By Nekesa Mumbi Moody

It’s supposed to be top secret - but Akon is giving out a titbit of information about the rumoured ad that Michael Jackson is doing for the Super Bowl.

“We just did a commercial - it’s a Pepsi commercial. He actually involved me in it so I feel like I’m a part of that process,” Akon told The Associated Press on Friday at Maxim’s pre-Super Bowl bash.

Jackson is releasing a 25th anniversary edition of his best-selling album “Thriller” on Feb. 12, featuring acts like Akon, Kanye West and Fergie on remix editions of that historic disc’s songs.

“It’s really moreso Mike picking a lot of the acts that he liked and admired today, and kind of getting them the big songs that they like and reinventing it like it was their own,” he explained. “Everyone has their own taste of how that would have been.”

It’s been reported that an ad for the CD will be featured during the Super Bowl. But while Akon did confirm a commercial does exist, he was closed-mouthed when asked how to describe it.

“Oh, he might kill me,” Akon laughed about Jackson. “But it’s gonna be funny. You’re going to love it. He’s not even in it. But it’s crazy. I want to tell you so bad!”

Akon was a surprise performer with singer-rapper T-Pain at the Maxim event, one of dozens of soirees happening in the Phoenix area for Super Bowl week. But Akon, best known for songs like “I Wanna Love You” and “Don’t Matter,” wasn’t planning on taking part in the party madness.

“At every big event, it’s always the same excitement,” Akon said. “Right now I’m so focused … about trying to take over, I don’t focus on the party side.”

Source: Associated Press

Michael Jackson received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 NRJ Awards.

The awards show took place in Cannes (France) and was aired yesterday on channel TF1.

Michael wasn’t able to attend the awards show in person but he recorded a special message for this occasion:

“Hello to all my friends in France! Though I couldn’t be there in person tonight to accept this prestigious award, I’m so happy to have the chance to send this message to let all my French fans know how much your support has meant throughout the years.

It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago, Quincy Jones and I embarked on an album named “Thriller.” To be able to say that “Thriller” still holds the record as the biggest selling album of all time, is just mind blowing. I have you my fans through out the world to thank for this achievement.

Though this award tonight honours me for my lifetime achievements, there is still much more to come from Michael Jackson. My passion for music has never stopped. And for those who don’t know, I’ve been in the studio recording Thriller 25th Anniversary album, with a lot of surprise guests. It’s my hope that “Thriller” continues to live on for each new generation to discover.

So thank you TF1 and NRJ for this very special award. It means so much to me to be honoured by you. And thank you to my fans. I love you from the bottom of my heart and I hope to see you very soon. I love you. God bless you.”

To view the video message click here.

Source: NRJ Music Awards 2008

You can officially become a fan of Michael on his brand new profiles on:

MySpace
Facebook
iMeem
BlackPlanet

Add him as your friend to receive up-to-the-minute news on all things MJ!

Source: www.michaeljackson.com

Michael is the latest recipient of a BET honours special, which will air in February. It will feature a large segment on Thriller.

Source: www.michaeljackson.com

MJJSHOP.COM exclusively presents the first of many tribute items to come created for Michael Jackson’s 50th birthday!

This calendar has a spiral bound with its own hanger. It’s multilanguage. High-quality deluxe glossy paper UV-laminated offset printing technology! Featuring previously never-before-seen official stunning photographs of the one and only King of Pop (incuding: Behind-the-scenes and short films set from: Black Or White, Ghosts, In The Closet, Smooth Criminal, Come Together Performance Rehearsals from Moonwalker, Live in concert Dangerous Tour, HIStory Tour, LA Gear Photoshooting, Awards Ceremonies and Celebration of Love Event) ISBN # 978-0-9555407-1-4.

THE LIMITED EDITION MJ 2008 CALENDAR IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON MJJSHOP.COM, YOU WILL NOT FIND IT ANYWHERE ELSE!

MJJMAGAZINE members will have the opportunity to participate in contests, receive a special 10% discount at MJJSHOP.COM, special reduced entrance to MJ fan events and much more..!

Source: MJJSHOP.COM, MJFC-USA

Michael is featured on the cover of the Spanish edition of Rolling Stone magazine.

Source: Rolling Stone Spain, CTE, MJFC-USA

The web site of Amazon USA has already published a special feature on the upcomng Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition. Included on the page is also a special message from Michael and a couple of new images from Thriller.

To view the page, click here.

Source: Amazon.Com

‘The Girl Is Mine’ will be released as the first single from the upcoming album ‘Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition’. The digital single will be released on January 14, 2008 (UK). Additionally it will be released as a three track CD version on January 28, 2008.

The song, originally a duet of Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, has been remixed by Michael Jackson and Will.I.Am.

According to MJWN, who have been able to listen to the song already, it has a heavy beat and Paul McCartney’s vocals from the original have been removed. New vocals from Michael also appear at the end of the song which is just over 3 minutes in length.

MJWN’s review:

“It’s absolutely FANTASTIC and could easily be a number one single. Probably the best re-mix to be given to a Michael song.”

Source: MJWN

Despite Jermaine Jackson’s comments to the BBC, Michael Jackson has not yet signed on for Jackson 5 tour. According to Michael Jackson`s spokesperson Raymone Bain, Michael has not agreed to reunite with his brothers:

“That doesn’t seem to be happening.”

It was Michael’s brother Jermaine who sparked the initial rumor. In late November, the Jackson 5 bassist and vocalist told the BBC that this reunion would include the original members Michael, Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine and sixth member Randy, who joined the group in the mid-’70s when they reformed as The Jacksons:

“Michael will be involved. We feel we have to do it one more time. We owe that to the fans and the public. Michael has to be involved. He is a Jackson. He was at the meetings. Michael will be involved.”

Source: Vibe

THRILLER AS JACKSON BRINGS LOS ANGELES SHOPPING DISTRICT TO A STANDSTILL!

Michael Jackson is chased by fans while shopping on Melrose
Los Angeles, California.

MICHAEL JACKSON brought trendy Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles to a standstill on Thursday (15Nov07) for a little clothes shopping.

The hooded pop superstar and a female friend spent 30 minutes shopping in stores Unica and Moist Wear before dashing back to a dark blue Jeep to make a hasty getaway from a small gang of fans. In an effort to shop in peace, Jackson, wearing a black hood, blue baseball cap, black blazer a pyjama-type trousers asked the bosses of the clothing store Moist Wear to close the shop - and lock out fans and curious passers-by who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the pop star.

One fan managed to speak with Jackson and get his autograph before the pop superstar went into lockdown.
He says, “He seemed very nervous and begged me not to tell anyone he was there. He said, `Don’t tell anyone…’ over and over.
“But he was very gracious and signed an autograph for me. I asked him what he was doing on Melrose and he said, `Just trying to be like you.’ “I shook his hand and I could tell that he was shaking a little. He tried to cover up his face but I could see the bandages on his nose. He looked nothing like the guy on the latest cover of Ebony magazine, where he looked good. “His hands were pale and scaly too.”

The unnamed fan also reveals it was only when he heard Jackson speak that he knew who he was.
He adds, “I had an inkling as I walked by him; he was just propped up by a wall outside one of the stores - he just looked like a homeless guy. But then it clicked! “Despite his appearance, there’s still something magical about the guy. He was very gracious.”

As Jackson and his pal left Moist Wear with three new shirts, he was swarmed by fans who followed the pair through an alleyway to their getaway car.

And, just when Jackson felt his low-key shopping trip couldn’t get any worse, his associate realised she’d picked up a parking ticket on her windshield.

Ironically, among the unsuspecting shoppers who passed Jackson on Melrose was Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria.

Source: WENN