Michael Jackson is expected to make his comeback with a string of gigs across America estimated to earn him £250million.

His aides are in the final stages of negotiating a deal which will see him joined on stage by all the other members of the Jackson Five.

The group - which last regularly performed together 23 years ago - is lined up to play 250 concerts in Las Vegas over the three years from next year, when Jackson will be 50. Further concerts around the U.S. and the world are planned.

There are also wide-ranging plans to build a Michael Jackson theme park, casino, hotel and stadium in the Nevada city. The deal, which is also expected to earn millions in merchandising and product endorsements.

In recent weeks he and his brothers have been in negotiations with Jack Wishna, the producer responsible for taking Celine Dion to Caesar’s Palace.

Former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller - who brokered David Beckham’s record-breaking move to LA Galaxy - is also understood to be involved in the negotiation.

A source said: ‘There was initially some concern about Michael’s image, which has taken quite a battering with the child molestation allegations. There were also concerns over whether Michael would be keen on performing in front of a large audience after so long away from the stage.

‘After all, the last time he performed was at the World Music Awards in London - it was a very badly received performance.

‘So a plan was hatched to get the rest of the family tied into a deal first. They were offered a deal to reform - for a much smaller payday - and were told that if they got Michael on board, the figure would skyrocket.

‘That’s when the rest of the family got working on Michael - and it certainly seems to have worked.

‘Initially there will be a “best of” album, two new tracks will be recorded, there will be the stint in Las Vegas, then the U.S. and the world. They are already talking through product endorsements. The only reason no announcement has come yet is because Michael is a notoriously erratic individual.

‘He has been requesting all sorts of additions, like finding a secure high-walled home for himself and his children in the Nevada desert for the duration of the Vegas concerts.’

Another source added: ‘The deal being thrashed out is astronomical. There has been talk of a theme park, museum, casino, hotel and stadium for Michael - complete with Jackson memorabilia, videos, rare footage, casino, rides and concert halls.

‘One of the reasons Michael is so keen on the plans starting in Las Vegas is because his hero Elvis made the town his own’

Jackson’s attorney Brian Oxman confirmed negotiations were under way but described any figures as ‘totally preliminary’.

Source: Daily Mail

Pop star MICHAEL JACKSON is reportedly in talks with the producers of AMERICAN IDOL, despite reports earlier this month he would not be appearing on the hit TV show.

Media reports claimed the star was going to have his own “Idol” theme-week and would mentor the remaining contestants. American Idol host RYAN SEACREST tells American publication Us Weekly, “It’s certainly a possibility. It would definitely make compelling television.”

Seacrest confirms that Jackson met with the show’s creator, SIMON FULLER, in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

A spokesman for Jackson says any plans to appear on American Idol are still “unconfirmed” at this stage. A source close to the pop star adds, “Michael is in talks.”

Source: Contact Music

By Roger Friedman

The King of Pop wants to be Prince in the worst way.

I’m told that on Sunday night Michael Jackson sneaked into Prince’s show following the NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. Jackson is interested in Prince’s current run of shows at the Rio Nightclub, part of Harrah’s, where the Purple One has installed himself for a long schedule at his own 3121 Club. Jackson, of course, would like to do the same thing, maybe with a Club Thriller.

And surprisingly, Jackson’s companion for the evening was none other than comedian and actor Chris Tucker. It was Tucker who helped Jackson get involved with the Arvizo family a few years ago, leading to Jackson’s eventual involvement with them and his consequent trial for child molestation and conspiracy. It took concrete testimony from Tucker and his ex-girlfriend to exonerate Jackson.

In the meantime, Internet sources are going crazy over a “new” Jackson single that’s surfaced on the MySpace page belonging to a group fronted by Pras of the Fugees. But I’m told the track — called “No Friend of Mine” — is simply recycled from 1995 when Pras and the Fugees worked with Jackson remixing songs from Jackson’s 11-year-old “Blood on the Dance Floor” CD. The song can be found here, where it’s had over 100,000 plays since rumors began to spread a few days ago that Jackson had a new single.

Source: FOX News