The Jackson’s attend court hearing
Janet Jackson and her brother Randy Jackson arrive at Dr. Murrary's court hearing. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's death. (AP photo by Nick Ut)
Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson arrive at Dr. Murrary's court hearing. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's death. (AP photo by Nick Ut)
Janet Jackson and her brother Randy Jackson arrive at Dr. Murrary's court hearing. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's death. (AP photo by Nick Ut)
Janet Jackson and her brother Randy Jackson arrive at Dr. Murrary's court hearing. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's death. (AP photo by Nick Ut)
Michael Jackson’s new record deal
Michael Jackson during a concert in 1988. (AP Photo/Cliff Schiappa)
Pop singer Michael Jackson is still making it rain with dollars bills even from beyond the grave.
Jackson’s estate scored the biggest recording deal in history, according to Billboard magazine.
The record deal is worth $200 to $250 million for 10 music projects during the next seven years. The projects include video compilations, unreleased songs, DVD’s and a re-release of Jackson’s “Off The Wall” album.
Since Jackson is no longer here, the money will go to his children, his mother and the executors of his estate.
Jackson was swimming in debt when he died, so some of the money probably will be used to pay some of his creditors who have filed claims against him.
Michael Jackson’s bodyguards speak
Three of Michael Jackson’s bodyguard appeared on “Good Morning America” and told what MJ was really like behind closed doors.
They said MJ’s life was full of “stress, parnoia and pain.” They said they don’t believe Jackson was pedophile, and he used to make out with multiple women. They also said he wasn’t as weird as the public thinks.
One bodyguard said he had “desires of women like we do. He had lovers. In the cars that we had, we had a curtain that covered the back seat…you couldn’t see in the back seat. They talked back there. They didn’t do nothing out of bounds. You can hear the kissing,”
The interview clips are posted below. The remaining interview footage will air March 10 on ABC.
Michael Jackson’s doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter
Michael Jackson fans have been impatiently waiting for more than seven months for this day to occur.
Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray was charged Monday with a count of involuntary manslaughter. If he’s convicted, he faces up to four years in prison.
Jackson died June 25. He’s accused of giving Jackson propofol and other sedatives to help him sleep. Those drugs eventually lead to Jackson’s death.
Grammy tribute to Michael Jackson
Usher and Carrie Underwood performed during a Michael Jackson tribute at the Grammys (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
One of the segments during the Grammys Sunday night included a tribute to the late Michael Jackson in 3-D.
A video played on the screen while Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Usher and Smokey Robinson performed Jackson’s “Earth Song.”
It was a great vocal performance from the musicians who participated in the tribute.
However, I was disappointed that Grammy producers chose a laid-back approach.
The Grammys billed the segment as a tribute to Michael Jackson. It was a tribute, but it wasn’t the type of tribute I expected.
At previous award shows, when they gave a tribute to MJ, it included dance segments where artists would perform Jackson’s dance moves. It was high energy, and the audience stayed on their feet.
The MJ tribute at the MTV Awards and the BET Awards are a perfect example of how a tribute should have been done.
The Grammy tribute seemed too subdued. Maybe it was because the Grammys are supposed to be reserved.
Meanwhile, the best part of the tribute was at the end when two of Jackson’s children spoke.
The video clip of the tribute is posted below.
Michael Jackson tribute at the Grammy’s
Grammy organizers are taking a Michael Jackson tribute to another level. They are planning the king of all tributes at this year’s ceremony.
According to the Grammy Web site, a 3-D video of Jackson’s “Earth Song” will be played at the Grammy awards.
Viewers can obtain free 3-D glasses Jan. 24-31 at Target stores.
Several musicians, including Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson will perform during a tribute to Jackson.
Yes, Carrie Underwood will perform during the segment. I’m not sure what Underwood could possibly do during a Jackson tribute, but we shall see. Maybe she’ll moonwalk or do the “Thriller” dance.
It should be interesting. The show will air Jan. 31 on the CBS network.
Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” coming to DVD
Michael Jackson's dancers wrote on a "This Is It" movie poster. ((AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” film will be available on DVD and Blu-ray Jan. 26. Fans can pre-order the movie at Amazon.com.
The film features behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson’s concerts he was preparing for before he died last summer. I usually don’t give movies free promotion, but this film was excellent when I saw it in theaters.
I recommend everyone watch the movie even if you never were an MJ fan. The film shows his series of concerts were going to be the greatest concerts ever performed on Earth. If you don’t believe me, then watch the movie.
Click here to pre-order a copy.
Spike Lee creates Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” music video
Legendary film director Spike Lee put together a pictorial music video tribute to the late Michael Jackson. The video is for Michael song titled “This Is It” which was released along with the film of the same title.
The video features photos and video footage of Jackson throughout his career. The video is a touching and sad reminder that the King of Pop is no longer here. The video clip is posted below.
Lee previously worked with Jackson for his music video “They Don’t Care About Us” during the 1990s.
Michael Jackson’s movie to be released on DVD
Michael Jackson fans who didn’t get to see “This Is It” in movie theaters can watch the film on their television screens beginning next month.
Sony announced “This Is It” will be available on DVD Jan. 26. The DVD also will feature more than 90 minutes of bonus footage that wasn’t shown in theaters.
“This Is It” grossed $71.8 million in the U.S. and $168 million overseas. I was one of the fans who watched the film in theaters on its opening day.
Based on the behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson’s concert rehearsals, it looked like this was going to be the most entertaining concert in history.
Michael Jackson’s white glove sold to highest bidder
(AP Photo/Cliff Schiappa)
When the late Michael Jackson debuted the moonwalk dance move during Motown Record’s 25th anniversary televised concert, he wore a sparkling white glove while he slid across the stage.
The white glove became Jackson’s trademark throughout most of his career. Many fans around the world began wearing a white glove when they tried to emulate the pop star.
Now, one person is the lucky winner who gets to own the original glove that Jackson used during his performance. The glove was given to Hoffman Ma (of Hong Kong) during an auction. Hoffman paid a whopping $420,000 for the famous glove, according to the Associated Press.
Several of Jackson’s belongings were auctioned at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City… I wonder who got the red jacket and the surgical masks????
Janet Jackson blames doctor for Michael’s death
Michael Jackson accepted an award at the 1984 Grammy's with his sisters on stage (from left) Rebbie, Janet and La Toya Jackson (AP photo by Doug Pizac)
Janet Jackson during a pre-Oscar party in 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Pop music legend Janet Jackson is speaking out against her brother Michael Jackson’s doctor. In an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, Janet said she blames Dr. Conrad Murray for Michael’s death.
She said Murray “was the one that was administering propofol. I think he is responsible.”
Although I agree Dr. Murray deserves some of the blame for Michael’s death because he administered propofol, it’s not entirely his fault. Michael willingly took the drug because he was a drug addict. He suffered from an addiction to medication, and that’s what killed him.
He hired Dr. Murray to travel with him and serve as his full-time doctor so he could have easy acess to prescription drugs.
Michael was a genius in the music industry. He made the right decisions when it came to his music, his dancing and his videos. But when it came to decisions in his personal life, Michael was negligent, and that negligence is what killed him.
In excerpts released by ABC News, Janet also describes how she found out Michael died.
“I was at my house in New York. You know, another day, another morning. And I get a call. My assistant said, ‘Your brother’s been taken to the hospital. It’s on CNN right now,’ I called everyone. There’s a line busy or someone wasn’t picking up. I spoke to mother. I spoke to Tito. I spoke to my nephew Austin. I spoke to my sister La Toya. I told them to call me when they got to the hospital, and I remember thinking nobody’s calling me back, so I tried calling again, and that’s how I found out that he was no longer. I couldn’t believe it It just didn’t ring true to me. It felt like a dream.”
Janet’s full interview will air Nov. 18 on ABC.
A breakdown of Michael Jackson’s funeral costs
(AP Photo/Kevin Mazur)
Michael Jackson had the most lavish funeral service I’ve ever seen. Actually, he had two services. The first service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and the second service was at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale.
Unsealed court records show about $1 million was spent on his funeral at Forest Lawn. The estimated cost of the funeral service is listed below (via Billboard)
$855,730 for burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery
$35,000 for burial clothes
$21,455 for a funeral repast at a restaurant
$11,000 for invitations and programs
$15,000 for a funeral designer
$16,000 for flowers
$30,000 for rental cars and security
$1,975 to provide wardrobe for the family
$2,000 to provide wardrobe for the ushers
$3,682 for framing of a photograph of Michael
$959 for embroidery
I was a fan of the King of Pop’s music. His impact on the entertainment industry could never be duplicated. But I think too much was spent on his funeral.
He was buried in $35,000 worth of clothes. They could have went to J.C. Penney and bought him a nice suit to be buried in for $200. Those clothes are not going to be useful to Michael because his spirit is gone to another place. He’s not in that casket with those expensive clothes.
Also, the expensive price tag for the rental cars and security is preposterous. The security detail is understandable, but did the family really need rental cars? Couldn’t they have driven their own vehicles?
Last, but not least–the $21,455 repast at a restaurant after the funeral. Does it really cost that much for one family to eat? It’s none of my business what the Jackson’s choose to do with their (Michael”s) money.
But remember his memorial service at the Staples Center in July that was on television? That cost Los Angeles taxpayers $3 million for the lavish affair. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa even asked the fans to make donations to the city to help cover the cost.
Maybe if the funeral services were better budgeted, the family could have paid all expenses, like most families have to do.
Celebrities attended Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” premiere
Celebrities flocked to the red carpet Tuesday for the premiere of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It.” The film hits theaters nationwide today (Oct. 27).
The film will only be in theaters for two weeks. Celebrities who attended the premiere screening include Will Smith, Neil Patrick Harris, The Jackson brothers, Adam Lambert, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Paula Abdul, Nigel Lythgoe, Anne Heche and Ashley Tisdale, among several others.
A photo gallery of the celebrities attending the premiere is posted below. Click on the photos to enlarge them.
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- Vivica Fox
Michael Jackson’s new song
Michael Jackson’s song titled “This Is It” was released Monday on his Web site.
The ballad will be part of a two-disc set that will be in stores Nov. 10.
It was recorded during the early 1990s for Jackson’s “Dangerous” album, but the track never made it on the album. Jackson’s brothers are featured on the song as background singers.
The song sounds okay, but it’s not one of his best efforts. I assumed it would be an uptempo dance-filled tune that has become Jackson’s signature style.
However, I’m certain fans will still flock to the stores to purchase the song in Jackson’s memory.
The song will play during the credits of Jackson’s concert footage documentary “This Is It,” which will be in theaters Oct. 28.
The song is posted below.
Michael Jackson said Madonna was jealous of him
Michael Jackson gave an audiotaped interview with his friend Rabbi Shmuley Boteach several years ago. Last week, “Dateline” NBC aired the taped interviews in its entirety.
During the interview, Jackson discussed various topics including abuse by his father, racism, living his life in the spotlight and coping with the cruel media.
He also alleges pop star Madonna was jealous of him. Here’s an excerpt about his comments toward Madonna.
“Madonna laid down the law to me before we went out. ‘I am not going to Disneyland, okay? That’s out.’ I said ‘I didn’t ask you to go Disneyland.’ She said, ‘We are going to the restaurant and afterwards we are going to a strip bar.’ I am not going to a strip bar, where they cross dress. Guys who are, are girls. I said ‘I am not going to go there,’ and I think afterwards she wrote some mean things about me in the press and I said that she’s a nasty witch.”
When asked about celebrities who are jealous of him, Jackson said “They admire you and know you’re wonderful and great but just they’re jealous ’cause they wish they were in your place, wish they were in your shoes. And “M” is one of ‘em. Madonna. She’s not a nice, she hasn’t been kind. Absolutely. She’s a woman and I think that’s what bothers her. Women don’t scream for other women. men are too cool to scream for women and i get that. I get the fainting and the adulation and the notoriety but she doesn’t. She can’t get that.”
The full interview clips are posted below.
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE
PART FOUR
PART FIVE
PART SIX
Info on Michael Jackson’s new song
In preparation for Michael Jackson’s upcoming film titled “This Is It,” Sony Entertainment will release a song of the same title Oct. 12.
The song reportedly includes background vocals from Jackson’s brothers.
The film “This Is It” will be in movie theaters Oct. 28.
It features behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson’s concert tour rehearsals. The film will only be in theaters for two weeks.
Sony Entertainment also will release a double-disc music package later this year that features Jackson’s greatest hits and unreleased versions of his songs.
The movie preview for “This Is It” is posted below.
Part two of Whitney Houston’s interview with Oprah
Part two of Whitney Houston’s interview with Oprah Winfrey aired Tuesday on ABC.
During the part two episode, Whitney spoke more about her dramatic relationship with Bobby Brown, her drug use, and when she finally decided to end her marriage.
She discussed what her daughter felt about the drug use and physical abuse, and how her friend Michael Jackson’s death affected her.
Her daughter Bobbi Kristina also made an appearance on the show.
Click here to view the complete transcript for part two of the interview.
Michael Jackson tribute at MTV Video Music Awards
The opening of the MTV Video Music Awards featured a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Dancers performed the “Thriller” dance, and Janet Jackson performed “Scream,” the duet she recorded with Michael during the 1990s.
The clip of the video tribute is posted below.
Michael Jackson movie preview
Michael Jackson’s movie titled “This Is It” will be in movie theaters for two weeks beginning Oct. 28.
The movie will feature behind-the-scenes footage of Michael preparing for his 50-concert engagement that was scheduled to take place in London.
Of course, he died before the tour began. But the footage will be featured in the movie. The preview of the film aired for the first time during the MTV Video Music Awards.
The preview clip is posted below.
Michael Jackson tribute concert postponed
Jermaine Jackson held a press conference to discuss the Michael Jackson tribute concert (AP photo by Lilli Strauss)
First, Michaal Jackson’s funeral was postponed several times, and now his tribute concert is being postponed.
The concert was supposed to take place Sept. 26 in Vienna, Austria, but organizers said they need additional time to organize the show.
Many performers had to cancel their appearance due to scheduling conflicts including Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige and Natalie Cole.
The show will be moved to London and is scheduled for next summer.
Janet Jackson talks about Michael’s death
(From left) Rebbie, Janet, La Toya joined their brother Michael Jackson on stage during the Grammy's in 1984 as he accepted an award for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance. (AP photo by Doug Pizac)
Pop singer and actress Janet Jackson is on the cover of the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, and she discusses the death of her big brother Michael Jackson
During the interview, Janet said the late time she saw her king of pop brother was May 14 at a family gathering.
She said “We had so much fun that day. He would laugh so hard, he would just start crying. I’ve been doing okay. It’s really hard to believe he’s passed.”
“When I was 14 years old, I would shop for him, washed his clothes, cleaned his room. When Mother would go out of town, she’d say ‘I’m leaving you in charge, take care of Mike.’ I would head home from school, see what he needed, then go straight to the stores.”
Janet told the magazine she learned about Michael’s death while she was on the movie set filming scenes for Tyler Perry’s upcoming movie “Why Did I Get Married 2.”
The movie will be in theaters April 2, 2010.
Info on Michael Jackson tribute concert
Michael Jackson’s tribute concert is set for Sept. 26 in Vienna, Austria, and several celebrities are expected to perform.
Twenty-five celebrities are expected to participate in the show, including Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, Akon, Sister Sledge and Natalie Cole.
More celebrities will be announced at a later date. Performers are expected to sing Jackson’s greatest hits.
The tribute concert will be attended by the Jackson family and 65,000 fans.
Meanwhile, the MTV Video Music Awards will air Sept. 13, and the show will feature a Janet Jackson tribute segment to her brother Michael.
Oprah to dedicate show to Michael Jackson
Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey will dedicate an episode of ”The Oprah Winfrey Show” to the late Michael Jackson.
The show will feature excerpts of Winfrey’s interview with Jackson from 1993. Winfrey will also share personal details from the interview that never aired on television, according to a press release from Harpo Productions.
The episode will air Sept. 16 on ABC. Meanwhile, Winfrey’s two-part interview with pop singer Whitney Houston will air Sept. 14 and Sept. 15.
Michael Jackson’s burial service
(from left) Janet, Randy, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson sat on the front row during Michael Jackson's burial service. (AP photo)
More than two-and-a-half months after his death, Michael Jackson’s body can now rest in peace. A burial service was held for the singer Sept. 3 at Forest Lawn Memorial Parkv in Glendale, C alifornia.
The Jackson family and several celebrity guests were in attendance including Elizabeth Taylor, Chris Tucker, Macaulay Culkin, Quincy Jones, Corey Feldman, Barry Gordy, Gladys Knight and Lisa Marie Presley.
Associated Press photos from the burial service are posted below. Click on the photos to enlarge them.
Michael Jackson’s death ruled a homicide
Pop singer Michael Jackson’s death was officially ruled a homicide. (no surprise there). The Associated Press story is posted below via NewsOK.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson’s death a homicide, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press, a finding that makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against the doctor who was with the pop star when he died and is the target of a manslaughter investigation.
Reports from law enforcement say the Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson’s death a homicide.
The coroner determined a fatal combination of drugs was given to Jackson hours before he died June 25 in his rented Los Angeles mansion, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released. Forensic tests found the powerful anesthetic propofol acted together with at least two sedatives to cause Jackson’s death, the official said.
Dr. Conrad Murray, a Las Vegas cardiologist who became Jackson’s personal physician weeks before his death, is the target of the Los Angeles Police Department’s manslaughter investigation.
According to a search warrant affidavit unsealed Monday in Houston, Murray told investigators he administered a 25 mg dose of propofol around 10:40 a.m. after spending the night injecting Jackson with two sedatives in an unsuccessful attempt to get him to sleep.
The warrant, dated July 23, states that lethal levels of propofol were found in Jackson’s system. Besides the propofol and two sedatives, the coroner’s toxicology report found other substances in Jackson’s system but they were not believed to have been a factor in the singer’s death, the official said.
Murray has spoken to police and last week released a video saying he “told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail.” His attorney, Edward Chernoff, had no immediate comment but has previously said Murray never administered anything that “should have” killed Jackson.
A call to the coroner’s office was not returned Monday.
Murray did not say anything about the drugs he gave to Jackson.
