After media outlets labelled last night’s performance at the World Music Awards as (amongst other things) “embarrassing” and “disappointing,” it turns out that Michael Jackson’s appearance on stage was not a performance at all!

Michael received the Diamond Award as planned from Beyoncé Knowles (as well as another Guinness World Record certificate) and closed the show by appearing on stage with an assembled choir of teenagers as they sang the 80’s charity hit We Are The World.

Although he sang a few words of the song himself, that didn’t stop a small minority of fans from booing as the show closed, obviously expecting much more from the most successful entertainer of all time. Michael had been rumoured to perform by various media outlets. Awards host Lindsay Lohan didn’t do herself, Michael or the fans any favours by introducing the stage appearance as one of his first “performances” for years.

However, according to the BBC, he was never actually meant to perform. During a red carpet interview as Michael arrived at the awards, he was asked by a BBC reporter if he would be performing, “Oh, I’m receiving an award, It’s not a performance,” he replied defiantly while also shaking his head vigorously. “It is a misunderstanding.”

When asked again (by another reporter) if he was performing, Michael once again shook his head, “No!” he said with conviction. “It’s just a rumour.”

Michael appeared in front of the anticipating crowd on two separate occasions, but fans had to wait (as usual) until the end of proceedings to get a glimpse of their hero, and not until after a spectacular tribute to the Thriller album with a performance by U.S. R&B star Chris Brown who performed his version of the single of the same name.

His first appearance was to receive his Diamond Award. When introducing him, Beyoncé lavished praise upon one of her biggest icons, “If it wasn’t for Michael Jackson, I would have never, ever performed. He has made such an impact on my life and every performer’s life. Michael Jackson, I love you!” She wasn’t the only celebrity to get behind Michael. Katie Price and her husband Peter Andre, Peaches Geldof and Rachel Hunter all joined in with the crowd as they presented various awards. Host Lohan even chanted Michael’s name when introducing him to the stage, calling him a “God” in the process.

The crowd went wild as he strolled down the steps (looking healthy) and gave Beyoncé a friendly hug and kiss. “There have been so many who have loved me and stood by me throughout my 42 years I have been part of this business,” he said during his acceptance speech. “I would like to thank my wonderful children, Paris, Prince, and Blanket, for their unconditional love and support.”

Michael then left to go backstage with his awards, leaving the announcer to present a performance from Barbados born singer Rhianna. Fans who felt aggrieved that the performance they wanted from their favourite star looked unlikely then decided (wrongly, harshly and disgustingly) to boo the R&B singer as she started her performance. Rising above the pettiness, the singer delivered a great rendition of her hit Unfaithful.

Lohan then introduced Michael to the ecstatic crowd. We Are The World belted out of the speakers as the choir sang along before he came back out (Diamond Award still clutched in hand) and greeted them. Michael had a distinct swagger as he sauntered about the stage with the same confidence and attitude he showed when delivering his speech. He then sang along with a few words before letting the choir and the crowd sing the rest.

A few lucky fans were sent into a frenzy by Michael throwing his new jacket (designed by Roberto Cavalli, who was in attendance!) into the crowd. The adoring choir then engulfed Michael as they walked off stage. The announcement then came that the show was over and the booing by the minority of fans commenced, (nothing compared to that received by Rhianna however) obviously unaware of the misunderstanding that had taken place.

For fans, or indeed certain outlets of the media, who wish to see the red carpet interview by the BBC click on the link below and select the “watch” option to the right of the article.

Click Here to view the Red Carpet Interview

Source: MJNI, BBC News

Category: General