It was feared that a live video link performance by Chris Brown at Michael Jackson’s tribute concert would put a ‘negative slant’ on the day. But at least one member of the Jackson family is a fan of his and she showed her love for the R&B star at his concert last night.

Paris Jackson, the daughter of the late superstar, was snapped in the front row of his Los Angeles concert yesterday, screaming his name and singing and dancing along to his set.

And at one point, she threw her arms in the air and made a heart shape with her hands as she directed her love towards the singer.

She screamed and sang along to Brown’s songs as he gyrated and strutted his stuff on the stage right in front of her, and much to her delight.

Wearing a blue baseball cap with an Egyptian pharaoh print on the front, the smile never left Paris’s face as she soaked up the atmosphere of the concert. Paris and her friend clung on to each other as they screamed at their idol

And she took to her Twitter page to share her delight at being in the audience, firstly Tweeting Brown to say:

‘AMAZING Show Tonight!! You Were Outstanding!!’

She then added:

‘Blew my MIND!!!! i was in the front; it was just like, mind-blowing!!! hahaha!

‘Amazing, mindblowing, outstanding, crazy, like… indescribable lol.’

Paris, 13, was joined by some friends at the gig at the Staples Center in the city – the same venue where her father’s memorial service and concert took place a few weeks after he died.

Brown, 22, was forced to bow out of plans to take part in the event following his highly-publicised bust-up with ex-girlfriend Rihanna.

The incident with Rihanna also meant he was also unable to be part of the line-up of artists performing at a Michael Jackson memorial concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff earlier this month.

He was sentenced to five years’ probation after assaulting his then-girlfriend resulting in him being barred from entering the UK as a result of his criminal conviction.

A suggestion was reportedly made at the time that he could perform via video link, but the idea was alleged to have been vetoed by organisers because they feared it might put a ‘negative slant’ on the day.

A source told the Daily Mirror: ‘The family wants to make sure the show is a fitting tribute to Michael.’

Source: DailyMail.com

In total contrast to what Dr. Conrad Murray told investigators in a taped statement to the LAPD, Michael Jackson’s son, Prince, says the cardiologist didn’t comfort him or his siblings at all in the moments after their father died.

In an exclusive report, Prince Jackson told his family that Murray’s account played in his involuntary manslaughter trial this week was not true, Trent Jackson, the nephew of Katherine and Joe Jackson, said Thursday.

Jackson family members were upset that jurors may sympathize with Murray because of perceived compassion for the children that day, Jackson told CNN.

Trent Jackson, who drove Katherine Jackson to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where doctors were trying to revive her son, said Murray did not have a conversation with Paris Jackson, the 12-year-old daughter, as he told police.

During that Dr. Murray goes on at length about the emotional exchanges he had with Jackson’s three children.

Jurors listened on Tuesday as Dr. Murray was heard on that tape telling detectives how Paris Jackson said to him,

“I know you tried your best, but I’m really sad. You know, I will wake up in the morning, and I won’t be able to see my daddy.’”

Duke also reports that according to Trent Jackson, Dr. Murray never spoke with Michael’s mother Katherine at the hospital, which is also contrary to what he told police.

Source: CNN.com

Jermaine Jackson has distanced himself from planned shows in honour of his late brother Michael, insisting he will not be performing at the Japan fundraising gigs.

After the success of Saturday’s Michael Forever – The Tribute Concert in Cardiff, Wales, the Thriller hitmaker’s mother Katherine announced two more shows in Tokyo, to raise funds for the survivors of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami disasters.
Several of the King of Pop’s siblings will be taking to the stage at the December gigs, but Jermaine – who strongly objected to the Wales tribute, which featured stars including Cee Lo Green and Ne-Yo – is not one of them.
In a post on his Twitter.com page, he writes,

“In response to (website) TMZ reports, I’d like to clarify that I won’t be taking part in any planned tribute concert in Tokyo.”

Source: contactmusic.com

JLS are lining up a collaboration with the Jacksons

The lads took to the stage alongside three of the Jackson brothers, Marlon, Tito and Jackie, at the Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff.

They joined the likes of Pixie Lott — sporting a tiny silver dress — Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis on the bill at the Millennium Stadium.

But behind-the-scenes JLS were hatching a plan to ensure their performance of Blame It On The Boogie was not a one-off.

Oritse Williams said:

“We discussed some things backstage about the future and they want to take us out for dinner to talk further. Who knows? It would be amazing.”

If a project does materialise, Oritse, Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes and JB Gill won’t have it easy.

Oritse admitted the Motown legends still take performing very seriously and aren’t afraid to bark out orders. He said:

“The Jacksons are all about perfection. That’s why they’re the biggest and best band of music history. Marlon taught us a few moves and Jackie wanted to hear more of our harmonies. He even had a word with Marvin and changed his harmony.”

Jermaine and others in the Jackson family disagreed with the timing of the Michael Forever show — in the middle of the Conrad Murray trial over his role in their brother’s death.

But the King of Pop’s mother Katherine, his sister La Toya, Alexandra Burke, and his three kids Prince Michael, Blanket and Paris were there.

A few stars had pulled out less than a week before the show. The Black Eyed Peas cancelled due to “unavoidable circumstances”, Jennifer Hudson cited production issues and Chris Brown couldn’t get a visa.

Source: thesun.co.uk

Following the Michael Forever bonanza in Wales, the Jackson family have announced another show in Tokyo, which will benefit survivors of the Japanese earthquakes

Following the tribute concert in Wales, Michael Jackson’s family have announced their next big-budget tribute show, to take place in Tokyo. Several of Jackson’s brothers will perform at the two-day concert, which will benefit children affected by Japan’s March earthquakes.

“[I'm] glad to see them back on stage,”

admitted Michael’s mother.

“If Michael was alive, he would definitely have done something to help the victims of the earthquake in Japan,”

Katherine Jackson declared at a London press conference.

“[He] loved children [and] he would have felt for those children who lost parents or homes.”

Jackie, Marlon and Tito Jackson – without Randy, according to his Twitter account – will perform as the Jacksons, singing “around 15 songs”. It’s not clear whether these will be drawn exclusively from the siblings’ old repertoire, or also from Michael’s solo hits. At Saturday’s Michael Forever bonanza, the three brothers joined JLS for a rendition of Blame it on the Boogie. JLS are hoping to release that team-up as a single.

“We discussed some things backstage about the future and they want to take us out for dinner to talk further,”

Oritsé Williams told The Sun.

“It would be amazing.”

In addition to the performance by the Jacksons, the Tokyo gigs will include numerous as-yet unnamed Japanese acts. All merchandising profits would go to Ashinaga, a charity that benefits children who lost their homes or families during this year’s earthquakes.

Thus far, the Jackson family have been split on the matter of tribute concerts. In particular, Randy and Jermaine have expressed their concern about drawing attention away from the trial of Conrad Murray, Michael’s former doctor. Janet Jackson also refused to perform at the Cardiff show. While Murray’s trial is expected to be completed before the 13-14 December concerts, Randy, Jermaine and Janet have not offered their support for the Tokyo event.

Source: guardian.co.uk

Janet Jackson, who promised a personal and intimate gig this weekend, gets candid about her late brother Michael, being ‘lucky’ and what fans mean to her in an exclusive interview with tabloid!

Janet performed in Los Angeles last month as part of her Number Ones tour.

“I am so fortunate that my fans, no matter where they are, are so loyal,”

she says.

When Michael Jackson died suddenly in 2009 the world plummeted into a state of shock.

And while his fans remember him through his endless catalogue of music, for one lady the child in Michael will always live on.

“I can remember doing our chores as kids,” said his sister Janet.

“We would be cleaning the kitchen and while we were all working we would be writing songs. I miss his laughter.”

Many people remember their idol through his brothers and sisters including Janet.

“Music has always been a part of our lives,”

she added.

“I love Mike very much.”

Currently on her Number Ones: Up Close and Personal tour, she has dedicated her most successful song ever to the city and people of Abu Dhabi ahead of the gig on Thursday at Yas Arena.

Janet awarded That’s The Way Love Goes to the capital of the UAE.

“Hey Abu Dhabi, I’m gonna take you places you’ve never been before,”

she said earlier through a release.

“That is why I’m dedicating That’s The Way Love Goes to all my fans in your beautiful city. See you soon.”

The tour differs from previous concert schedules due to the fact the 45-year-old performs music exclusively from her chart-topping Number Ones which boasts 35 No 1 hits.

Janet herself promised no two shows on the schedule would be the same, saying of the tour “more revealed, more intimate, and more personal than ever before”.

But while the pop sensation was more than happy to chat about the tour, touching on the subject of Erotic Queen of Pop — a title she’s picked up over the years — was not met with a smile. Asked whether it was a title she had actively pursued at anytime she simply replied “no”.

Excerpts from the interview.

This tour has been your biggest to date. How does it feel to have remained on top for so long?

I really love this tour and am very grateful to all the fans for their support over the years.

We read no two shows have been the same so far. How much creative/musical input do you have in any one show?

I am always looking to grow as an artist. When creating this tour, I wanted to tell a specific story in each section of the show. I am having fun looking at these songs and seeing what I can do with them and let them inspire me. I am a very creative person, so I love to experiment. I have been making changes throughout the tour. I have changed some of the costumes, added songs and videos to the line up. I love to create so it has been a lot of fun.

Which is the acting role you have taken the most from on a personal level and why?

I think you grow whenever you get to play a character that you have not done in the past. That happened for me with For Colored Girls.

Do you have a Twitter/Facebook profile? Is the social network scene something which fascinates or bores you?

They are a lot of fun. I have both a Twitter and Facebook profile.

What was it like being the youngest of the Jacksons? Did it ever mean you got away with things the others didn’t?

(Laughs) I think I am going to keep that one to myself…

You do many “meet and greets” and have allowed fans to have input on this tour. How important are your fans to you and why?

I am so fortunate that my fans, no matter where they are, are so loyal. They give me so much love and I am excited to return mine to them. I know that there are many fans that I get to see in many cities throughout the tour. It is great.

Do you consider yourself a lucky lady? What is the best part about being Janet Jackson?

Yes, I am very lucky. I would say the best part is all of the amazing people that I get to meet. I have made some amazing friends along the way.

Your name is constantly mentioned when other artists — Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Britney to name a few — are asked who inspires them. Who truly inspires you?

There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.

Don’t miss it

Janet Jackson will perform at Yas Arena, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday. Tickets, priced Dh265, Dh365 and Dh665, are available at thinkflash.ae.

Source: gulfnews.com

PRODUCER DAVID GEST AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES ANNOUNCE ALL-STAR WORLD PREMIERE OF GEST’S NEW FILM ‘MICHAEL JACKSON: THE LIFE OF AN ICON’ IN LONDON ON 02 NOVEMBER 2011 AT EMPIRE LEICESTER SQUARE, 7:00PM

London, Wednesday, 5th October 2011 – David Gest and Universal Pictures today announced they will co-host a special all-star event to celebrate the world premiere of Gest’s new film ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ to be held in London at 7:00pm, Wednesday 02 November 2011 at the Empire Leicester Square. The film will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on Monday 31 October 2011.

In attendance will be Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine, brother Tito, sister Rebbie, David Gest, the film’s director Andrew Eastel and lawyers Thomas Mesereau and Susan Yu (who successfully acquitted Michael Jackson of all charges during his child molestation court case in 2005). They will all participate in a special Q&A to discuss their involvement in the project prior to the screening. Joining them at the event will be more than 100 celebrities including many of the music industry’s top recording artists, motion picture and television stars, sporting legends and other well-known personalities. In addition, Michael Jackson fans from all over the world will have the opportunity to win tickets to attend this event. They will be able to join celebrity guests on the red carpet, view the film and have a chance to be selected to pose a question during the audience Q&A. Universal Pictures will soon announce details for Michael Jackson fans to participate in this event.

Television star and producer David Gest, who produced Michael’s last concert ‘Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration’ in 2001, which was the highest-rated musical television special in history and featured the final reunion of the original Jackson 5, said: “I am thrilled that Katherine, Tito, Rebbie, Andrew, Thomas and Susan as well as 100 stars will be in attendance for the world premiere of my new film ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’. There is going to be a jam at the invitation-only after-party following the premiere and more than 20 legendary artists who appear in the film will take part. I am thrilled because so many of today’s contemporary artists who are friends of mine are really looking forward to performing with these legends. This party is going to be historic!”

Musical legends already confirmed to perform at the exclusive after-party include: Russell Thompkins, Jr., the original lead singer off all the Stylistics hits (‘I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, ‘Rockin’ Roll Baby’, ‘Sing Baby Sing’); Peabo Bryson (‘A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)’, ‘Beauty & The Beast’ ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love’); Deniece Williams (‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, ‘Free’, ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late’ & ‘It’s Gonna Take A Miracle’); Kim Weston (‘It Takes Two’, ‘Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)’ & ‘Helpless’); Brenda Holloway (‘Every Little Bit Hurts’, ‘When I’m Gone’ & ‘You Made Me So Very Happy’ which she co-wrote); Jimmy Ruffin (‘What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted’, ‘I’ll Say Forever My Love’, ‘It’s Wonderful’ & ‘Hold On To My Love’); Martha Reeves (‘Dancing In The Streets’, ‘Heatwave’, ‘Jimmy Mack’ & ‘ I’m Ready For Love’) and many more to be announced. According to Tito Jackson: “this is going to be like a 60′s, 70′s and 80′s soulfest with so many legends gathered in one place in honour of my brother. Michael loved soul music and grew up on it and my mother, sister and I are really excited to hear and see all these great performers in one room. It is going to bring back a lot of wonderful memories!”

‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ is a powerful behind-the-scenes account of the star’s life, providing fresh insight into his early years with the Jackson 5, his rise to global solo-stardom through to the final moments of his sudden death in 2009 featuring exclusive interviews with Katherine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Smokey Robinson, David Gest, Dionne Warwick, Whitney Houston, Paul Anka, Michael’s manager, the late Frank DiLeo in his last interview, Valerie Simpson and her husband, the late Nick Ashford in his last interview, Petula Clark, Mickey Rooney, legendary record producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, the songwriting team of Brian Holland-Lamont Dozier-Eddie Holland and more than 50 friends, peers and associates share intimate and fascinating stories about the singer’s celebrated life. Released on DVD and Blu-rayT on Monday 31 October 2011 from Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment, the film will feature performance footage as well as never-before-seen family photography.

Directed by Andrew Eastel and produced by Michael Jackson’s childhood best friend David Gest, ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ gives Katherine Jackson the first chance to tell her side of the story about Michael’s upbringing in Gary, Indiana, his relationship with father Joe, her support for her son during the court cases and her thoughts on the life he faced afterwards. Rebbie Jackson, Michael’s eldest sister, gives a very rare interview and recounts the star’s childhood growing up in Gary, Indiana and his extraordinary bond with mother Katherine. Gest’s other best friend, Michael’s brother, Tito provides an in-depth look into Jackson’s history and what his mother and family went through during the sensational child molestation trial in 2005 that he was acquitted from an all counts.

Michael’s mother Katherine says: “‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ is a truly remarkable film that captures the true character, wit and sensitivity of my son. Producer David Gest takes you on an emotional roller coaster that will bring people to tears as well as really understand who the man behind the music was and is.”

About David Gest:

David Gest and Michael Jackson began their friendship in 1969 and more than thirty years later the two formed a successful business venture, World Events LLC, where Gest produced and Jackson starred in the highest rated music television special in history ‘Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration’ on the CBS Network. It was seen in more than 100 countries throughout the world. Gest produced these historic last live concerts of Jackson at Madison Square Garden on 07 and 10 September 2001 which also featured the last reunion of Michael and his brothers, The Jackson 5.

About ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’:

Producer, narrator and best childhood friend to Michael Jackson, David Gest has pieced together the most important facts about Jackson’s life based on unseen first-hand accounts he recorded during the last 15 months with many of Michael’s family members, friends and close associates who knew the star well. In addition to celebrating his many achievements as the biggest selling artist of all-time, the film will finally answer some of the speculation surrounding Jackson’s life. Also included in the show is rare, in-studio and live television performance footage of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 as well as unforgettable original music from the Motown period by Michael, the Jackson 5 and other artists who Jackson respected and was influenced by. The soundtrack includes more than 21 classic tunes.

The star of the hit Bravo show, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kyle Richards, and La Toya Jackson, author and sister to Michael Jackson, have exchanged messages today via the popular social network, Twitter. The new book released by La Toya Jackson has been a success, and Richards complimented Jackson on her latest project.

La Toya Jackson wrote of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Kyle Richards: “@KyleRichards18 have a safe flight and a big hello to the family, it was good seeing you Sunday, you always look great!” The Bravo star then wrote to La Toya Jackson, saying via her Twitter page: “@latoyajackson thank you! Love your book lots of love! Xo”

Jackson recently released, “Starting Over’ which discusses the sudden and untimely passing of her brother Michael Jackson, as well as her past marriage.

Source: The Examiner

Jermaine has released the following statement regarding his upcoming book in response to fans comments about the books timing after his and Randy’s statement regarding the timing of the upcoming tribute ‘Michael Forever’:

Many of you have asked about my book’s timing in light of my comments about the tribute concert, so let me explain.

When I first signed the book deal, the agreed publication date was October 13. When the courts moved the trial date from June to September, that meant the book would come out in the middle of those proceedings — an outcome I couldn’t allow.

Once I explained this to the UK & US publishers, they both understood and acted swiftly, going to great lengths to rearrange their ‘locked in’ schedules.

I was offered two alternative publication dates: first week November or second week September. To avoid a potential clash with any jury deliberations/verdict in the November, I agreed September 13 because it’s BEFORE the trial’s start on September 20.

Where my publishers listened and acted to avoid conflict with the trial, Global Live, the promoters behind the tribute concert, heard my same concerns and stuck to their October 8th concert date. There is the difference.

I will not be promoting the book or doing any book signings after September 20 and until the trial has ended.

JERMAINE

Source: Jermaine’s Twittersphere (@jermjackson)

La Toya Jackson took to Twitter this weekend, like so many other stars, and discussed her feelings about the loss of the talented singer, Amy Winehouse. The news was broken in the media on Saturday, that Amy Winehouse had shockingly passed away at the very young age of twenty-seven. Fans around the world are stunned and saddened over the loss. Jackson, who has experienced the loss of her brother, took to Twitter to express her condolences for the family of the singer.

La Toya Jackson took to Twitter and wrote of the shocking passing of singer Amy Winehouse: “I’m so sorry to hear about Amy Winehouse, we’ve lost another incredible talent! My heart goes out to her family and my prayers R with them. I know the pain her family is experiencing I feel their pain. I’ve lived their pain. I’m soooo terribly sorry. Once again R prayers R with U.

Source: The Examiner / Twitter

Members of Michael Jackson’s family have called a press conference for Monday in Beverly Hills to announce a concert tribute to the late pop star that will benefit charities in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

Jackson’s mother, Katherine, will be joined at the Beverly Hills Hotel by his siblings Marlon, Tito, Jackie and LaToya to reveal details of the tribute, with strong hints in the press release that it will focus on Jackson’s “Thriller” album. The press release issued Thursday referred to the concert as a “thriller of an event,” which is being coordinated by the family members and promoter Global Live Events, not Jackson’s estate.

A spokeswoman for the event said no other information is available until Monday’s press conference. Pop & Hiss will carry more details after the announcement.

Source: LA Times

Two paparazzi photographers were handcuffed and reprimanded by Los Angeles police on Tuesday (12Jul11) after allegedly speeding through traffic in a bid to get a shot of Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris.

The snappers were reportedly in hot pursuit of the car the 13 year old was travelling in and are said to have run a number of red lights in the process.
Police were alerted, tracked down the two men and placed them in handcuffs.

However, cops failed to see the snappers in action and were therefore unable to arrest them for the allegations.

Tmz.com reports the officers will instead write up a crime report about the incident and hand it to the Los Angeles City Attorney to consider for prosecution.

Source: Contact Music

The Estate of Michael Jackson have issued a statement today regarding the Aaron Carter ‘drugs story’, and also commented on La Toya and her new book:

Fans have asked the Estate to elaborate on its decision to respond to some of LaToya Jackson’s comments as she promoted her new book, as well as its decision not to respond formally to a false and erroneous report out of Australia that allegedly quoted Aaron Carter as saying he and Michael used drugs together.

If someone severely misrepresents the facts surrounding Michael’s Estate and makes serious, reckless and false accusations that go unanswered, it demeans and maligns Michael’s memory and legacy, and may also potentially hurt the business of the Estate, thereby affecting the future earnings that benefit Michael’s beneficiaries.

When a tabloid report like the Aaron Carter story occurs, involving claims made by people who knew Michael during his life, the Estate always must ask the same questions: how credible is the source; can it be verified; and would issuing a public response only put an unwarranted spotlight on a questionable, negative story about Michael the Estate has no desire to publicize?

In this case, the Executors knew the account came from a marginal celebrity gossip site, and was conducted by a journalist with a long history of controversy involving Michael and his family. Furthermore, the Executors also knew Aaron Carter had previously denied the allegations to People magazine, something that was noted to any media who asked the Estate about the report. In the end, the Estate believes the story took care of itself: Aaron Carter’s decision to refute it himself was the best solution, in that it called the most attention possible to the credibility of this story. Any benefit from the Estate calling out irresponsible media reportage could then possibly be outweighed by the detriment of even more media spotlight on a bogus story.

As for LaToya Jackson, the Estate felt compelled to respond to irresponsible and untruthful statements that were defamatory, and which grossly misrepresented facts that are in the public court record. LaToya was going on many television shows, repeating some of the same bogus info, and the Estate felt it important to try and contain any additional/future damage beyond that which had already been done, and, sadly, which had already started to be repeated as fact by other media to promote their sites or sell their news reports.

It’s probably an impossible task to make decisions that everyone likes. Some will agree, some will disagree, but in the end, it is the ultimate responsibility of the Co-Executors to fulfill their obligations per Michael’s wishes by doing what they think best in each and every instance, to protect, preserve, and grow Michael’s legacy and memory for Michael and his fans, and to protect, preserve and grow the Estate for its beneficiaries.

MJOnline
The Official Online Team of the Michael Jackson Estate™

La Toya Jackson said her late brother, Michael Jackson, forgave her for accusing him of inappropriate relations with children back in 1993.

“I did have the chance and opportunity to talk all this over with Michael,” La Toya told Access Hollywood Live’s Kit Hoover and guest co-host Debbie Gibson on Tuesday’s show.

La Toya has claimed in the past, and now in her new book, “Starting Over,” that it was her then husband and manager, Jack Gordon, who made her make those comments about her brother back in the early ‘90s. She told Kit and Debbie that Michael knew the words were not her own.

“He says, ‘La Toya, I know what you’re gonna say. You don’t have to. I know you; I know your heart. I know you would never ever do anything to hurt me,’” La Toya recounted of her conversation with the late King of Pop, who died two years ago. “He said, ‘I know he had you do that I know he had you do Playboy.’”

The singer and author posed for Playboy back in 1989, another incident she blamed on her ex-husband.

La Toya said her brother always warned her about her then-husband.

“Michael would call me and say, ‘You’ve gotta get away from him, he’s gonna kill you!’” she said.

“He knew it wasn’t me. He knew someone was forcing me, making me do that,” La Toya added.

She also said that despite her comments, she and her brother were very close.

“Michael and I were like this,” La Toya said, crossing her fingers. “We were best friends.”

Source: Access Hollywood