acquaintances but I only feel truly close to my beautiful children and my mom’.”

Referring to the theft of cash, which he had stashed in unlocked drawers, he named the perpetrator, although for legal reasons we cannot.

Dr Murray, the cardiologist accused of giving Jackson the fatal dose of anaesthetic Propofol, is awaiting trial in LA for involuntary manslaughter.

Jacko’s “spirit” said: “I forgive him. I am not seeking vengeance but justice. I believe he should give up practising medicine.”

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/152432/Michael-Jackson-s-ghost-in-1m-theft-claim/

Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson's Doctor Moves On

2010-09-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Joe Jackson's civil lawsuit against Dr. Conrad Murray over the death of pop icon Michael Jackson can now move forward, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

United States District Judge John F. Walter gave the Jackson patriarch the go-ahead to proceed with the case now that the proper paperwork has been submitted.

On August 4, 2010, Judge Walter requested that Jackson prove that the United States District Court, Central District of California had jurisdiction in the case because in Jackson’s original complaint, he failed to “allege the defendant’s principal place of business.” Weeks later, Jackson's attorney Brian Oxman drafted and provided Judge Walker with a first amended complaint in response to the inquiry.

Today, Judge Walker ruled he was satisfied with the paperwork and is allowing the lawsuit to proceed. Joe Jackson's civil lawsuit targets Dr. Murray as well as his businesses, Acres Home Heart & Vascular Institute and GCA Holdings, LLC for the wrongful death of Michael Jackson.

Jackson is seeking unspecified damages.

http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/entertainment/201009/78630.php

Michael Jackson vs. Nirvana

2010-08-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

Technology and those with too much time on their hands have proven a humourous mix more than a few times. Take, for example, a video unearthed from YouTube featuring Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s anguished howl over the chirping, handclaps and irritating ebullience of then-13-year-old Michael Jackson’s “Rockin’ Robin.”

At first listen, the most grating part was definitely the “Hello, hello, hello” of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” being sung over the popping bassline of the Jackson 5 tune, but then we discovered another interesting feature of this mash-up: by muting the sound on the video for just a second, you can actually hear Kurt Cobain rolling over in his grave.

The mash-up was created by Go Home Productions.

http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=115&csid2=804&fid1=48842

michael jackson hid

2010-08-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

MICHAEL Jackson either had a wicked sense of humor or was incredibly rude!

According to the tragic star’s voice coach, Michael once hid in a secret underground tunnel at a concert to avoid talking to his staff!

Yvie Burnett — who tutored British singer Leona Lewis when she won UK TV talent show The X Factor in 2006 — worked with Jackson during a tour – and she was stunned by his “rude” behavior.

“I remember a long time ago, I was working with Michael Jackson and he had a tunnel built which took him from the stage into the dressing room,” Burnett said.

“He crawled into this big white tunnel so he didn’t have to speak to any of us.

“He was probably the rudest [celebrity] because we all went up to meet him and he wouldn’t speak to anyone, not even the crew who were beside him.”
http://www.showbizspy.com/article/209905/michael-jackson-hid-from-his-staff-in-a-secret-tunnel.html

Britney Spears Will Guest Star on Glee—and Michael Jackson's Music Might Show Up Too!

2010-08-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Holy Glee goodness! The busiest man in this here E! building just got some awesome-sauce scoop about Britney Spears and that massive post-Super Bowl episode that we must share...

Britney Spears is going to personally appear on Glee!

"I will give you a little scoop," Glee boss Ryan Murphy just told Ryan Seacrest on his KISS FM show, "which is that Britney will 100% be on the episode, which is exciting. She's going to come and join us and do a couple scenes."

We already knew her music would be featured in an episode for the second season, but this is the first word that Britney herself will guest star on the show.
Lea Michele Jeff Steinberg, PacificCoastNews.com

Can Britney out-Britney Lea Michele and Heather Morris?! We shall see!

Even better? Ryan is clearing up all those rumors about Matthew Morrison shaving off his trademark (magic-elf-hiding) hair for the Britney episode.

"That is false and I'm happy to talk about that," the Glee boss says while also promoting his new film Eat Pray Love. "We are doing a Britney episode and people do have certain expectations because the show is sarcastic. But the Britney episode is so reverential about her, and it's so kind and it's about her music. It's not about her personal life, and I think Britney Spears is essential to pop culture, and I want to say thank you for what you've done, and we're encouraging you to continue to be doing as fantastic as you do. So that's not true. We're handling Britney with kid gloves."

This will be Britney's first TV-series appearance since she snuggled up to Neil Patrick Harris on How I Met Your Mother.

When asked if Britney will play herself, Murphy says: "I don't know yet. The fun thing about the way we're doing [the episode] is all the Britney Spears numbers are fantasies."

Murphy revealed that in the Britney ep, four of the McKinley High students will be put under anesthesia by John Stamos' dentist character and have Britney-like hallucinations.
Michael Jackson Ebet Roberts/Getty Images

As for the post-Super Bowl episode of Glee, Murphy tells Seacrest that he's hoping for a Prince, Michael Jackson or Paul McCartney themed episode—though nothing is set yet. (Murphy recently revealed that McCartney had sent him a "mixed tape" for consideration.)

"I don't have any plans right now to do a Michael Jackson episode. So [Adam Shankman's] not directing that, but he is directing a big, juicy spectacle. I don't have the rights to that, and I think it's really hard to clear Michael Jackson music. I have a list of three dream people who I would love to do after the Super Bowl: I would love to do something about Prince. I think Prince would be amazing. I want to do a Beatles episode. I would love to do a Jackson episode, so one of those three we'll do for the Super Bowl. I don't know which one."

Murphy also told Seacrest he wants "more Gaga" this season, and said this of Carol Burnett playing Sue's mom: "The world's most famous Nazi hunter, so that's going to be awesome. And she returns to Sue because she's caught the last Nazi."

Ryan Seacrest also chatted up Mark Salling (Puck!) and premiered the first single off of Mark's solo album, Pipe Dreams, on KISS FM. The song is called Higher Dreams.

Read more: http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b194576_Britney_Spears_Will_Guest_Star_on_Gleemdashand_Michael_Jacksons_Music_Might_Show_Up_Too.html#ixzz0wKfnGgnX

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b194576_Britney_Spears_Will_Guest_Star_on_Gleemdashand_Michael_Jacksons_Music_Might_Show_Up_Too.html

Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to

2010-07-22T23:29:00.000-07:00

The connection between Michael Jackson and jazz seems tentative to non-existent until it's factored in he reached his greatest heights as an artist when collaborating with producer/arranger extraordinaire Quincy Jones. The unlikely pairing of Jackson and Jones brought out a degree of professionalism, maturity and poise in the late King of Pop that did not fully emerge when he was the precocious young boy performing with his brothers in the Jackson Five. Had the Jackson Five worked with Jones, Jackson might never have gone mushy with ballads such as "Ben," where he lovingly crooned to a rat.

Pianist and multi-instrumentalist Bob Baldwin previously covered Jackson's "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "I Wanna Be Where You Are," and was as shaken as the rest of the world by the music icon's untimely death in 2009. Securing the cooperation of the family and estate of Michael Jackson, Never Can Say Goodbye: A Tribute to Michael Jackson is the first officially authorized jazz homage to this legendary artist.

Tribute albums are a tricky proposition. Jackson vocals stylings are indelibly stamped into the minds of millions, and can't be improved upon. Wisely, Baldwin doesn't try to fix what isn't broken by attempting to radically rework Jackson's classic songs. The material (except for two songs penned by Baldwin) cover the classic Motown hits of the Jackson Five ("I'll Be There, "Never Can Say Goodbye," "I Wanna Be Where You Are") and several selections from Off the Wall (Epic, 1979), Bad (Epic, 1987) and Thriller (Epic, 1982), though those albums' biggest hits— "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller"—are curiously missing.

Baldwin interprets Jackson in a pretty straightforward and direct manner, with few frills or unnecessary flourishes. Another artist might have overly embellished the material with strings, horns, a battery of overdubbed keyboards, vocalists and other trappings; instead, Baldwin lets the music do the talking, and guest appearances by guitarists Steve Oliver, Chieli Minnucci and Chuck Loeb, along with trumpeter Joey Sommerville, add subtle but not showy contributions. Loeb—the newly recruited replacement for Larry Carlton in Fourplay —shines especially on "Never Can Say Goodbye."

The two Baldwin originals, "Don't Say Goodbye" and "Prodigious," are respectful homage, but are merely okay. It would have been preferable had Baldwin covered some of the post-Bad material, such as "Remember the Time" and "You Are Not Alone" from Dangerous (Epic, 1991), or the underrated "Butterflies" from Invincible. (Epic, 2001).

Still, why quibble over a few omissions from such a vast catalog? Never Can Say Goodbye successfully acknowledges the musical legacy of Michael Jackson, while Baldwin demonstrates that even if you don't like pop music, it can inspire some pretty cool jazz.

Track listing: Bad; Human Nature; The Girl Is Mine; I Can't Help It; I'll Be There; Prodigious; I Wanna Be Where You Are; The Lady In My Life; Let Me Show You; She's Out of My Life; Don't Say Goodbye; Never Can Say Goodbye.

Personnel: Bob Baldwin: piano, keyboards, bass, percussion, drums, additional vocals; Buddy Williams: drums (1, 2, 4, 5); Ron Jenkins: bass (1, 2, 4, 5); Ragan Whiteside: flute solo (1); Steve Oliver: guitar, scat solo (3); Armando Marcal: percussion, vocals (7); Joey Sommerville: trumpet (9); Chieli Minnucci: guitars (10); Tony Clarke: percussion (10); Chuck Loeb: guitar (12); Dennis Johnson: drums, percussion (12).
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=37080

Jackson museum builder gets registration extension

2010-07-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

The developer of a proposed Michael Jackson family-themed complex in Gary has received a two-month extension to get registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit in Indiana.

Gary City Attorney Susan Severtson says the city's Board of Public Works and Safety and Mayor Rudy Clay approved the extension for developer Simon Sahouri last week.

She says the transfer of more than 300 acres of land including a golf course and stadium can't occur until the entity is established under Indiana law.

Clay has said work on the $300 million museum, hotel and cultural center could begin as early as next year.

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2010/jul/20/bc-in-jackson-museum/?features&travel

Fans Defacing Jackson Grave

2010-07-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

It is being reported that vandals have taken it upon themselves to cause trouble inside the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, home of the late Michael Jackson.

Fans have been flocking to the grave site to leave messages but some of them have been defacing the spot near Jackson’s mausoleum, writing crude messages in permanent marker.

Crews have spent a few days cleaning up the mess that some fans are leaving and currently no charges have been filed.

“Activity such as this is a prime example why we are evaluating the level of access to the various entrances of the Great Mausoleum,” said a rep for Forest Lawn.

Police do not even seem to be very concerned with the situation, as Sgt. Tom Lorenz of the Glendale Police Department says that there is already security in place.
http://www.dbtechno.com/entertainment/2010/07/17/fans-defacing-jackson-grave/

Tiger Woods, Lindsay Lohan, Michael Jackson, Britney: Celebs who knocked at Rehabs

2010-07-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Lindsay Lohan, the Mean Girl, who shall soon be commencing her behind-the-bars journey, has, reportedly, checked into a rehab as a frantic last-minute attempt to escape the confines of the claustrophobic jail.

Let’s take a look at some other celebs who had to seek resort to rehabilitation centres:

1. Michael Jackson: After falling prey to painkiller drugs and getting ripped off for allegations of child molestation, the King of Pop was compelled to seek refuge in a rehab.

2. Britney Spears: Tabloid’s favourite child, Britney Toxic Spears spearheaded to rehab on more than one occasion after suffering from alcoholic addictions and personal life crisis.

3. Tiger Woods: The defamed golfer had to enter rehabs after his sexual extramarital exploits were exposed to the whole world. Even though, a crestfallen and tarnished Tiger tried to roar back to some glory, he found himself whining alone in his den as wife Elin bid adieu.

Other famous persons to have knocked at rehab’s doors are:

4. Charlie Sheen
5. Robbie Williams
6. Ben Affleck
7. Elton John
8. Kelly and Ozzy Osbourne
9. Mel Gibson and
10. Drew Barrymore
http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/entertainment/201007/60605.php

Michael Jackson Has Unofficial Son ,Secret Son

2010-07-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson has gone a year ago, but the mystery and controversy surrounding his life did not stop just stop. This time its a secret son by the initiated. Rumors says that 18-year-old Donte Williams Jackson is the son of the late king of pop. MJ Donte was living with the mother of 80 years, Katherine Jackson, who also has custody of three children of Michael.

Donte Williams Jackson was once considered the younger brother of Michael, Randy and Oaziaza Alejandra. But Donte born exactly eight months after the couples son Randy, Jr. was born. Alejandra Donte took over most of his life. Donte says now is the result of an adventure that the singer had in early 1990 in Las Vegas.

The Sun reported that the source said Donte I do not know who his parents, but was very close to Michael. The source adds that Donte is one of the most beautiful children, we can respond as possible. 26 year old dancer Omer Bhatti is regarded as another son, Michael Jackson and Donte secret is her second child in secret.

Michael has three other children, two children, Prince Michael and Prince Michael II, 13 also known as a cover and a daughter, Paris 12.
http://starcelebritygossips.com/2010/07/michael-jackson-has-unofficial-son-secret-son/

Michael Jackson Has Another Secret Son?

2010-07-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Insiders claim Donte Williams Jackson, who lives with the late ‘Thriller’ star’s 80-year-old mother Katherine Jackson, is the result of a fling between the legendary King of Pop and an unknown woman.

The 18 year old has spent most of his life being looked after by Alejandra Oaziaza, who has four children with Michael’s brothers Randy and Jermaine.

It was initially believed Donte was the son of Randy and Alejandra, but he was born just eight months after their son Randy Jr. A source told The Sun newspaper: “Michael was very close to Donte. We’re not even sure if Donte knows who his parents are.

“He’s one of the nicest kids you could possibly meet.” Insiders claim Donte came about after a fling in Las Vegas in the early 1990s.

Donte is the second alleged secret son of the legendary singer, who has children Prince Michael, 13, and Paris, 12, with ex-wife Debbie Rowe and eight-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as Blanket, whose mother is unknown. It is also believed 26-year-old dancer Omer Bhatti is his child.
http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/entertainment/201007/59857.php

Michael Jackson's Home To Become Open To Public

2010-07-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

If you're a Michael Jackson fan - you might be in luck - his former home aka Neverland Ranch might become a state park which means you may be able to visit his home.

According to reports, plans have been made to make the land, which is co-owned by the Jackson family and a private equity firm Colony Capital, available to the public.

Residents have previously protested against making the site a tourist attraction, but if all the plans go ahead fans will be able to visit the King of Pop's former residence.

California assemblyman, Mike Davis, told Associated Press: "Given that we have an economic shortfall... I suspect it would be difficult for the State Parks Department to purchase the property alone... I am committed to finding out all details possible to make this a good proposal".

Although it was his home, Jacko did move out of the house in 2005 after it was raided for evidence after his 2003 arrest for child molestation charges.

Who will be in line to visit Neverland??
http://foreign.peacefmonline.com/entertainment/201007/59875.php

Michael Jackson wanted surgeons to make pet chimp Bubbles talk

2010-07-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

MICHAEL Jackson spent thousands of dollars trying to get throat specialists to make his chimp Bubbles speak, The News of the World reported Sunday.

The singer, who died in June last year aged 50, pestered surgeons for four years for advice on how he could achieve his dream of having a conversation with his primate friend.

His sister La Toya told the British tabloid: "Michael was always wanting to know how to make Bubbles speak and talk. They definitely communicated. One morning Michael called me and said 'You have got to see this - he mimics everything I do.'

"He wanted to give him vocal chords and asked doctors 'Can I given him an operation so I know what his thoughts are'."

But the plan was dashed because surgeons said Bubbles might not survive the surgery.

Bubbles was Jackson's constant companion during the mid-eighties often sharing his bed and even going along on the star's 1987 Bad World tour.

But Jackson had to give the chimp, which is now 26 years old, to a monkey sanctuary in 1988 because he had become too big.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/michael-jackson-wanted-surgeons-to-make-pet-chimp-bubbles-talk/story-e6frf7k6-1225890470404

Michael Jackson's ex-lawyer dead

2010-05-01T06:47:00.000-07:00

Peter Lopez - who was married to 'Dukes Of Hazzard' actress Catherine Bach - reportedly committed suicide at the couple's home in California yesterday (30.04.10).

A neighbour heard the shot, and Peter, 60, was found by someone who was at the house.

A spokesperson for Catherine - who played the character of Daisy Duke in the TV series - and the couple's two daughters Sophia and Laura said: "The Lopez Family has suffered a tragic personal loss. Catherine and the girls ask for your prayers."

Peter had been late 'King Of Pop' Michael's lawyer since 2006 when he was appointed by the singer's former general manager, Raymone Bain, to re-organise his business affairs.

Raymone said: "I'd known Peter for 20 years, I can't think of a nicer individual. He was a good guy. I'm just so shocked."

Peter also represented artists including The Eagles, Andrea Bocelli and Michael Buble.

The law firm where Peter was a co-founder, Kleinberg Lopez Lange Cuddy and Klein also spoke of their shock.

A statement from the firm said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected loss of our friend and partner."

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/35/20100501/ten-michael-jackson-s-ex-lawyer-dead-764dee7.html

Katherine Jackson Kicks Some Of Her Own Grandkids To The Curb

2010-04-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

Celebrity supermom, Katherine Jackson has said enough is enough. According to TMZ, Katherine has asked ex-daughter-in-law Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza and her four children to vacate the premises by next week.

For those not versed in the soap opera that is the Jackson family, Oaziaza had an affair with Randy Jackson when he was married to Eliza Shaffe, and they produced a daughter, Genevieve. After Randy divorced Shaffe, he continued dating Oaziaza, who then gave birth to their son, Randy Jr., in 1991. The couple's relationship ended in 1994. A year later, Oaziaza married Randy's older brother Jermaine, and they had two sons, Jaafar and Jermajesty - talk about incestuous relationships!!!

Apparently, after the stun gun incident last month, Katherine Jackson has decided that she needs to separate Michael's kids from their cousins and told Ms. Oaziaza that her and her children had better hit splitsville. We're forced to wonder one if any of this would have happened had Grandpa Joe Jackson been around with his handy belt.

http://dimewars.com/Blog/Katherine-Jackson-Kicks-Grandkids-To-The-Curb---Except-Michael-s-Kids.aspx?BlogID=ff67eb74-c4f5-4266-9b27-beef6e98bebf

Ebay to sell Michael Jackson portrait

2010-04-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

An over-the-top portrait of Michael Jackson is going up for auction online.

The eBay.com auction of the fantastical 50-by-40-inch painting by Australian artist Brett-Livingstone Strong will launch Wednesday evening, the portrait's owner said Tuesday.

Titled "The Book," the colorful work is reportedly the only painting for which the King of Pop ever posed. It depicts Jackson, clad in a Renaissance-era red velvet jacket, seated amid a sweeping checkerboard floor underneath a magically translucent curtain at his Neverland Ranch.

"I've had it an awful long time," said toy inventor Marty Abrams, who acquired the painting with partner John Gentilly in 1992 from Japanese businessman Hiromichi Saeki as payment on a debt owed to them. "With the positive response to his music and the movie about him after his death, we thought it was a good time to sell it and for the world to see it."

For over 17 years, Abrams kept the painting in storage in a New Jersey warehouse. It was briefly on display at the Dancy-Power Automotive showroom in Harlem after Jackson's death last June. The painting, which also features the fairy character Tinkerbell hovering in the background, is hanging inside Abrams' home in Kings Point, N.Y.

The painting was originally sold to Saeki for $2.1 million in 1990. Abrams said the painting was appraised by Belgo Fine Art Appraisal and Restoration at $5.3 million in 2000, but he believes it is worth more now. Abrams hopes it will fetch over $3 million in the auction, which is scheduled to end April 17. The minimum starting bid will be $2.75 million.

"Frankly, I thought instead of trying to call out to other people, let's bring the people that are really interested to us," said auction organizer Marc Samson. "The idea of doing it on eBay in an auction format seemed to make the most sense. When Marty's son, Ken, came to me with the painting, it hit me across the face. This is the way to get it out there."

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2010/04/24/us_michael_jackson_painting/index.html?source=rss&aim=/news/feature

Cirque to put on show based on Michael Jackson

2010-04-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

First the Beatles and Elvis, now Michael Jackson.

The acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil announced Tuesday that it will put on a live touring show featuring the songs of the King of Pop starting late next year.

That will be followed by a permanent production in Las Vegas in 2012 at a property owned by MGM Mirage Inc. The casino company did not say which venue will host the show. A nightclub in Las Vegas will also open with the show.

Cirque and Jackson's estate will each own 50 percent of the projects and share equally in the cost of putting them on. The estate will also receive royalties from the use of Jackson's music and other assets.

Jackson, who died at age 50 last June after a drug overdose, was described as a "huge fan" of the French Canadian performance group.

He saw their first tent show in Santa Monica, Calif., many years ago with longtime lawyer and now estate co-executor, John Branca. And he visited their Montreal headquarters in 2004, Cirque CEO Daniel Lamarre said.

"He said he was an acrobat himself," Lamarre said in an interview. "As an artist he had this amazing way of bringing some visual element to his performances."

Jackson even saw "Love," the Cirque show based on the legacy and music of the Beatles, shortly after it began at the Mirage casino in Las Vegas in 2006, and wanted to do his own version, said Jack Wishna, the president of consulting firm CPAmerica Inc. and a prospective business partner.

Ideas for Jackson's own Cirque show ranged from basing it on his hit video "Thriller" to him performing dozens of his No. 1 hits, Wishna said.

"But he passed away and everything just went by the wayside," he said. "It's a little different now, but at least it'll still get on. The music will still be there."

The touring show, which will begin in North America before branching out around the world, will be a simulation of a Jackson concert, while the Las Vegas show will be more theatrical and more technologically advanced, Lamarre said.

"The expectations of Michael Jackson fans around the world are going to be huge," he said. "And we have to deliver."

There are no plans for other members of Jackson's family to perform.

Before Jackson decided on a series of comeback concerts at the O2 arena in London, he was seen several years ago in Las Vegas and considered performing there.

Branca said Jackson would have approved of a Cirque tribute.

"I'm not convinced he would have gone to Las Vegas and performed like Celine Dion did," he said in an interview. "But this is something Michael would be very excited about."

Unreleased Jackson recordings may become part of the shows' musical numbers, and his biggest hits will likely be remixed and mashed up so fans will hear his music in a new way, Branca said.

The other co-executor, John McClain, a Jackson friend and music producer, has discovered more than 60 songs that Jackson recorded but never released. They form the backbone of a seven-year deal with Sony Music Entertainment worth up to $250 million. A new album from the recordings is set for release in November.

Jackson's mother, Katherine, said in a statement, "Our family is thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will pay tribute to my son in such an important way."

Jackson died after overdosing on propofol and other sedatives. He was about to start a series of comeback concerts he called "This Is It." The concert movie based on rehearsal footage went on to gross $252 million worldwide.

His personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. He is expected to go to trial this summer.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hiRIDWcXMC4vMiNTjyY1CffE2EIQD9F74CT82

Michael Jackson Impersonator Charged, Jailed

2010-04-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

A 22-year-old Michael Jackson impersonator and local entertainment promoter has been jailed on charges of molesting an 11-year-old Michigan boy.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy says in a release Friday that Ricardo West of Allen Park has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, using a computer to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.

Worthy says the incidents occurred between March 15 and April 9 at a home in Allen Park, 10 miles southwest of Detroit. She also says sexual contact was made with the victim at the Allen Park Auditorium.

West also worked a driver for a private bus company that transports children to events.

He is being held without bond in the Wayne County Jail pending an April 26 preliminary examination.

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-michael-jackson-impersonator-arrested-txt,0,4215572.story?track=rss

Michael Jackson slept with eyes open?

2010-04-12T04:52:00.001-07:00

Late pop legend Michael Jackson slept with his eyes open, a court is to be told.

The dead star's ex-wives and lovers are to be called to testify to confirm the latest astonishing fact about his private life, as their evidence will be used by defence lawyers representing Conrad Murray as he fights a homicide charge, reports newsoftheworld.co.uk.

Murray aims to prove how difficult it was to tell whether Jackson was asleep or awake.

Debbie Rowe, mother of the King of Pop's eldest kids Prince and Paris, Lisa-Marie Presley and nanny Grace Rwaramba, who he called his "wife", will be quizzed at Murray's trial this year.

Jackson, 50, died from "acute Propofol intoxication" June 25 last year. Murray, 56, is charged with manslaughter over claims he injected the singer with a fatal dose of the anaesthetic.

The cardiologist's defence team have evidence the seasoned drug user often appeared awake when asleep.

They say he would have his eyes open and his pupils would be dilated when he was on Propofol.

"Conrad Murray's future is at stake here and we will do all we can to prove that he did not deliver a fatal overdose to Jackson. We are going to call the significant others in Jackson's life to talk about his long-term drug use and behaviour," said a defence source.

"We've found he would appear dopey and sleep with his eyes open when he had taken meds. We want the women closest to him to verify this. We'll also ask his doctors about how he slept after being knocked out. This could be a key part in the defence... This wasn't a case of a doctor giving a fatal dose to a clean patient. Jackson had a long history of extensive drug use," the source added.

Murray's lawyer Ed Chernoff confirmed they will quiz family members about Jackson's secret life. His defence will claim Jackson killed himself accidentally by self-injecting a fatal dose of the anaesthetic. They say poor health after years of drug abuse prompted a heart attack.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/europe/Michael-Jackson-slept-with-eyes-open/Article1-530166.aspx

Judge allows Michael Jackson doctor to keep licence until June court date

2010-04-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Dr Conrad Murray leaves preliminary hearing on manslaughter charges with $75,000 bail and ban on giving anaesthetics.

The doctor accused of killing Michael Jackson staved off suspension of his medical licence at a Los Angeles court hearing yesterday, as the singer's family sat stony-faced in the front row and his fans outside booed and hissed.

Dr Conrad Murray appeared for a preliminary hearing on manslaughter charges, which allege that he administered the fatal dose of a powerful anaesthetic, usually only used in operations, that killed Jackson.

Jackson's estranged parents, Katherine and Joe, and his siblings, Jermaine, Randy and Janet, were on hand as Murray's lawyers argued against a move by California's attorney general to suspend the cardiologist's medical licence. Murray claims that he is so financially hard up that if he cannot work he will not be able to pay for his defence, and that he is, "without fear of overstatement, hanging on by a thread".

The judge declined to revoke the doctor's licence until after another hearing in June, but left in place a condition of Murray's $75,000 bail that he not administer anaesthetic to patients.

Murray has clinics in Las Vegas and Houston as well as California but fell behind on child maintenance payments and faced other financial problems, reportedly because of a gambling habit.

The 57-year-old has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charges. He told the police that the 50-year-old star was a chronic insomniac who depended on the anaesthetic Propofol to sleep.

Celebrity news website TMZ, which broke the news of Jackson's death, reported that Murray's legal team intends to argue that Jackson administered the fatal dose of Propofol to himself. The doctor's lawyers responded to the report by saying that it is premature to discuss the defence strategy.

The doctor faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

Outside court, fans from as far away as France and Argentina sang We Are the World and waved signs demanding "Justice for M.J." Another said: "Conrad Murray makes us wanna scream."

Janet Jackson last week told Oprah Winfrey that the family knew her brother had a drug dependency problem. But asked if she blamed Conrad for Michael Jackson's death, she replied: "Yes, I do."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/06/michael-jackson-doctor-licence

Janet Jackson opens up about Michael's death on 'Oprah'

2010-04-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

The notoriously private Janet Jackson opened up about her brother's death on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Friday, admitting that the family knew he had a problem.

"People think we were in denial but we weren't. We tried intervention several times. He was very much in denial -- he didn't think he had a problem."

When the news first broke that Michael was ill, Jackson said she first heard about it from an assistant while she was home in New York. The last time she saw her brother was about a month before, she said, at a party she had thrown for their parents. "He was thin then, and we knew that he had a problem; we all did," she said.

His death, she told Winfrey, is "hard to believe still to this day. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it -- that all of us in the family don't think about it -- every single day."

Her brother's passing happened right as Janet Jackson had started production on Tyler Perry's new film, "Why Did I Get Married Too?" and the emotional turmoil she was in comes through in the film, Winfrey said.

"It was very therapeutic," Jackson said of her role.

Tyler Perry, she added, was by her side the entire time, asking her how she wanted to be treated on set, making sure no one had access to images of Jackson crying in character (lest a tabloid run them as evidence of what Jackson was going through at the time), and even changing the ending of the movie, which opens nationwide Friday, for her.

"I changed the ending because at first she was going to speak at the funeral, and the things that she was going to say, it was too eerie," Perry, who also was on the show, told Winfrey. "She didn't want to change it, but I did."

Veering from the topic of his movie, Perry told Winfrey he felt the need to reiterate how hard the Jackson family worked to try to save their brother.

"I'm sorry, but I want people to know this," Perry said. "I want people to know how much they tried. They really, really tried -- the entire family. I want the whole world to know how much they tried."

The family was worried, Jackson said, and did several interventions. At one of them, Jackson said she became so overwhelmed, "seeing him and knowing that there was an issue that he was in denial about," she had to leave the room. "A lot of the relationships I've been in, they've had issues with addiction. It's difficult when you see it. [I] recognize it so quickly because I've dealt with it in past relationships."

For Jackson, it's difficult to even look at pictures of Michael as an adult or listen to his music; the only images she can stand to view are those of the pair as children.

"When we were kids, we had so much fun together," she said. "We used to spend every day, all day, together. I have a beautiful picture in my home of he and I when we were just babies. It takes me to that place, even when he was still here, that I missed, that we would talk about. That [picture] I can look at."

The emotional turmoil Jackson was dealing with, both in her role in Perry's movie as well as personally, began to affect her physically as well: Jackson said she's definitely an emotional eater.

"When I'm feeling down, I do turn to food," she told Winfrey. Her struggle with her weight has even led Jackson to write a book about it, to answer those persistent questions everyone always has about her weight.

"Instead of writing about nutrition, I decided to go into my childhood, where I've always had issues with my weight," Jackson said, adding that the book would touch on issues like self-confidence as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/02/janet.jackson.oprah/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin to Be Named Apollo Legends

2010-04-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin are to be inducted into the Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame in New York. The late King of Pop and the Queen of Soul will be named Apollo Legends at a gala on June 14.

Jackson launched his career with the Jackson Five at the Apollo's Amateur Night in the late 1960s. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony will also be honored with Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Arts and Humanitarian Award at the event for their humanitarian work.

For the June 14 gala, Jamie Foxx is tapped to serve as the host. The event is scheduled to begin at 6.30 P.M. with a star-studded red carpet and then followed by the Benefit concert and awards ceremony at 7.00 P.M.

http://showbiz.peacefmonline.com/music/201004/41199.php

Michael Jackson had cream to lighten skin stored at his house

2010-03-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

A stock of cream to lighten skin were found at Michael Jackson's home after he died, it was revealed last night.

The star always insisted his complexion paled because he suffered from vitiligo.

The 37 tubes of skinwhiteners hydroquinone and Benoquin could have been to even out his flesh tone - as vitiligo can create patches.

The find was revealed in search warrants that came out for the first time since Jackson's death from a drug overdose in June, aged 50.

Police also found four bottles of anaesthetic.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/03/27/michael-jackson-had-cream-to-lighten-skin-stored-at-his-house-115875-22141740/

Michael Jackson doctor interrupted CPR

2010-03-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's doctor halted CPR on the dying pop star and delayed calling paramedics so he could collect drug vials at the scene, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press that shed new light on the singer's chaotic final moments.

The explosive allegation that Dr. Conrad Murray may have tried to hide evidence is likely to be a focus as prosecutors move ahead with their involuntary manslaughter case against him.

The account was given to investigators by Alberto Alvarez, Jackson's logistics director, who was summoned to the stricken star's side as he was dying on June 25. His statement and those from two other Jackson employees also obtained by the AP paint a grisly scene in Jackson's bedroom.

Alvarez told investigators that he rushed to Jackson's room and saw the star lying in his bed, an IV attached to his leg. Jackson's mouth was agape, eyes open and there was no sign of life. Murray worked frantically, at one point performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while Alvarez took over CPR.

Two of the star's children, Prince and Paris, came in the room and cried as they saw Murray trying to save their father. A nanny was called to usher them away and they were taken to wait outside in a vehicle.

The documents also detail an odd encounter with Murray after Jackson was declared dead at a nearby hospital. Murray insisted he needed to return to the mansion to get cream that Jackson had "so the world wouldn't find out about it," according to the statements, which provide no elaboration.

Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, rejected the notion his client tried to hide drugs. He also noted Alvarez was interviewed twice by police and gave different accounts of what happened in Jackson's bedroom. During the first interview, Alvarez made no mention of being told to tidy away medicine vials.

"He didn't say any of those things, then two months later, all of a sudden, the doc is throwing bottles into the bag," Chernoff said. "Alvarez's statement is inconsistent with his previous statement. We will deal with that at trial."

Alvarez and the others who gave the statements, Jackson's personal assistant Michael Amir Williams and driver/bodyguard Faheem Muhammad, could be key witnesses should Murray go to trial. Except for the brief appearances by the nanny and the children, Alvarez and Muhammad were the only others in the room with Murray as he tried to save Jackson before paramedics arrived.

A call to Alvarez's attorney was not immediately returned.

Jackson, 50, hired Murray to be his personal physician as he prepared for a series of comeback performances in London. He was participating in strenuous rehearsals and Murray would routinely meet him at the star's home in the evening for treatments.

The Los Angeles coroner ruled Jackson's death a homicide caused by an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives given to get the chronic insomniac to sleep. Propofol, a milky white liquid, is supposed to be administered only by anesthesia professionals in medical settings. Patients require constant monitoring because the drug depresses breathing and heart rate while lowering blood pressure, a potentially deadly combination.

Murray, 57, a cardiologist licensed in Nevada, California and Texas, has acknowledged briefly leaving Jackson's bedside the day he died but maintained from the outset that nothing he gave the singer should have killed him. It wasn't illegal for him to administer propofol, though whether he followed proper procedures while Jackson was under the influence is a key part of the case.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown's office has asked a court to suspend Murray's license pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against him.

Alvarez, Muhammad and Williams are all represented by attorney Carl Douglas and gave their statements separately on Aug. 31 at the lawyer's Beverly Hills office. None of the three has spoken publicly about the events of June 25.

Alvarez told police he arrived at Jackson's home around 10:20 a.m. He was awaiting instructions for the day in a security trailer outside Jackson's rented mansion when, at 12:17 p.m., his phone rang. It was Williams.

Williams told Alvarez that Murray had just called to say Jackson was in trouble. Alvarez rushed into the mansion and up the stairs to Jackson's room, where he saw Murray standing at the pop star's bedside, performing CPR with one hand, according to the statements.

Alvarez asked the doctor what had happened.

"He had a reaction, he had a bad reaction," Murray replied, according to Alvarez's statement.

Murray then grabbed a few vials with rubber tops and told Alvarez to put them in a bag, Alvarez told investigators. Alvarez picked up a plastic bag from the floor and Murray put the bottles inside, then Murray told Alvarez to put that plastic bag inside a brown canvas bag, according to the account.

Alvarez said Murray then told him to remove an IV bag from a stand and put it in a blue canvas bag. He did, and noticed the bag had a connector with a milky white substance in it. Alvarez didn't say what happened to the bags, nor did he identify what was in the vials.

Two days after Jackson's death, under several hours of questioning by police, Murray eventually directed them to a closet in Jackson's bedroom. In it, they found propofol and other sedatives in a bag.

On the day Jackson died, Murray waited until the bags were filled before telling Alvarez to call 911, according to Alvarez's statement.

"I need an ambulance as soon as possible," Alvarez told a dispatcher. "We have a gentleman here that needs help and he's not breathing."

The dispatcher told Alvarez to put Jackson on the floor.

At that moment, Muhammad rushed into the room and began helping with chest compressions while Murray attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Murray told the men it was his first time performing CPR, Alvarez said, though Chernoff said Murray had administered CPR many times before.

Murray then placed a dark brown machine with wires onto Jackson's fingers, Alvarez said. Police later said they found a pulse oximeter at Jackson's home, a medical device that shows heart rate and the amount of oxygen in the blood.

By 12:27 p.m., paramedics arrived at the house. According to their report, Jackson was not breathing and had no pulse at 12:29 p.m. However, Murray stated he could feel a weak pulse in Jackson's upper thigh area, Alvarez and Muhammad said.

According to the paramedic report, emergency responders tried two rounds of resuscitation attempts and were ready to discontinue treatment, but Murray said he would take responsibility and insisted resuscitation be continued in the ambulance.

At 1:07 p.m., the singer was taken to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where doctors attempted a range of resuscitation techniques. Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m.

At the hospital, after the death had been called, Williams said he saw Murray crying.

Murray asked Williams if he or someone else could take him back to the mansion so he could pick up the cream, according to Williams' statement.

Williams said he didn't think it was a good idea for Murray to return to the house. He spoke to Muhammad and they agreed they wouldn't take Murray back. They concocted a story that police had taken all the keys to the vehicles as part of the investigation.

Murray said he would take a cab, and Williams said he saw him leave the hospital through a side door.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_michael_jackson

Michael Jackson Estate Signs Mega-Deal With Sony

2010-03-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson is set to be just as big dead as he was alive, thanks to a staggering new Sony deal with the late pop star's estate. Nine months after the King of Pop's death, the administrators of his estate have signed one of the biggest recording contracts in history - giving Sony bosses full access to Jackson's back catalogue and unreleased material.

The music executives plan to release 10 albums of Jackson material between now and 2017 - the length of the deal.

The first album in the deal was last year's This Is It; the second release will be available in November and will feature a track Jackson wrote with Lenny Kravitz for his Invincible album. The tune was axed because the King of Pop feared it was "too rocky", according to Kravitz.

The new Sony deal will guarantee the Jackson estate up to $250 million in advances.

Confirming the deal, Columbia/Epic Label Group chairman Rob Stringer, who spearheaded the deal with the Jackson estate, says, "It's not just a record deal. We're not just basing this on how many CDs we sell or how many downloads. There are also audio rights for theatre, movies, computer games... You've got to bet on Michael Jackson."

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2010/03/16/michael_jackson_estate_signs_megadeal_

Michael Jackson's Secretive Life

2010-03-09T04:49:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson enjoyed spending time with his children, cruising the Vegas strip and even ordering fast food through a drive through, according to three of his former bodyguards.

But the men also said Jackson's lifestyle was isolated and lonely and described it as full of "stress, paranoia and pain."

In an exclusive interview with "Good Morning America," Mike Garcia, Bill Whitfield and Javon "BJ" Beard spoke out about Jackson's secretive life, describing some moments as just plain "sad."

For instance, when Jackson held a birthday party for one of his children, only Jackson, the teacher, the nanny and the three bodyguards would attend, the men said. No other children were there.

"None," the three men said.

Jackson died June 25 following a lethal cocktail of prescription drugs and propofol. The three men said they first met the pop star more than two years earlier in 2007.

"He's got his little doctor's mask on and he says, 'BJ, hi, I've heard so much about you. Go ahead and have a seat,'" Beard said.

The three men signed up for personal protection, but the job became much more, they said. Jackson trusted them with his life, his children and his secrets.

"We were with Michael Jackson the person, not the entertainer," Garcia said.

In fact, the bandages Jackson wore frequently in public were not concealing secret surgeries, Whitfield said. Instead, the singer was using them as a disguise.

"That disguise to him was the burn victim look," Whitfield said.

Although the men wondered what was going on, they never asked Jackson about the mask.

"He's coming down with the kids and we can't say, 'What the hell you got on, sir?'" Beard said. "How could you tell him that?"

Prior to his death, Jackson was staging a comeback tour in London. When the family was not on the road, Jackson called a rented Las Vegas mansion his home. But his bodyguards said the singer did not enjoy being there.

"For you and I, it's a great house…but for security for MJ and his kids…[it's a] horrible house," Whitfield said.

The men said Jackson was always paranoid about security.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MichaelJackson/michael-jacksons-bodyguard-speak-good-morning-america/story?id=10042458

Jackson family latest: who stun-gunned Blanket?

2010-03-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

Attention all units: we have a situation developing in Encino, Los Angeles. Suspect is an armed minor who may have threatened another minor with a stun-gun. Uh, potential victim responds to the name of Blanket . . .

Readers, this week we have it all: 300,000-volt weaponry, bitter family factionalism and the quotidian threat of intra-grandchildren violence. The only possible location could be the Jackson family compound in suburban LA.

By the Jackson compound, of course, I do not mean Neverland, Michael Jackson's sprawling Santa Barbara ranch. That property has long been asset-stripped of fairground rides, giraffes and the miniature railway that constituted its transport infrastructure, while its erstwhile squire looks down from the great wishing tree in the sky, the mantle of weirdo public statements about privacy and comportment now passed anticlimactically to Tiger Woods.

No, we're talking about Hayvenhurst, the Jackson family HQ in Encino, which is occupied primarily by matriarch Katherine, along with various children, their spouses, ex-spouses, and a clutch of grandchildren including Prince Michael, Paris and little Blanket. It's your basic nuclear family (Chernobyl model).

In fact, think of the Jackson compound as a west coast version of that Camelot on Cape Cod, the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port. In the role of Joe Kennedy we have Joe Jackson, controversial paterfamilias whose ferocious ambition saw him thrust his significantly more appealing sons upon the world stage, while he controlled things behind the scenes. Katherine is Rose Kennedy, obviously, while Michael could only be JFK. We are one Jackie Bouvier short of a picnic, I grant you, though there will be some suggesting Debbie Rowe. Shame on them. This column is not in the business of comparing the legendarily fragrant former first lady with an ungroomed horse-nut whose signature style appears to be stonewashed denim. Put on a tailored shift and giant shades, Debbie, or accept that passing Greek shipping magnates are going to assume you're crew, not second-wife material.

Anyhow. The week's news is that there is trouble in this earthly paradise. The LA County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has launched an investigation, after one Jaafar Jackson, 13, ordered a stun-gun off the internet. Accounts as to what happened next vary, from the family's official version that "all of the kids are happy, healthy and wonderful", to various insider sources who claim that the family's security team "stopped Jermaine's kids from stunning Blanket".

So who's Jaafar? Well, if you're having trouble keeping your Jackson progeny straight without flashcards, allow me to muddy things further. Jaafar's mother is Alejandra Jackson, who was originally in a relationship with Randy Jackson, with whom she had two children. However, her residence in the Jackson compound has been unbroken for 18 years, because she then went on to marry Randy's older brother Jermaine. With Jermaine she had two sons – Jaafar and Jermajesty.

Jer analysis is correct: the latter is the most brilliant name in showbiz.

Alejandra has since split from her second Jackson brother – Jermaine is now married to Halima Rashid – but she continues to live in the house as part of Jermaine's child support arrangements. However, in court documents filed last year, according to TMZ.com, Alejandra complained that most of the support money she received was from Katherine, often in the form of gift cards for Ralphs supermarket. Now sources are saying that Jaafar paid for the stun-gun online using Ralphs gift cards.

(While you digest that little instance of synchronicity, I should say that despite initial reports, the weapon should be classified as a generic electroshock gun, as Taser have pointed out that it wasn't one of their guns. Remember: Tasers don't stun people, kids do.)

At time of going to press, the LA social workers' investigation was still ongoing, so we can't be sure precisely how this little contretemps will shake down. Possibly unconnected is the suggestion that Michael's kids might cease being home-educated this year, and start attending a normal local school – which sounds as problematic an idea as releasing that SeaWorld orca with behavioural problems into the wild at this stage in its career. I can't help feeling Free Blanket would end on less of an "up" than Free Willy.

Still, we must salute the Jackson family lawyer who, having spent ages insisting there was nothing to see here, rashly announced on Wednesday: "There is no second stun-gun." Aha! Finally the "second stun-gunman" theory makes its debut. Lost in Showbiz just knew Jermajesty's bedroom was this story's grassy knoll, and hereby refuses to accept all future findings of those Earl Warrens at the DCFS. Who Didn't Taser Blanket? is officially this year's conspiracy theory.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/lostinshowbiz/2010/mar/04/jackson-blanket-jermaine-taser-jaafar

Goodrem, Sebastian to sing Jackson duet

2010-03-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Delta Goodrem and Guy Sebastian will perform Michael Jackson's Earth Song together as part of a tribute concert for the late King of Pop.

The special event is being held to mark the launch of the This Is It DVD.

Goodrem and Sebastian will join director Kenny Ortega, co-director and choreographer Travis Payne, Michael Jackson's principal dancers and his brother Jackie for the concert in Sydney tonight.

Goodrem returned to Australia from Los Angeles at the weekend and says she is excited to be a part of the event.

"We just got asked to be a part of it and it's more than an honour," she said.

"I was like, 'I'm flying back, I'll be there in a second'.

"Hopefully we'll do [the song] justice in some way."

It is the first time Goodrem and Sebastian will perform live together after years of friendship, but there are no plans to record their version of Earth Song.

"I said to him last year it would be great to have a moment doing a duet together - and then this came up," said Goodrem.

"But I think this is a one-off event and very special."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/02/2834240.htm?section=entertainment

Music museum expands reach with archive, library

2010-02-28T22:19:00.000-08:00

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland has fascinating relics like Michael Jackson's "Thriller" mask. Soon it'll have space to showcase its interesting but less flashy artifacts.

The museum will open its library and archives later this year in a $12 million high-tech building it shares with Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) Community College's creative arts programs.

Jim Morrison's first poem will be there as well as and letters from the Grateful Dead, Whitney Houston, Patti Smith and others. There will also be old audio and video recordings, contracts, album covers, posters and scrap books.

Student and professional singer Tracy Marie hopes the museum-college collaboration will encourage young artists to aspire to have their campus studio work enshrined in the archive.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jV0XXfrLD2CRMSVAAVUOYecFgxQAD9E5H3TO0

Michael Jackson's death re-enacted on US TV

2010-02-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

London, Feb 28 : A controversial reconstruction of Michael Jackson's death has been shown on US television.

The 30-minute macabre re-enactment was broadcast in the US on cable channel VH1, reports News of the World.

It shows an actor playing Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray trying to revive the singer with chest compression heart massage - first on a bed and then on the floor.

The reconstruction shows Murray using a mask to force oxygen into the star's lungs.

Later, the Jackson lookalike is seen on a slab in a Los Angeles mortuary.

He is also shown on a post mortem table before being put into a mortuary drawer.

http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-60852.html

DVD Review: Michael Jackson - The Life and Times of The King of Pop 1958-2009

2010-01-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

More often that not, the thirst for anything Michael Jackson-related has increased exponentially after his passing. Even hardcore fans who know everything there is to know seem to have broken down and accumulated more Michael Jackson memorabilia – well, at least the many hardcore fans that I know are doing that.

As for me, I have been redirecting my energy toward understanding. I guess it’s a typical nerd-like way of dealing with such a situation. I’m especially struggling to understand what kind of world we live in that allows for talent to be perverted in such a way that a young black child who sang with such soul and possessed such talent turned into a broken man with white skin, a reconstructed face, and the inability to produce music as touching as his talent should have allowed him to.

So when I saw the title of this DVD, I decided to pick it up. After all, we cannot isolate Michael Jackson from his social environment; and so, to understand what happened to him, one needs to understand the times during which he lived.

Unfortunately, the title doesn’t reflect the content of the DVD. I should have done my homework better rather than simply snap it up. I was expecting a DVD centred on the life of Michael Jackson within the context of the times in which he lived. Rather, this DVD (running time: 79 minutes) is about Michael Jackson’s passing; stripped down to the basic events, it traces the timeline from the fateful 911 phone call made by Jackson’s bodyguard to the memorial service, then traces some of the moments in his life that, according to the producers, contributed to his demise. Even the presentation is stripped to the essentials — no inside leaflet, no extra features, just the footage.

The memorial service isn’t included in its entirety; rather, it too has been stripped down to its most important events, including the Berry Gordy speech, putting it in context (when Berry Gordy mentions the 25th anniversary moonwalk Michael Jackson performed live, the speech pauses for a few seconds while the clip is played, something that did not happen at the memorial), Smokey Robinson reading the letter from Nelson Mandela, Brooke Shields’ speech, Ervin “Magic” Johnson’s speech, Stevie Wonder’s heartfelt, inspirational, and touching short speech and his performance of “Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer,” the speech of Reverend Al Sharpton, Usher’s performance of Michael Jackson’s “Gone too Soon,” Jermaine and Marlon Jackson’s speeches, as well as the unplanned yet touching tribute Paris Katherine Jackson gave her father. It also includes interviews with fans who were at the memorial service as they left the Kodak Center afterward.

http://blogcritics.org/video/article/dvd-review-michael-jackson-the-life/

$20 Million Award In Illicit Taping Of Michael Jackson Overturned

2010-01-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

A state appeals court in Los Angeles overturned a $20 million award in a lawsuit against a man and his company for secretly videotaping Michael Jackson and his attorneys during a private-jet flight.

The 2nd District Court of Appeals stated the award against XtraJet and its owner was too much. The money was to go to celebrity attorney Mark Garagos and his associate, Pat Harris.

An attorney representing Garagos stated a new trial would likely be sought in the case.

Jackson rode the charter plane from Las Vegas to Santa Barbara in 2003 to surrender to authorities in a child molestation case that ended with Jackson's acquittal on all charges. The King of Pop was seen chatting with Garagos on the video.

XtraJet owner Jeffrey Borer and an associate pleaded guilty in 2006 in a federal case accusing them of secretly recording Jackson and his lawyers.

The court argued that Borer's actions were "reprehensible," but not enough to warrant such a large award.

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-jackson-overturn,0,2924129.story?track=rss

Michael Jackson Wanted To Work With Lady Gaga

2010-01-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson loved working with other artists. He and Lionel Richie wrote and performed "We Are The World," the song that brought together dozens of artists and raised millions to fight famine in Africa..

Throughout his career, Jackson worked on separate projects with the likes of Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder..

But there is one artist he never had a chance to work with-Lady Gaga..

Jackson wanted to invite the "Paparazzi" singer to join him on stage during his "This Is It" tour, his former choreographer Travis Payne told RafflesEntertainment..

When Payne asked Jackson if he wanted to feature other artists in the show, the late King Of Pop loved the idea..

"Sure, they can all come as long as their schedules [permit]," Payne recalled Jackson saying..

Payne suggested Janet, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Sting, Seal, Bono, and Tina Turner..

Jackson was pleased with the list. But when Payne asked if there was anyone else he wanted to work with, Jackson named the 2009 breakthrough artist..

"[Michael] literally told me, 'You got to get into her,'" Payne said. "'She's good.'".

Jackson's admiration for Lady Gaga got Payne interested. "I started listening to her music more and going onto YouTube and looking at her performances, and I was like, 'You're right.'".

Ironically, in November, Payne received a call from Lady Gaga..

He initially thought getting the call was strange, but thought of his conversation with Jackson..

"I told her the story," Payne said. "Of course she got moved by it.".

Payne ended up directing and choreographing Lady Gaga's performance on the American Music Awards, as well as her sets on "Ellen," "The Jay Leno Show," and "X-Factor."

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/240205/michael-jackson-wanted-to-work-with-lady-gaga/

Michael Jackson's leaked song is genuine, says Lenny Kravitz

2010-01-06T03:50:00.000-08:00

Lenny Kravitz has confirmed that a previously unreleased Michael Jackson track leaked on to the internet is genuine - but said he had no idea how the song got there.

The American Woman singer issued a video statement saying the track was 90 seconds of unmixed material he wrote, produced and recorded with Jackson before his death last June.

But he said he had no knowledge of the DJ introduction to the beginning of the unfinished track, called Another Day.

Kravitz said: ''As you know and have heard, the song - or part of the song - leaked, not by me because mine has been locked up in a vault since we recorded it.''

He added: ''The DJ who's speaking over the track - I don't know who that person is, I don't know how they obtained it. I don't know what their purpose is but that person has nothing to do with the track.''

Kravitz described taking part in the song as ''one of the most amazing musical experiences that I've ever had''.

He said: ''The song was recorded by Michael and myself, I produced it for him, I wrote the song and I played all the instruments on the track.

''It was one of the most amazing musical experiences that I've ever had.

''It was done by two people who had respect for each other and who love music, that was it.''

The singer said he wanted fans to be able to hear the song the way he and Jackson had intended.

''I'd like to see this thing get straightened out as soon as possible, because I'd like for you the fans, people who love Michael, to be able to hear the song in its entirety the way it was meant to be - the way Michael and I had intended it to be.''

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/michael-jackson/6937003/Michael-Jacksons-leaked-song-is-genuine-says-Lenny-Kravitz.html

Michael Jackson: MJ’s creditors claim over $20million

2010-01-04T04:17:00.000-08:00

While Michael Jackson’s estate Neverland is making some money with the posthumous release of the late singer’s new album and movie This Is It which has succeeded in arousing a new interest among his fans , is faced with fresh claims made by some creditors who are demanding their dues which is more than $20.

It seems that the number of people who are turning up to claim their dues from the late King of the Pop is likely to be longer than his FBI file. The total estimate of such claims is reported to exceed $20 million.

To begin with, Dr Tohme Tohme claims $2.3million, a memorabilia collector claims $5 million, then there is someone who wants a cut from of the “thriller” music video , who claims $1 million and a law firm made a claim of $1.5 million. Besides, there are many law firms which are waiting to get their hands on of Michael Jackson’s estate.

But the estate won’t pay the alleged dues until or unless it gets the court order.
Michael Jackson has died last year on 25th June after he consumed some lethal drugs. His death is still been investigated by the US authorities.

http://www.entertainmentandshowbiz.com/michael-jackson-mj%E2%80%99s-creditors-claim-over-20million-2010010428858

Michael Jackson tribute taking shape in pop legend's hometown

2010-01-04T04:12:00.000-08:00

Plans to honor late pop icon Michael Jackson and his family's Gary, Ind., roots have expanded to possibly include a golf course and an amusement park with characteristics of Jackson's Neverland Ranch and the former Riverview Park amusement park in Chicago.

The latest addition to plans that already include a Jackson family museum, a performing arts center and a 300-room hotel are slated to be built on about 100 acres of city-owned vacant land along Interstate 94, said Odie Anderson, director of the project.

The museum, performing arts center and hotel probably will be built on 10 acres of city-owned land in downtown Gary, Anderson said.

''Everything is in the planning stages at this point, but we're moving on a fast track and we're looking forward to actually breaking ground sometime in 2010,'' Anderson said.

The project likely will be built in phases, with the museum, arts center and hotel built first, followed by the golf course and theme park. Then developers might build a monorail system to connect the two areas, Anderson said. If the monorail system is built, he estimates the entire project would cost $1 billion over a 10-year construction period.

Private donors would foot the bulk of the bill, but Anderson said he's also looking to Gary for tax incentives. He would not say how much money has been raised since Gary Mayor Rudy Clay in October announced two new foundations created to raise money for the project.

Project officials still are considering whether to build a replica of the Jackson family home or have a bus tour of the Jackson family's former haunts.

The theme park will have roller coasters, trains and other rides familiar to anyone who sought thrills at Riverview or was a guest at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in California, Anderson said.

''We're trying to extract the best and come up with a combination that made Riverview so attractive for kids of all ages as well as [have] special themes of Neverland that would be reminiscent of the Jacksons,'' Anderson said.

Some Gary City Council members say they have yet to be briefed on the latest plans.

Kristen Schorsch is a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, a Tribune Publishing newspaper.

http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-a4_jackson.7136498jan04,0,6443346.story?track=rss

Michael Jackson doctor has 'signed up for TV show'

2009-12-25T05:25:00.000-08:00

The doctor being investigated over the death of Michael Jackson will star in his own TV show, it was claimed yesterday.

Dr Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal doctor, is said to have struck a deal with a British crew to film him in his surgery.

They recorded the moment he went back to work last month for the first time since Jacko died in June. The film has been sold for a single episode TV special.

Dr Murray's spokesperson said the TV company was "interested in the reaction of patients to his return".

The camera team followed Murray around for the entire day as he worked in his Houston office and then went to church, said the US website TMZ.

Murray was not paid but will get an unspecified fee when the TV special is broadcast.

Tmz said the doctor would not allow the documentary to be screened until the Jackson investigation was over.

Murray is alleged to have given the King of Pop dozens of prescription drugs in the weeks leading up to his death.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/12/24/michael-jackson-doctor-has-signed-up-for-tv-show-115875-21920264/

Janet Jackson plans special Christmas for Michael's kids

2009-12-25T05:13:00.000-08:00

Janet Jackson is spending thousands of pounds to make Christmas special for her late brother Michael's children.

The singer - who is the younger sister of the late 'Thriller' star - has insisted on making Christmas Day a "fun" time for his daughter Paris, 12 and son Prince Michael I, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as 'Blanket'.

A source said: "It was to be a quiet, sombre holiday this year but Janet has stepped in to make it just like Michael did - fun. Michael loved Christmas. He was like a big kid and now Janet has taken that on.

"She must have spent thousands on trees, decorations and the kind of toys Michael would have love to be fooling around with on Christmas morning."

The late 'King of Pop' died on June 25 from acute Propofol intoxication aged 50 and his family had initially planned to have a more low-key day.

The source added to Absolute Now: "Christmas is especially significant for the family this year as the first with Michael and the fact Christmas Day is exactly six months since his death."

Since losing their father, the trio have been looked after by Michael's 79-year-old mother Katherine - who is their legal guardian - family members and nannies.

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/2009/12/23/20091223janet-jackson.html

Michael Jackson's FBI file more snooze than sizzle

2009-12-23T09:21:00.000-08:00

The late singer smiled for DMV photos, according to the material made public Tuesday. There are mysterious references to his chimp Bubbles. And there are no references to the probe into his death.

When the FBI announced last week that it planned to make public its previously secret file on Michael Jackson, the bombshells seemed guaranteed. How could hundreds of pages of inside government information about the world's most famous and famously unconventional man be anything other than riveting?

But the materials released Tuesday turned out to be more somnolent than sensational, their 333 pages a collection of photocopied tabloid articles and heavily redacted reports from investigations that were old news years ago. The file, opened to the public as the result of Freedom of Information Act requests by news outlets, contained no information at all about Jackson's June death or the subsequent criminal probe of his personal physician.

What one could glean from the voluminous file were the type of things his many biographers would probably relegate to footnotes -- or not include at all. That Jackson, for example, was the type of person who smiled for drivers' license photos. (The file included a copy of an expired license.) Or that Bubbles, the singer's pet chimpanzee, came up in the 1993 investigation into a 13-year-old boy's allegations that Jackson molested him. What led an agent to scrawl "male chimp" twice in his notebook remains a mystery, thanks to FBI censors who redacted much of the rest of the writing on the page.

Most of the file -- nearly 200 pages -- concerns a man arrested for stalking Jackson 17 years ago. Frank Paul Jones had a history of threatening to kill the president and had been arrested numerous times outside the White House, according to investigatory reports. In rambling letters collected by the FBI, Jones claimed to be the son of John Gotti, demanded money and pledged to "commit mass murder at a Michael Jackson concert." A Los Angeles federal judge sentenced him to two years in prison in 1993 for mailing threatening communications to Jackson.

The rest of the file, however, reflects the marginal role that the FBI played on other occasions. The Los Angeles Police Department took the lead in the 1993 case, which did not result in criminal charges. Federal agents helped detectives arrange an interview with two witnesses in the Philippines, clipped stories from British tabloids and took the occasional phone tip, but the locals did the heavy lifting.

A decade later, authorities in Santa Barbara County were in charge when another L.A. boy accused the singer of molestation. The records show that the FBI helped process computer evidence and that local investigators sought additional federal help "to develop a prosecutive strategy and to provide forensic guidance." Subsequent conversations with FBI officials in Quantico are not related in detail.

Jackson was acquitted at a trial in Santa Maria that drew an international contingent of press and had local authorities concerned about terrorist attacks. An agent wrote that local police believed that the proceedings might be "a soft target for terrorism due to the worldwide media coverage," but noted that there was no evidence suggesting an attack.

Christmas marks the six-month anniversary of Jackson's death, which the coroner's office has classified as a homicide resulting from a lethal amount of a surgical anesthetic.

Court papers have identified the singer's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, as the target of an ongoing manslaughter investigation conducted by several agencies, including the LAPD and the L.A. County district attorney's office.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jackson-fbi23-2009dec23,0,5769479.story

FBI's Michael Jackson files reveal stalker details

2009-12-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

The FBI on Tuesday released hundreds of previously sealed documents related to Michael Jackson, most of them about a 1992 investigation of a man who threatened to kill the pop star and then-U.S. President George H.W. Bush.

The records include numerous threatening letters sent by the suspect, who the FBI said had falsely claimed to be the son of then-Gambino crime boss John Gotti and was initially ruled mentally incompetent to go to trial.

The suspect, whose name was concealed in the heavily redacted FBI records, eventually pleaded guilty to a federal charge of mailing a threatening communication and was sentenced to two years in prison, the FBI said.

The files, however, included newspaper clippings about the case that identified the man as Frank Paul Jones, a 34-year-old fan obsessed with Jackson's sister, singer Janet Jackson.

According to news accounts at the time, the New York man had been arrested at the White House for an attempted illegal entry, and was arrested a month later on the grounds of the Jacksons' parents home in Los Angeles.

In one letter, the suspect wrote: "If they do not arrest me or solve my problem, I'm gonna attempt to kill President George Bush." In another, he threatens to "commit mass murder at a Michael Jackson concert, if necessary" and to "personally attempt to kill (Jackson) if he doesn't pay me my money."

The files, made public in response to requests under the federal Freedom of Information Act, also reveal the FBI's role in assisting California police in investigating child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, who died in June at age 50.

The first case in 1993 was closed without authorities bringing charges against Jackson, who ultimately settled a related civil action for more than $20 million. In 2005 a jury acquitted Jackson of molestation charges in a separate case.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091222/en_nm/us_jackson_3

Michael Jackson's 'Captain EO' to Return to Disneyland

2009-12-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao

"Captain EO" is moonwalking back to Disneyland.

The theme park announced plans Friday to bring back the 3-D sci-fi film starring Michael Jackson next February, over 23 years after the attraction debuted in Anaheim, Calif. The 17-minute film starred the late King of Pop as a singing-and-dancing intergalactic commander. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and executive produced by George Lucas.

In the film, Jackson leads a goofy alien and robot crew as they battle a wicked queen played by Anjelica Huston. "Captain EO" originally opened in Disneyland's Tommorrowland in 1986 and ran for more than a decade. Identical versions later opened at other Disney theme parks. They were all closed by 1998.

Jackson died June 25 at age 50.
http://www.billboard.com/news/michael-jackson-s-captain-eo-to-return-to-1004054626.story#/news/michael-jackson-s-captain-eo-to-return-to-1004054626.story
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Kolkata teenager raises collection of Michael Jackson's stamps

2009-11-30T04:21:00.000-08:00

Kolkata: A 12-year-old boy in Kolkata has raised a collection of stamps of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. Mohammad Faizullah, an avid fan of legendary Michael Jackson, the teenaged boy takes pride in his special collection.

While fans of Michael Jackson around the world, normally copy his singing and dancing styles or dress like him as a mode of tribute, Faizullah has chosen a distinct way by collecting stamps brought out on Jackson.

According to Faizullah, he receives information about the new stamps via Internet and manages to gain access the stamps from friends and other collectors through exchange.

"I have been collecting stamps of Michael Jackson from two to three years. I get the information from the Internet; I go to Google and search for Michael Jackson. I also exchange stamps with my friends; I ask them if there are any new stamps of Michael and then hunt for these new stamps," said Mohammad Faizullah, a fan and collector of stamps on Michael Jackson.

Faizullah says that liked Michael Jackson a lot like any other fan in the world but his way of loving and showing his respect is different. He collects every stamp of the Jackson and the history associated with it properly in an album.

According to Tyron Smith, a friend of Faizullah, although there are many fans and fan clubs of Jackson, Faizullah is special, as he has adapted a unique way of remembering the King of the Pop.

"In our school, we have a group named 'Michael Jackson Group'. We have two to three friends, including Faizullah, who are members of this group. Faizullah does different things than what we do. We try to copy Michael Jackson and sing his songs, but he has taken a different path altogether. He collects stamps. He likes Michael Jackson more than us. He calls his collection as 'In Memory of Michael Jackson'," said Tyron Smith, Faizullah's friend.

Though Faizullah started with only Jackson's stamps, today he has also included the stamps on other legendary singer Elvis Presley and the Hollywood's Marilyn Monroe.

Known as the 'King of Pop' for hits that included 'Thriller' and 'Billie Jean', Jackson's dramatic, one-gloved stage presence and innovative dance moves motivated millions of his fans around the world. He transformed music videos and his lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million dollars.

Michael Jackson who set the world dancing was declared dead on June 26 (Thursday) after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital due to cardiac arrest.

http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_kolkata-teenager-raises-collection-of-michael-jackson-s-stamps_1318046

Michael Jackson Makes Music Awards History

2009-11-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson has made history by posthumously winning four American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

The singer , who died in June at the age of 50, only just missed out on the night's top award - artist of the year - which went to Taylor Swift.

The 19-year-old country singer won five gongs at the ceremony which honours the year's top selling artists and is voted for by fans online.

Jackson was named favourite male artist in the Pop/Rock and Soul/R&B categories.

His hits collection Number Ones was named best album in both categories.

Jermaine Jackson accepts one of Michael Jackson's American Music Awards

Jermaine accepts award

The singer's brother Jermaine accepted the trophies, wearing a glittery white glove in tribute.

"The message that Michael had, will live on forever," he said.

"He saw good in everyone and he wanted everyone to do good. He always started with love."

To add to the occasion, Jackson's sister Janet opened the show performing a medley of some of the biggest hits from her career.

Swift, who is currently in London, accepted her awards via satellite link.

She said she was honoured to be nominated alongside Jackson.

"Music has never been ultimately about competition.

"To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who we will miss and love forever, is an unimaginable honour."

Taylor Swift accepts one of her five American Music Awards via satellite link

Taylor Swift praises Jackson

Other winners of the night included Beyonce, Green Day, The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z and Keith Urban who dedicated his award to wife, Nicole Kidman, and daughter, Sunday Rose.

Whitney Houston received the International Award of Excellence and performed I Didn't Know My Own Strength.

Jennifer Lopez may not have won an award but she pulled off the most talked-about performance.

Her complicated dance routine saw her fall over as she jumped from a human pyramid onto the stage, landing on her bottom.

The awards, which is as much famed for its performances as its prizes, also saw Lady Gaga, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, Eminem and Shakira take to the stage.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Showbiz-News/Michael-Jackson-Makes-History-Singer-Wins-Four-Posthumous-American-Music-Awards/Article/200911415463288?lpos=Showbiz_News_Second_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region_7&lid=ARTICLE_15463288_Michael_Jackson_Makes_History%3A_Singer_Wins_Four_Posthumous_American_Music_Awards

Taylor Swift beats Michael Jackson for top prize

2009-11-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES—In the end, the King of Pop was no match for a country music sweetheart.

Taylor Swift, fresh off her triumph as Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year, took the biggest prize of Sunday's American Music Awards: the Artist of the Year award.

She had stiff competition from pop star Michael Jackson, who died in June at the age of 50.

"I just want to say that music has never been ultimately about competition," a visibly shocked Swift said in accepting the award via video link from London, England.

"To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who will be missed and loved forever is an unimaginable honour.

"I'm sending my love to the Jackson family," she added.

Swift ended up winning five of her six American Music Award nominations, including Pop/Rock Female Artist, Adult Contemporary Artist, Country Female Artist and Favourite Country Album.

But Jackson posthumously set the record for most American Music Awards won by any artist.

He scored his record 23rd win with the prize for Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist, which was preceded by a win for Soul/R&B Male Artist.

His 2003 album Number Ones, which surged back to the top of the charts after his death, also won Favourite Soul/R&B and Pop/Rock Album.

His prizes were accepted by brother Jermaine, one of the original Jackson 5 group that started Michael's career.

"We love you, Michael," Jermaine Jackson said.

"It's not just about winning the award; it's mainly the message. The message Michael had will live on forever and that's that he saw good in everyone.

"Start with love and let’s love each other," he said, wearing a white glittery glove in honour of his brother.

The show was kicked off by another Jackson, sister Janet, who performed a medley of some of her biggest hits. She didn't acknowledge her late brother, as she did at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Meanwhile, Jackson's repeat wins weren't the only touching moments in the program.

Whitney Houston got prolonged applause and a standing ovation after performing I Didn't Know My Own Strength and accepting the International Artist Award of Excellence from actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Houston thanked God, her family, Arista Records mogul Clive Davis, and all the fans who "supported me and loved me and stayed by me."

Keith Urban, winning his first American Music Award as Country Male Artist, declared to wife Nicole Kidman, "I love you so much, baby girl. This is for you and Sunday," their 16-month-old daughter.

As always, the show was mainly about the performances.

Lady Gaga was one of the most compelling at Sunday's show. Wearing a Vulcan-inspired headdress and vest filled with lights, the 23-year-old performed a medley of songs from her new album, The Fame Monster. She used her microphone to break into a glass case, where a grand piano sat waiting. It caught fire when she sat down to play.

Rihanna strutted the stage in a tight body suit made up of strips of white fabric spaced to show off lots of skin.

Jennifer Lopez drew gasps from the audience when she lost her balance after jumping off a dancer's back and landing on the stage on her rear end. But she quickly recovered her poise.

Shakira performed flanked by a dozen dancers in tiny black bodysuits.

Kelly Clarkson did a stripped-down version of her hit Already Gone, backed by a string quartet.

The Black Eyed Peas, who were early winners, energized the crowd with Meet Me Halfway and Boom Boom Pow, with dancers wearing outfits made from stereo speakers sharing the stage with Fergie, Taboo, apl.de.ap and will.i.am, who wore a pompadour wig.

Country star and former American Idol Carrie Underwood did Cowboy Casanova in what looked like a gold diaper ensemble with metallic booties.

The show was capped by American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, whose performance of the first single from his new album, For Your Entertainment, included shoving a male dancer's face in his crotch.

The American Music Awards honour the year's top-selling artists in pop/rock, country, rap/hip-hop, soul/R&B, alternative, adult contemporary, Latin and contemporary inspirational.

Fans voted online to select the winners.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/article/729428--taylor-swift-beats-michael-jackson-for-top-prize?bn=1

Michael Jackson: The Live Seance was car crash TV in the worst sense

2009-11-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao

Derek Acorah show was in such bad taste that it couldn't be seen as entertainment on any discernible level.

If you were watching Sky One on Saturday night, count yourself lucky - you saw what will easily be remembered as the worst single hour of television produced in 2009. Worse than Babestation. Worse than Channel Five's SuperCasino. Worse than any individual episode of Hotel Babylon. I'm talking, of course, about Michael Jackson: The Live Seance.

I was watching because I thought it'd be funny - a car crash of a show with the added bonus of a slimy-looking medium rolling his eyeballs around inside his bright orange skull and reciting the lyrics to Heal the World in a silly high-pitched voice.Turns out it was a car crash. But it was one of those actual car crashes where real people get hurt and you're not sure that everyone's going to make it out OK and you end up feel like a bit of bastard for even wanting to watch it in the first place.

This is how Michael Jackson: The Live Seance worked. Derek Acorah - he of Most Haunted and Derek Acorah's Ghost Towns fame - rounded up a group of Michael Jackson fans and took them to a house in Ireland that Jackson had stayed in a few years ago. Once there, he spent 20 minutes doing what he does best: trying to convince everyone that he was being inhabited by the ghost of a dead megastar.

And he was certainly very convincing. Because if you were Michael Jackson and you'd just been gifted an unexpected conduit into the world of the living for the first time since your death, you wouldn't use it as an opportunity to pass on some personal messages to your grieving children, would you? No, the first thing you'd do would be to give a shout out to your man Quincy Jones. Then you'd mutter darkly about journalists before mumbling endless variations of the word "love" a lot too. That definitely sounds like something that Michael Jackson would do. Can't see anything wrong with that.

Derek Acorah's shtick is offensive at the best of times, but the sight of him sitting at a table with four fans - including two who were literally dressed up as Michael Jackson and one who appeared to be on the brink of emotional meltdown throughout the seance - and doing his best to goad them all into crying on live television left an especially bad taste in the mouth. Acorah's manipulation of the vulnerable was in such bad taste that it couldn't be seen as entertainment on any discernible level. It was depressing. That's all it was.

In the coming years, Michael Jackson will be endlessly repackaged and commoditised by people with all kinds of vested financial interests, but I'll be staggered if anything even comes close to Michael Jackson: The Live Seance. That's unless Sky One secures the broadcast rights to Michael Jackson: The Live Corpse-Defiling any time soon. It wouldn't be that much of a leap.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2009/nov/09/derek-acorah-michael-jackson
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Janet Jackson To Discuss Michael's Death On ABC Special

2009-11-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

Manny Pacquiao

Singer's interview with ABC News will air a day after the release of her greatest-hits album Number Ones.

Janet Jackson will be the subject of an hour-long special on November 18 that will feature her first extended sit-down interview since the death of her brother Michael back in June. Jackson will invite ABC News correspondent Robin Roberts into her home for a lengthy discussion that will air the day after Jackson's new greatest-hits compilation, Number Ones, hits stores.

The special will be the first time Janet discusses Michael Jackson's death at length in prime time, although she has addressed it briefly several times since Michael's passing on June 25. She appeared at the live televised memorial tribute to Jackson on July 7, and she addressed the audience of the BET Awards a few days after his death. "I'd just like to say, to you, Michael is an icon, to us, Michael is family," Janet said. "And he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much."

Janet also spoke to MTV about her tribute to Michael at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "He left such an impression with his style on so many different generations," she told MTV News. "To see [the dancers at the VMA tribute] try to mimic him to the T and doing an incredible job at it as if he was the one that taught them — 'No, this is how you do it' — and to see them look so close to his movement, it just touched me. It really touched me."

Janet Jackson's Number Ones feature two discs of her biggest singles, as well as the recently released track "Make Me," which is a tribute to her late brother's breakout smash "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625576/20091105/jackson_janet.jhtml
BREAKING NEWS HERE. UPDATED!

Tweance, the Twitter seance, 'contacts Michael Jackson and Kurt Cobain'

2009-10-31T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Tweance, the Twitter séance, has reported that Michael Jackson is “at peace”, and Kurt Cobain thinks Dave Grohl is a good drummer.

The Hallowe’en publicity stunt, carried out by “psychic” Jayne Wallace on behalf of a London fancy dress store, also claimed to have contacted Kurt Cobain and River Phoenix.

William Shakespeare, sadly for English Literature students hoping to get a few insights, was too weak to be contacted, apparently.

Cobain’s ghost revealed to Miss Wallace and her “psychic sisters” that Dave Grohl is a “good drummer” and that people should buy their children real guitars, rather than Guitar Hero computer games.

Likewise, we learned from the spectral Phoenix that the Viper Room, the Los Angeles club where he took a fatal drug overdose, did “great cocktails”.

The big draw, of course, was Jackson. According to Miss Wallace his spirit “was singing Heal the World” when contacted.

His shade apologised for letting down his fans by not carrying out the This Is It tour, but stopped short of offering to reimburse anyone. He also claimed to be glad to be visiting London on his astral journey, saying it is a “loving city”.

Miss Wallace signed off telling fans to "have a happy weekend now we know MJ is at peace."

Reaction in the Twittersphere was mixed. @veroshantal said: “It really made me cry, you guys!”

However, others were less complimentary. @flashboy said: “Its tastelessness was outdone only by its idiocy; both were overwhelmed by its utter desperation and lingering stench of FAIL.”

And the Twitter feed of the sceptical New Humanist magazine, @newhumanist, sounded exasperated, saying: “Utterly predictable. It shows how easily Twitter can be used to spread a marketing gimmick - especially if you know the gimmick will irritate people.”

Others chose to be diplomatic. @richpayne88 said: “I was taught that if I can't say anything nice, I shouldn't say anything at all. And I can't say anything nice about @tweance .”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/6469186/Tweance-the-Twitter-seance-contacts-Michael-Jackson-and-Kurt-Cobain.html
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Michael Jacksons This is It Movie Review

2009-10-31T00:12:00.000-07:00

There are few things in life that make your heart soar and change your perspective on the world as much as Michael Jackson did. I first met Michael in October 1978 while I was working as a photographer for the Los Angeles Film Exposition and was assigned to cover the gala West Coast premiere of The Wiz.

Michael attended the premiere and opening night party of the movie at the Plitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with the Jackson family and Diana Ross among others. He was a sweet, gentle spirit -- friendly, soft-spoken, and a consummate professional. Even then, Michael had an undeniable power and presence that only grew as he matured as a solo artist.

Seeing him first moonwalk, hearing him sing and watching him perform was an exhilarating, life altering experience. It was as if in every performance he gave us a little piece of his soul. Like his many fans, when I heard he had died tragically just days before he would have begun a series of comeback concerts in London, I felt a profound loss that I still can’t shake.

Michael Jackson was a fierce and amazing performer and This Is It reminds us of what made the King of Pop so magical and extraordinary. It offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena.

Directed by longtime collaborator and creative partner Kenny Ortega, who previously staged and designed Michael’s Dangerous and History Tours, the film chronicles the months from March through June 2009, drawing from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Michael rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

This Is It never got to be fully realized as a stage concert production, but, like a backstage pass, it affords the audience a rare and private glimpse into the last great creative process of a true genius -- a privileged look at Michael as he has never been seen before. The actual show, which Michael created and approved, involved massive stage productions and nearly two dozen set changes. In raw and candid detail, This Is It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he perfects his final show.

Michael comes across as a likeable person who is excited, inspired and nourished by the project. He’s completely in charge doing what he loves best. He projects a joyful exuberance at seeing the show and his vision come to life that’s accompanied by the razor sharp focus of a meticulous perfectionist who wants to make sure every detail is right. He has a polite way of gently insisting on exactly what he wants from his fellow artists. When he dances with a troupe of world class dancers, he’s alive and in the moment as he continually fine tunes the choreography and musical arrangements and sets an energetic pace. And, he can still belt out the tunes with a perfect pitch. There’s no lip sync here, no miming to a pre-recorded track, just his real voice – rich and vibrant.

This Is It opens in spectacular fashion with all the lights down followed by a pyrotechnic display that sizzles, cracks and pops. Next we see a video that provides glimpses and flashes of historic moments on the cultural landscape of Jackson’s lifetime that include images of Nelson Mandela, Princess Di and a Thriller-era Michael in his iconic red jacket. Then, Light Man, a CG-inspired doppelganger comes out on the gantry floating above the stage as a dazzling array of video information is displayed across its exterior. Piece by piece MJ is revealed until he emerges from Light Man and we see a dynamic Michael Jackson literally come alive on stage from his fingertips to his toes, electrifying the audience with his vibrant physicality.

Love has always been the driving force behind Michael’s artistry. For many fans, he was more than a performer. He was an icon, an inspiration, even an obsession. In turn, he genuinely appreciated his fans and was energized by them. At his London press conference earlier this year, he announced “I’ll be performing the songs my fans want to hear.” Then he punctuated it with a very heartfelt personal message just for them, “I love you. I really do. You have to know that. I love you so much, really, from the bottom of my heart.”

Undeniably, that comes across in the show that Michael and his creative team crafted. This Is It is full of the fan’s favorites -- a musical mosaic that celebrates Michael’s music, his ideas, his genius and artistry. Michael wanted to please all his fans by putting on the ultimate live show. He also saw This Is It as an opportunity to involve his children in his creative life now that they were old enough to appreciate it and he was still young enough to do it. The end result is riveting – and poignant when you realize what the London concerts could have been. I think his fans and family will be pleased.

Ortega has done a masterful job directing the movie and preserving this slice of Michael’s legacy for his fans. He resists gimmicky filmmaking techniques or the temptation to go for cheap sentimentality. Dance numbers are shot in intimate close-up and different rehearsals of the same song are intercut so that you can see the evolution of the creative process and appreciate the top notch musicianship and intricate dance work. Ortega lets us see the mistakes, the re-dos, and the collaborative exchanges between Michael and the dancers and musicians as they work out the flaws and imperfections.

The rehearsal footage is impressive – from Michael being dropped into a 1940’s film noir starring Rita Hayworth and shooting it out with Humphrey Bogart, to creating green screen visual effects for a 3-D Thriller sequence, to a production number set in the Amazon rain forest designed to raise environmental awareness. There are funny moments too like when the back-up dancers struggle to perfect the famous crotch grab. There’s also a particularly touching moment when Michael closes his eyes at the conclusion of a particularly difficult dance number and smiles when he realizes the execution was absolutely perfect.

Michael Jackson was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of our time and the last of the great song and dance men. There was something so special about him that compelled you to listen and let him hold court. I doubt we will see anyone quite like him ever again. He had a tremendous influence on popular culture. He was a huge inspiration to so many of today’s artists. He was also a generous humanitarian who was passionate about making the world a better place. He touched everybody and will forever live in our hearts.

This Is It is a terrific film. Don’t miss it while you can see Michael’s magic in theaters on a big screen.
http://www.moviesonline.ca/movie_review_detail.php?id=13917
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Inside Michael Jackson's trial 5/5

2009-10-30T05:33:00.001-07:00

Inside Michael Jackson's trial 4/5

2009-10-30T05:32:00.001-07:00

Inside Michael Jackson's trial 3/5

2009-10-30T05:02:00.001-07:00

Inside Michael Jackson's trial 2/5

2009-10-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

Inside Michael Jackson's trial 1/5

2009-10-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

This Is It: Michael Jackson Last Act

2009-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dead celebrities, big bucks

2009-10-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

This year, it's hip to be dead.

The deaths of so many celebrities in recent months have highlighted the continued public fascination with stars -- even beyond the grave -- and the booming industry surrounding dead celebs.

"It's been a crazy year," said Scott Michaels, who runs findadeath.com, a site devoted to tales of dead celebrities, as well as the "Dearly Departed Tour" in Los Angeles, California, where enthusiasts can visit sites of some of the city's most notorious deaths.

Michael Jackson - This Is It (Official Music Video) - The best video clips are right here

"It's weird because even [stars], who are already dead, like Anna Nicole Smith, are back in the news. Death has become trendy."

It's also a gold mine.

Mark Roesler, chief executive officer and chairman of CMG Worldwide -- which markets and manages several deceased celebrities (some more easily managed dead than alive) -- said fans often feel connected to stars long after they are gone.

"I think that with celebrities, we feel like we own a piece of them," he said. "It's almost like being part of the family."

That family expanded during what some have dubbed the "summer of death."

From May to September, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, David Carradine, Walter Cronkite and Patrick Swayze all died. The fascination with such celebrities can mean big bucks for their estates.

And if death is the new black, Michael Jackson is poised to become the new arbiter of style.

With the release of the documentary "Michael Jackson's This Is It," and a companion double CD, the legendary pop icon's estate stands to add millions to its coffers. Jackson will join the realm of Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger and John Lennon who rake in the cash and keep fans enthralled even from the grave.

At the end of October, Forbes releases its list of "top-earning dead celebrities." Last year's top 13 -- Elvis Presley, Charles M. Schulz, Heath Ledger, Albert Einstein, Aaron Spelling, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), John Lennon, Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, James Dean, and Marvin Gaye -- earned a combined $194 million in 2008, according to the magazine.

Not bad for a group that is unable to make personal appearances or sign autographs.

Roesler's company represents two stars on the list (Monroe and Dean) and quite a few living clients (people as varied as Scott Baio and boxer Roberto Duran) as part of its roster of more than 300 entertainment, music, sports and historical figures and organizations.

Roesler, who declined to comment on whether he or his company is working with the Jackson estate, said dead celebrities are often less risky for companies to use in marketing campaigns.

"The fact that they are deceased, it's not possible to have any more scandals. Andin today's day and age, companies are becoming less of a risk taker," Roesler said. "Even for someone like Michael Jackson, people have thrown a lot of dirt around Michael Jackson and we all know what that landscape is ... and it's unlikely that anyone is going to bring up anything that would derail any type of major promotional effort."

Some people take their fascination with dead celebrities to the outer limits.

These fans make pilgrimages to the scene of their favorite celebrity's death, their grave, and where they lived. In the case of Elvis Presley, it's the same location, which has made Graceland one of the most popular destinations in the United States.

Michaels' findadeath.com is a favored destination of those who refer to themselves as "death hags."

From visiting grave sites to collecting autopsy photos, death hags are part of a fan culture that can rival a star's fan club in life.

"Stars' lives are pretty spectacular and we followed their careers," said Michaels. "So it makes sense that we follow their deaths."

Why the attraction? Well, death is the great equalizer, said Alan W. Petrucelli, author of "Morbid Curiosity: The Disturbing Demises of the Famous and Infamous."

"It reminds us that despite all of the money, glamour and fame, [celebrities] are going to die just like we all are going to die."

Petrucelli has a collection of memorabilia which includes photos of some famous people after their deaths: singer Selena, President John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Sharon Tate and actor River Phoenix.

"Some people think it's gruesome," Petrucelli said. "People also collect memorial cards and programs if the funeral or memorial service is open to the public. The day after a celebrity dies I go on Ebay and you will see lots of different items available.

"And of course, a star's family can make money off of their likeness," Petrucelli added. "Death sells."

Karen Bard, eBay's pop culture expert, said the site sees an uptick in items related to a celebrity after their death.

Bard said the star doesn't have to be someone who is popular at the moment. While her site was flooded with Michael Jackson memorabilia after his recent death, Bard said there has also been a great deal of interest generated by the sale of the crypt above the final resting place of Marilyn Monroe, who died almost 50 years ago.

"[A death] clearly incites a buying and selling cycle in an accelerated fashion," Bard said. "We see unique things pop up that are always capturing the public's attention and there are people out there willing to buy them."

Alex Roman counts himself among the death devotees. He proudly wears his "Death Hag" t-shirt, visits Hollywood Forever Cemetery -- where several stars are buried -- and blogs about old Hollywood on his web site "Alex Living in L.A."

Roman said he loves learning the history behind the lives and deaths of celebrities, and understands the allure.

"There is a definite fascination and people are drawn to it on many levels," Roman said. "The fascination with death is that it's a frightening thing, yet it is something you are curious about. So there's that juxtaposition that makes it so interesting."

Michael's business has attracted some breathing celebrities. He said he's even given Ryan Seacrest a tour.

As the old saying goes, death is one of only two guarantees in life. And with the number of stars moving on these days, there could be more business opportunities for Michaels and those in his industry.

"God has been very generous to Dearly Departed Tours," Michaels said, laughing.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/10/27/dead.celebrities/index.html
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LaToya Jackson Reveals Michael's Kids Are In Therapy

2009-10-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Four months after the death" of their father Michael Jackson, his kids Paris, 11, Prince 12, and Blanket, 7, have turned to therapy to cope with their grief, Michael's sister LaToya Jackson tells London's Mirror newspaper.

"Prince just doesn't want to speak about it," LaToya said. "I do worry about him very much."

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Meanwhile, his sister Paris "thinks and talks about her father all the time. She's doing very well, writes a lot and she wears his shirts every day," she said. "They still smell of him and it helps her feel close to him."

Michael's youngest child, Blanket, "is just a very sad, shy little boy," LaToya said. "He cries – he really does cry. It's so painful for him. No one can bring his daddy back and it hurts so much. They all go to therapy and I truly hope Prince especially will be able to open up."

LaToya says the whole family is rallying around to raise the kids the way Michael would have wanted.

The children, who are home schooled, watch no more than two hours of television a day, limited to the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. And in an effort to keep the traditions they shared with their father, a huge Christmas celebration is being planned.

"Paris doesn't know it but she has all the makings of a star," says LaToya. "If she wants to go into showbiz I can see that happening. The boys like the idea of directing, which is what Michael wanted to do. Kids are resilient. He gave them so much love and that is helping them.”
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20315304,00.html?xid=rss-yahooheadlines
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Michael Jackson Younger Years

2009-10-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Preview of MJ movie shows him in fine voice

2009-10-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – A 12-minute clip of the new Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" shows a strong-voiced King of Pop enthusiastically practicing some of his biggest hits.

Jackson is shown warming up his vocals during a performance of "Human Nature." That's followed by Jackson running through the song in various outfits.

Later, he playfully dances with a woman as he sings "The Way You Make Me Feel," touching her thigh and holding her waist.

Jackson died June 25 at 50. He was preparing for his comeback concerts in London at the time. "This Is It" — based on rehearsals for those concerts — will premiere globally on Tuesday and run for two weeks.
NEW YORK – A 12-minute clip of the new Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" shows a strong-voiced King of Pop enthusiastically practicing some of his biggest hits.

Jackson is shown warming up his vocals during a performance of "Human Nature." That's followed by Jackson running through the song in various outfits.

Later, he playfully dances with a woman as he sings "The Way You Make Me Feel," touching her thigh and holding her waist.

Jackson died June 25 at 50. He was preparing for his comeback concerts in London at the time. "This Is It" — based on rehearsals for those concerts — will premiere globally on Tuesday and run for two weeks.
NEW YORK – A 12-minute clip of the new Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" shows a strong-voiced King of Pop enthusiastically practicing some of his biggest hits.

Jackson is shown warming up his vocals during a performance of "Human Nature." That's followed by Jackson running through the song in various outfits.

Later, he playfully dances with a woman as he sings "The Way You Make Me Feel," touching her thigh and holding her waist.

Jackson died June 25 at 50. He was preparing for his comeback concerts in London at the time. "This Is It" — based on rehearsals for those concerts — will premiere globally on Tuesday and run for two weeks.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091022/ap_en_ot/us_michael_jackson_movie;_ylt=AqGTQX.arB40DMrE6Upp_rFxFb8C;_ylu=X3oDMTJwcWVqMnI1BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMDIyL3VzX21pY2hhZWxfamFja3Nvbl9tb3ZpZQRjcG9zAzIEcG9zAzUEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yeQRzbGsDcHJldmlld29mbWpt
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May Be Inappropriate For Kids

2009-10-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

It appears that the question of whether or not Michael Jackson's children will escape the limelight will forever loom over the heads of the members of the Jackson family. Immediately following the King of Pop's death in June, his father, Joe Jackson, was asked if he anticipated show business futures for his grandchildren. Then, Papa Joe could not offer a straight answer, and that same uncertainty remains today.

When asked if Michael's children, Paris, Prince Michael, and Prince Michael II, will be featured in the reality show tentatively titled, "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty," representatives for A&E said they were unsure, reported AP. The series will star Michael's brothers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, and Marlon, following the tragic death of their world renowned sibling..

According to the network, it is too early to determine which family members would appear on the show. They added that it is possible that the brothers would come in contact with family members "who may be included in the finished series." It is interesting, however, that the network did not definitely rule out the children appearing on the show..

Considering that the kids have been in the press since their father's passing, and Paris even spoke at the memorial, it appears likely that they will end up on the show in some capacity. One thing is for sure. If the kids do appear on "The Jacksons," and happen to be captured singing or dancing, they would surely make Grandpapa Joe proud. But let's hope that these kids avoid such media attention..

Prince Michael and Paris' biological mom, Deborah Rowe, does not have a say in the matter. She has visitation rights, but not custody. Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, is their legal guardian. But Debbie isn't too happy with a woman who told "Extra" in July that Debbie emailed her, saying that she did not want custody of Prince Michael and Paris..

Debbie has filed a $500,000 defamation and invasion-of-privacy lawsuit against the Florida woman, Rebecca White. Debbie is seeking to be compensated for any money Rebecca received for conducting the interview as well as sums for emotional distress, medical and attorney's fees, and punitive damages..

A hearing is scheduled in November, and Rebecca has not responded..

In one additional piece of Michael Jackson news this week, a bit of the mystery surrounding Michael's new "This Is It" song was revealed. Epic Records unveiled the song Monday at midnight EST on MichaelJackson.com. The song features background vocals from Michael's brothers and offered an old school Michael sound. But the origins of the song were not revealed.

However, later Monday it was announced that the song was co-written by former '50 and ‘60s teen pop star Paul Anka. The song was reportedly written in 1983, but was recorded in the early ‘90s by the artist Sa-Fire. Her rendition of the song is called "I Never Heard."
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/thatsreallyweek/57293/oct-12-18-may-be-inappropriate-for-kids-neighborsdancers/
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Michael Jackson's ex-wife seeking $500K in lawsuit

2009-10-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES – A Florida woman who told a television interviewer that Michael Jackson's ex-wife was only interested in getting money from the singer's family and wasn't interested in gaining custody of her two children is being sued.

In a filing last week, Deborah Rowe's attorneys said the mother of Jackson's two oldest children should be awarded $490,000 in general and punitive damages.

Rowe sued Rebecca White in July for White's comments to the television show "Extra." White hasn't responded to the lawsuit and Rowe is seeking a default judgment against the Key West, Fla. resident.

Rowe's defamation and invasion-of-privacy lawsuit sought to recoup any money that White may have been paid for the interview, which aired in July. Rowe's attorneys estimated those earnings at $100,000 on a court filing.

They are also seeking $100,000 for emotional distress, $45,000 for medical and attorney's fees and $245,000 in punitive damages.

A hearing on Rowe's petition to issue a default judgment against White is scheduled for November.

Rowe has some visitation rights with the two children under an August agreement with the singer's mother. No money is believed to have changed hands in the arrangement.

Stories aired by "Extra" were based on White's description of e-mails she said were exchanged with Rowe after Jackson's June 25 death. Rowe, 50, denies she sent any recent e-mails to White.

White was described in the segments as a "close friend" who said Rowe had emphatically stated in an e-mail exchange that she didn't want custody of Jackson's children. Rowe's attorneys have denied that White and Rowe are friends.
source:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091017/ap_en_ce/us_people_debbie_rowe_lawsuit;_ylt=Ap3aRV_2P5.m7IwEFC._xmwnHL8C;_ylu=X3oDMTE1MnMyaW01BHBvcwMzBHNlYwN5bi1jaGFubmVsBHNsawNtaWNoYWVsamFja3M-
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Michael Jackson clan in uproar over his kids' appearance on reality TV series

2009-10-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's kids — Prince, Paris and Blanket — will appear on the A&E reality TV series, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty, Us Weekly reports.

The upcoming reality show about the Jackson family already has 23 cast members, but the participation of the late Jackson's kids has divided the famous clan.

The eldest Jackson sister, Rebbie, told the magazine, she "feels Michael would spin in his grave if he knew his kids would be on this show."

Rebbie has reportedly refused to appear on the show, which will air as either five hour-long episodes or 10 half-hour episodes. But according to Us Weekly, other members of the family are taking a more positive spin on MJ's kids' involvement. Janet Jackson is "on board," Us reports, and family matriarch Katherine "is just going along with things."

The show, which began production two months before Michael Jackson's death, was originally meant to document Jackson brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy as they worked towards a possible Jackson 5 reunion.

After Michael's death this summer, New York Daily News reports that there was a break in filming, though they resumed in the late summer.

"(They've) done a great job opening up about losing a brother," executive producer Jodi Gomes said of the Jackson Family series.

How can Michael Jackson be Artist of the Year?

2009-10-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson has been nominated in five categories for the 2009 American Music Awards.

A very special achievement by the late singer, I’m sure you’ll agree – seeing as, aside from the soggily indifferent single This Is It, he hasn’t actually given us much new music this year. What with being dead for a fair chunk of it.

In the Favourite Album categories for both Pop/Rock and Soul/R&B nestles Jackson’s compilation Number Ones. Release date: six years ago.

Jackson himself is listed as a candidate for Pop/Rock Favourite Male Artist, Soul/R&B Favourite Male Artist, and outright Artist of the Year. In that last category he’s up against Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Eminem, all of whom have the unfair advantage over Jackson of having released new albums and/or played concerts in 2009. As the awards are voted for by the American public, however, I’m sure we can count on Jackson to overcome that obstacle and win every gong going.

I love a lot of Michael Jackson’s music. He was one of the most talented singers and dancers pop has seen. But I’m not sure what the American Music Awards are doing here, other than congratulating him for dying. It’s pure sentimentality.

At the American Music Awards ceremony in 1996, incidentally, the title of Favourite Artist of the Year went to the godawful country-slush singer Garth Brooks. Brooks turned the award down. Why? Because, he said, he didn’t agree with the decision. His latest album hadn’t sold as well as his previous ones and he hadn’t played a gig all year. As Brooks put it later, “I just kept saying to myself: ‘Man, I don’t deserve this’.”

(Mind you, Brooks did accept the awards for Favourite Male Country Artist and Favourite Country Album, which somewhat diminishes the humbleness of his stance.)

If Michael Jackson wins any American Music Awards this year, he sadly won’t be available to turn them down in person. Perhaps someone could do the decent thing and turn them down for him.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/michaeldeacon/100013531/how-can-michael-jackson-be-artist-of-the-year/

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Connick speaks about Jackson skit

2009-10-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

Harry Connick Jr has said he did the right thing by expressing his outrage at a skit that parodied the Jackson Five.

The star was a guest judge on Australian variety TV show Hey Hey It's Saturday and was visibly upset by the performance - in which four men with afro wigs and blacked-up faces sang and danced behind a Michael Jackson impersonator wearing white face make-up - and gave it a zero.

The 42-year-old actor and singer said: "I'm pleased with the way I handled the situation - I handled it in exactly the manner I thought was appropriate."

Hey Hey It's Saturday host Daryl Somers apologised to Connick Jr at the end of the live show.

The star said in response: "I just want to say, on behalf of my country, I know it was done humorously, but we've spent so much time trying to not make black people look like buffoons, that when we see something like that we take it really to heart."

Speaking in Hong Kong, where he was promoting his new album Your Songs, Connick Jr said he cancelled an autograph session and interviews in Sydney after the show to let the controversy die down.

"It was very hot. It was a subject that was very, very controversial. So we just decided to take a couple of days off. I wasn't worried about physical harm," he said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jifX7TsHg4oV8o775Ry8gq8I1YLQ

Michael Jackson earns American Music Awards nod

2009-10-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – Michael Jackson has a chance to win artist of the year posthumously at the American Music Awards.

The pop superstar, who died on June 25, was among a diverse group of artists nominated Tuesday for the top honor. Country star Taylor Swift, rapper Eminem, breakthrough rockers Kings of Leon and flamboyant pop star Lady Gaga were the other nominees.

Swift topped all artists with six nominations. She drew inadvertent attention at the MTV Video Music Awards last month when rapper Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech to say Beyonce deserved the award instead.

Jackson followed Swift with five nominations and Eminem received four.

Winners are determined by an online vote of fans and will be announced at a Los Angeles ceremony televised by ABC on Nov. 22. The nominees were selected through a measurement combining sales and radio airplay.

Jackson was also nominated as favorite male artist along with Eminem and imprisoned rapper T.I. The late singer's "Number Ones" album was nominated for favorite album, along with Lady Gaga's "Fame" and Swift's "Fearless."

T.I. was nominated for favorite male rap star, and his "Paper Trail" disc was nominated for favorite rap album of the year. T.I. won two trophies last weekend at the BET Hip-Hop awards but could not attend the show because he is an Arkansas penitentiary on a federal weapons conviction.

Favorite female artist nominees were Lady Gaga, Swift and Beyonce.

Black Eyed Peas, nominated for best duo or group along with Kings of Leon and Nickelback, will perform on the show. Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lopez are also scheduled for performances. "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert will use the show to debut songs from his upcoming album.

Swift also has a chance to win best country album, best adult contemporary artist and best female country artist. Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood are also in the running for best female country artist.
source:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091013/ap_on_en_mu/us_music_ama_nominations_3
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Blogosphere

2009-10-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from the blogs of Inquirer critics.

The new Michael Jackson song: 'This Is It'
From Dan DeLuca's "In the Mix"
www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inthemix/

Unfortunately, this is by no means it.

In fact, it's only the beginning. Michael Jackson's life as an after-death recording artist is under way with "This Is It," the "new" song - which actually came into existence under a different name 26 years ago - that was released in a streaming version on MichaelJackson.com on Monday.

Will the posthumous profiteering over Jackson's corpse be entirely coarse and crass? Almost certainly. It's not really fair to come to that conclusion solely on the basis of this thin though perfectly pleasant song, which was probably recorded for (and left off of) 1991's Dangerous. But the song was originally written by Jackson and Paul Anka, of all people, all the way back in 1983, when it went by the title "I Never Heard."

The provenance is complicated. Anka's been well-paid as a songwriter through a career that's included compositions such as Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and the theme to Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show, not to mention "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and "Having My Baby." After squawking to TMZ.com that he'd been ripped off, Anka seems happy now that the Jackson estate has given him a 50 percent stake in the song. "It was an honest mistake," he says.

But the marketing is straightforward. "This Is It" is the first unreleased Jacko out of the box because, out of the hundreds of recordings he left in the vault when he died, it's the one that lent itself to a punchy sales campaign. "This Is It" was the name hung on the 50 shows at London's O2 arena that Jackson was rehearsing for when he died on June 25, and, surely, the tour that would have followed had he survived that grueling run.

More to the point, it's the name of the documentary with rehearsal footage shot in Los Angeles earlier this year that will open nationwide in theaters on Oct. 28 for a two-week run.

"This Is It" is also the first unreleased Jackson to see the light of day because it presents an easily accessible, modestly catchy ballad that projects a measure of the save-the-world innocence that keeps the more unpleasant aspects of Jackson's late career conveniently locked away.

Back when the song was still called "I Never Heard," it was released, in 1991 - with Jackson's blessing, apparently - in a percolating, sort-of sexy version by Safire, a Puerto Rican dance-pop songstress who presumably will be resurfacing any second now.

The Jackson version of the song largely whitewashes out the funky elements, though it does have a trace of his trademark hiccuping vocal mannerisms that can still grab your attention. It's a piano-and-strings soarer that includes finger-snaps and creamy backup vocals from his brothers, as well as a trace of signature Jackson megalomania. In Safire's version the song goes, "In the light of the world, love is grand," but Michael sings, "I'm the light of the world, I feel grand." A crucial, familiarly solipsistic difference.

All in all, not terrible, but not terribly promising when it comes to anticipating the archives yet to be unpacked. After a half-dozen listens, I'm not completely sick of it yet - though I've had it up to here with the 30-second movie trailer that you'll be forced to endure when you stream the song.

NBC show signs ex-Gilmore Girl
From Jonathan Storm's "Eye of the Storm"
www.philly.com/philly/blogs/storm

Making the best of a tough situation:

Maura Tierney, one of the the good ones on TV, is forced to drop out of NBC's promising Parenthood to devote all her energy to fighting breast cancer.

But, the Hollywood Reporter confirms, producers have signed Lauren Graham for the first-among-equals role as - get this - a financially strapped single mother who turns to her parents (Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia) for help, in this sprawling family drama with plenty of comic touches. Maybe they'll cast Alexis Bledel as an extra sibling. Graham's character already has three; another one wouldn't take up much space.

Thank goodness the first choice, drippy Helen Hunt, couldn't come to terms. (OK, she's not that drippy, but the former Lorelai Gilmore is way better, and maybe now Graham will have a chance to win the Emmy she should have gotten for the beloved WB show.)

Now all we have to do is hold our breath to see whether NBC will still manage to screw up this remake of Ron Howard and Brian Grazer's 1989 movie. The two are also executive-producing the TV show, along with writer/creator Jasim Katims (Friday Night Lights, Roswell). No premiere date, yet.

Minnesota Orchestra hires Sarah Hicks
From Peter Dobrin's "ArtsWatch"
www.philly.com/philly/blogs/artswatch

Sarah Hicks succeeds Doc Severinsen as the Minnesota Orchestra's principal conductor of pops and presentations. The Curtis Institute of Music grad starts her new four-year post immediately. Hicks joined the orchestra as assistant conductor in 2006...

We hate to bring this up, but it just keeps happening. The Berlin Philharmonic's prediction for when Simon Rattle would sign his contract has come and gone - again. September was their latest prediction. Rattle and the orchestra affirmed their commitment to each other more than a year ago, and yet it's still not in writing. For what it's worth, the orchestra now says the contract will be signed this month.
source: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/magazine/20091014_Blogosphere.html
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Funny thing about Michael Jackson's episode

2009-10-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

Al Jean still remembers the day he worked with Michael Jackson on The Simpsons 1991 episode Stark Raving Dad, in which Jackson -- under the pseudonym John Jay Smith -- performed the speaking voice of Leon Kompowsky, "a big white guy who thinks he's a little black guy."

Jackson, a longtime Simpsons fan, had called executive-producer James L. Brooks out of the blue, Jean told Canwest News Service and offered to do a guest-voice role.

Brooks came up with the initial idea of an overweight mental patient who thinks he's Michael Jackson, then asked Jean and Jean's co-writer at the time, Mike Reiss, to write the script.

"Like a lot of things involving Michael, it was full of mystery and intrigue," Jean recalled of his experience. "Musically, there was no doubt he was a genius. I'm not the first person to say that. But it was also probably the most high-pressure assignment of my life, except for doing The Simpsons Movie."

Jackson wouldn't commit to doing the episode until the actual table read, Jean recalled.

"Which is the only time that's happened in the history of The Simpsons."

The table read was at the house of Michael Jackson's agent at the time. Jackson was there, but one of the cast members -- Jean wouldn't say who -- was half an hour late in arriving.

"So we're just sitting there in silence, very nervously," Jean said. "Then, finally, we have everyone there, and we start to read. And we come to his lines, and -- thank God -- he laughs."

The following Monday, Jackson suddenly stipulated that he wanted a sound-alike to do the singing in the episode. He would record his own dialogue, though.

Oookay, Jean thought. That's a little -- weird. But, what the hey, it's Michael Jackson. Roll with it.

The singing chores fell to singer-songwriter Kipp Lennon, lead singer at the time for a rock band called Venice. Jackson thought Lennon was hilarious, Jean recalled. Cue a sigh of relief.

Then, things got complicated.

Jackson wrote the song Happy Birthday Lisa, which appears in the episode, Jean confirmed, and was later included in the album Songs in the Key of Springfield.

"Singing in the show is Kipp," Jean explained. "Speaking in the show is Michael. And the song, Happy Birthday Lisa, was written by Michael, but sung by Kipp."

Got all that?

The Fox network repeated the episode shortly after Jackson's sudden death on June 25 of heart failure.

Jean said he wanted to look at the episode again before it aired.

"I wanted to make sure it was OK," he explained. "We had to make one fix, but it had nothing to do with Michael. There was a phone number there that is now a real phone number, so we had to blot that out digitally. Otherwise, it was unchanged."

Looking back after Jackson's death was hard, Jean admitted.

"I'd met him briefly when we did the episode, but I wouldn't say I knew him well. Obviously so much happened between then and now that, when you watch the episode, you can't help but have mixed feelings. I think he was brilliant. And he was very nice to us. He was a genius, but clearly a troubled guy. It's sad the way it ended, and it's sad he's not with us here today."

http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Funny+thing+about+Michael+Jackson+episode/2031436/story.html

Now Streaming, New Michael Jackson Song “This Is It” Exclusively

2009-10-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

PAUL ANKA SAYS MIJAC RIPPED OFF HIS SONG: Singer says 'This is It' copies his 1983 joint 'I Never Heard.'

2009-10-13T01:34:00.000-07:00

It's already starting. Within hours of its 12 a.m. Monday premiere on the Internet, there is already an accusation of plagiarism surrounding Michael Jackson's new single "This Is It."

Singer-songwriter Paul Anka believes the King of Pop's tune rips off a 1983 song he co-wrote with Jackson called "I Never Heard." He tells TMZ that the song was even recorded in his studio in Carmel, Calif.

TMZ reported: Anka says he took the tape to a studio in Hollywood to put the finishing touches on it for Anka's duets album, "Walk a Fine Line." Anka claims Jackson -- who was just blowing up at the time with "Thriller" -- got a big head and "stole the tapes" from the studio.

Anka tells us he called the lawyers who repped both he and Jackson -- ironically one of them was John Branca -- and threatened them with a lawsuit if he didn't get the tapes back. Anka got them back but insists Jackson made a copy of the tapes and used the track with his voice from "I Never Heard" -- and simply retitled it, "This is It."

Anka gave "I Never Heard" to another artist -- Safire -- who recorded it in 1990. Anka tells us he's talking with his lawyers about his legal options.
source:http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur56674.cfm
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"New" Michael Jackson single appears old

2009-10-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES/LONDON (Reuters) – Michael Jackson's new single "This Is It" was released online and on radio on Monday but fans and music experts quickly spotted striking similarities to an 18-year-old recording.

"This Is It" was promoted as a new Jackson recording and was released around the world nearly four months after the "king of pop" died in Los Angeles of a prescription drug overdose at the age of 50.

It will be available to buy as part of a two-disc album that hits the shelves internationally on October 26 and in North America on October 27 to coincide with the global limited release of the Jackson rehearsal footage movie "This is It" on October 28.

Fans said the "This Is It" song has the same melody and almost identical lyrics to a little-known 1991 recording by Puerto Rican singer SaFire. A version of the SaFire song, called "I Never Heard," was posted on YouTube on Monday.

In Los Angeles, 1960s teen idol and songwriter Paul Anka told celebrity web site TMZ.com that he had written the song with Jackson in 1983, and that Jackson himself had recorded it under the title "I Never Heard" in the early 1990s.

Sony Music's Columbia/Epic Label Group and executors of Jackson's estate did not immediately return calls for comment.

But TMZ.com quoted executor John Branca as saying, "We acknowledge that Michael and Paul wrote this song together."

Anka told the website that those handling Jackson's estate had apologized for "ripping off my song."

The "This Is It track, which features backing vocals by Jackson's brothers, opens with a soft, soulful introduction and the lines: "This is it, here I stand/I'm the light of the world, I feel grand."

Jackson's other executor, John McClain, who is also a co-producer of the "This is It" album, had said in a statement on Monday that the song "only defines, once again, what the world already knows -- that Michael is one of God's greatest gifts."

Some critics begged to differ. Jon Pareles, the chief pop critic of The New York Times, said in a blog it "won't be on anyone's list of best Michael Jackson songs, even if it's a long list" and hoped there was something better in the Michael Jackson vaults of album outtakes.

The "This Is It" movie is based on rehearsal video shot in Los Angeles in the weeks before Jackson's planned 50 comeback concerts in London. It was the subject of a $60 million deal between Jackson's estate and concert promoter AEG Live and Sony Pictures.

Sales of Jackson's records spiked after his death and the release of the movie and album will add to the value of the "Thriller" singer's estate, estimated at around $400 million.

Sony Music said the first disc of the album will feature some of Jackson's greatest hits plus two versions of the "new" single.

The second disc will include unreleased versions of some of the singer's classic tracks and a spoken word poem entitled "Planet Earth" performed by Jackson and never heard before.

Sony Pictures and Sony Music are units of Sony Corp.
source:http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091013/ts_nm/us_jackson
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'It's up to us to keep Michael Jackson's legacy alive'

2009-10-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

For musician Jermaine Jackson, elder brother to the late Michael Jackson, his ongoing visit to Mumbai represents the culmination of a decades-old fascination with India.

"India is a part of my life and soul," he explains. "The food I've loved for many years, the unbelievable fashion and the beautiful music are all things I've always admired. It's great to be a part of this wonderful spirit and culture. It's amazing."

Here in Mumbai since October 2 to record a song and shoot a music video with long-time friend Adnan Sami, Jackson has already fallen head over heels for the city.

"Mumbai is such an incredible city, with this tremendous, unique vibe. I'm having a ball here. It's everything I thought it would be and more," he says.

So incredible is Mumbai, in fact, that he's already planning for the city to feature in an upcoming world-wide tour that will commemorate his late brother Michael, who passed away June 25 at the age of 50.

"I know that Michael is in God's hands now. It's up to us as a family to keep his legacy alive, in a dignified way," he says in his trademark soft-spoken manner, which uncannily resembles that of his younger brother.

http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/oct/12/slide-show-1-interview-with-jermaine-jackson.htm

Michael Jackson's single 'This Is It' dates to a 1983 collaboration with Paul Anka

2009-10-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

Though officially released less than 24 hours ago, Michael Jackson's first posthumous single, "This Is It," has turned out to not be so new after all. After rampant speculation Monday that the song has decades-old roots, a representative to the special administrators for the Jackson estate has confirmed that "This Is It" was originally co-written with Paul Anka in the early '80s.

Anka tells Pop & Hiss that he recorded two songs with Jackson in 1983, both intended for Anka's 1983 album "Walk a Fine Line." One of them, "I Never Heard," contains the identical vocal and piano line heard on "This Is It," Anka said.

Anka said that in the hours since he first heard the song today he had reached a deal to receive half the publishing royalties. He repeatedly called the situation an "honest mistake."

Anka said he was tipped off to the song when he received a call from TMZ's managing editor Harvey Levin, who was inquiring about the song's similarities to a 1991 cut Anka gave to Latin artist Sa-Fire. Jackson and Anka shared a songwriting credit on her version of "I Never Heard."

"I said, 'I don’t know what you’re talking about yet, but let me check it,' " Anka recalled. "I listened, and there were no similarities; it was the same damn song."

The song takes it name from what would have been Jackson's comeback tour this summer, and will now serve as the title track to a concert film and accompanying album. The film arrives for a limited two-week run on Oct. 28, and the album will be released in North America on Oct. 27.

“The song was picked because the lyrics were appropriate because of the name Michael gave his tour," said a spokesman for special administrators for the Jackson estate John McClain and John Branca. "We are thrilled to present this song in Michael's voice for the first time, and that Michael’s fans have responded in unprecedented numbers. The song was co-written by the legendary Paul Anka.“

Canadian artist Anka came out swinging on Monday, threatening to sue the Jackson estate in comments made to TMZ and the New York Times. He didn't mince words when speaking to the New York Times. “They have a major, major problem on their hands,” he is quoted as saying. “They will be sued if they don’t correct it.”

It's not the first time Anka has had to have conversations with lawyers regarding the song. He said his relationship with Jackson grew strained after "Thriller" became an international hit, and he had to fight to regain control of the tapes to his recording sessions with the artist.

"I took the tapes over to a studio on Sunset Boulevard," Anka recalled about working with the star in 1983, "and Michael was supposed to meet me there so we can go to the next phase of the duets. I go to work, and I am informed by the studio that Michael had sent one of his people over and took the tapes. They stole them. I said, ‘What?’ He didn’t want to do the project anymore."

Anka said there was no such drama today. He said he heard from the special administrators to the Jackson estate around 2 p.m. "They said, ‘Look, we get it. We made a huge mistake. Please, we apologize. Don’t throw an injunction. We understand that this is your song.’ I said I wasn't going to hold them up, and wanted what was right, and that’s 50 percent," Anka said. "That was my vocal. That was nothing new for Michael."

Yet the version released late Sunday/early Monday features some new flourishes, namely backing vocals from Jackson's brothers. The latter were added to the mix after Jackson's death on June 25, sources familiar with the song's production confirm, and did not exist in any prior form of the song.

Lyrically and melodically, "This Is It" is nearly identical to a song recorded and released by Latin artist Sa-Fire in 1991. Times critic Ann Powers discussed the similarity in a posting earlier today on Pop & Hiss, writing that the version released by Sony Music Entertainment last night "lacks the popping bass and round-the-way funkiness of Sa-Fire's interpretation, instead residing firmly in the realm of worship music as the King of Pop imagined it."

Anka, who is currently working on a book for release next September, said he had limited interactions with Jackson after the meeting in 1983. He said he recently was listening to the vocals on the songs he recorded with the pop star in the early '80s and was thinking of way to repurpose them.

"I was going to go in and do a duet with him and another artist because I own that track," Anka said. "I was having dialogue with [producer] David Foster, who’s a friend. I was going to take that track and do exactly what they did with somebody else ... But I love what they've done and I do think it's an honest mistake."

The other song to emerge from Anka’s session with Jackson was a song called “Love Never Felt So Good,” which is available online in demo form and was ultimately released by Johnny Mathis.

source:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/10/michael-jacksons-single-this-is-it-a-collaboration-with-paul-anka-confirms-jackson-team.html
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Unreleased Michael Jackson Song Features Background Vocals From Brothers

2009-10-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

Be sure to take a box of Kleenex with you when you see Michael Jackson's "This Is It." Expect people to be crying when watching Michael's posthumous concert film which hits the big screen on Wednesday, October 28..

Michael Jackson Rehearsal Footage Two Days Before Death - Watch a hd movie here

If seeing footage of a healthy Michael effortlessly firing through production numbers just days before his death does not tug on the heart strings of fans, hearing his previously unreleased song, "This Is It," during the film's closing credits will definitely evoke emotion. The song was released Monday at midnight on MichaelJackson.com.

The song's opening lines are prophetic, as they succinctly summarize what the late King of Pop represents to his global listeners:.

"This is it, here I stand
I'm the light of the world I feel grand
This love
I can feel
And I know yet we're sure it is real".

For a second, you feel as though Michael recorded this track for this very moment. The lyrics are actually about gently ending a relationship with a lover.

A regular and orchestra version of the compositon appears on the "This Is It" album released internationally on October 26 and in North America on October 27. The rendition featured on the MichaelJackson.com website is a classic Michael ballad. The music is soft and complimentary. The electric and bass guitars, violins, and piano are light, not over produced..

Michael's voice shines through, displaying the passion he did on "She's Out Of My Life," "Heal The World," and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You.".

Hearing his brothers' perfect subtle supporting harmony sweetens the offering in typical Jackson 5 form..

This song makes us miss him that much more..

Disc 1 of the 2-CD set includes a compilation of hits. Disc 2 includes demo recordings of "She Out Of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," and "Beat It.".

See "This Is It" album complete tracklisting below:

Disc 01.

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
"Jam"
"They Don't Care About Us"
"Human Nature"
"Smooth Criminal"
"The Way You Make Me Feel"
"Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)"
"I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
"Thriller"
"Beat It"
"Black Or White"
"Earth Song"
"Billie Jean"
"Man In The Mirror"
"This Is It"
"This Is It (Orchestra Version)".

Disc 02
"She's Out Of My Life (Demo)"
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (Demo)"
"Beat It (Demo)"
"Planet Earth (Poem)"
source: http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/225362/unreleased-michael-jackson-song-features-background-vocals-from-brothers/
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