Court: No Higher Standard for Service on Michael Jackson

Read article here: http://www.metnews.com/articles/2008/jack080808.htm

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Jackson 5 might reform for show

Members of the Jackson 5 have agreed to reform for a one-off performance at the BMI Urban Awards next month.

However, Michael Jackson is yet to confirm his participation in the reunion.

The legendary group will be the headliners of the show, leading an all-star tribute cast.

[Published: 11-Aug-2008]

source: http://star-ecentral.com

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Michael Jackson Unveils New Album Details
8/14/2008 By Josiah Hughes

It’s still up in the air as to whether Michael Jackson will join his brothers for a full Jackson 5 reunion at next month’s BMI Urban Awards but one thing Jacko has confirmed is the title, release date and tracklisting for his new album.

Actually, we’re just kidding. It’s another compilation — his fifth in seven years.

In celebration of Jackson’s 50th birthday on August 29, Sony will be releasing King of Pop, a retrospective of the celebrated pop artist’s career. Released worldwide, the disc will have a different tracklisting in each country, determined by a fan vote. While info on a North American release has yet to surface, the UK tracklisting is below.

As of yet, no new information has surfaced regarding Jackson’s long-rumoured follow-up to 2001’s Invincible, which supposedly features production from will.i.am and collaborations with Akon. However, Akon recently told UK tabloid rag the Daily Star about his recent visit with the King of Pop, who greeted him in his PJs. “I was like, ‘Are you going out like that?’ He was in his pyjamas and I was waiting to see if he was going to change. He [then] grabs a scarf and puts it around his head, then he grabs the kids and puts a scarf around their heads, so I grab a scarf and put it around my head and off we go.”

King of Pop UK tracklisting:

1. "Billie Jean"
2. "Bad"
3. "Smooth Criminal"
4. "Thriller"
5. "Black Or White"
6. "Beat It"
7. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
8. "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough"
9. "The Way You Make Me Feel"
10. "Rock With You"
11. "You Are Not Alone"
12. "Man In The Mirror"
13. "Remember The Time"
14. "Scream"

source: http://www.exclaim.ca

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Michael Jackson
3-Aug-2008
Written by: jowelle christian salcedo

I met Michael Jackson in the Philippine's ninoy aquino international airport.

I was waiting for my father who's working in the airport. I was at cargo departure area which no passengers are passing there. I have no idea that Michael Jackson will come to the Philippines. I didn't recognize that the king of pop was standing three footsteps beside me because he was wearing a cowboy hat and dark sunglasses. The only thing that I noticed is that his all black clothes are very unusual. He's wearing a leader jacket with buckles, leader pants, high boots, dark sunglasses, and a cowboy hat which is not normal with the hot climate in the Philippines. But still I didn't recognize him until the fans are shouting Michael Jackson and then the king of pop runs to the SUV automobile and hangs to outside bars while the SUV is running slowly and waves to the fans. My only regret is that I could have talked to him and taken pictures since that is the once in a life time moment in my life.

source: http://thecelebritycafe.com

How true that might be...

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Thriller Live comes to Germany

The musical show with the greatest hits of Michael Jackson will be celebrating the King of Pops 50th birthday with a tour through Germany. The production called "Thriller Live" from London features 5 singers who take the audience on a journey through time of Jackson's hits - starting from the most famous Jackson 5 songs like ABC, followed by his success-album Thriller to Earth Song, as event managing company Semmel Concerts announced in Hamburg on wednesday. The 28-headed ensemble includes the singers, a live band, a choir and dancers, who present choreographies from the best known Jackson videos.

source: dpa/lno / http://newsticker.welt.de / MJIMM

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Pyjama-wearing Michael Jackson takes Akon to the cinema
Rapper was left 'stunned' on bizarre outing

Aug 7, 2008

Michael Jackson recently visited a cinema wearing his pyjamas, according to US rapper Akon.

The hip-hop star, who collaborated with Jackson on his new single 'Hold My Hand', said he was left "stunned" by the King Of Pop's behaviour, reports the Daily Star.

"I was like, 'Are you going out like that?' He was in his pyjamas and I was waiting to see if he was going to change. He grabs a scarf and puts it around his head," he said.

He added: "Then, he grabs the kids and puts a scarf around their heads. So I grab a scarf and put it around my head, and off we go."

The pair's collaboration will appear on Akon's new album 'Acquitted'.

source: http://www.nme.com

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German Edition of King of Pop Greatest Hits album and send birthday wishes to Michael

The German boulevard newspaper Bild had their readers vote for the German Edition of the King of Pop Greatest Hits album. Even though there were times when they did not speak about him so nice and truthfully, this time they say it was an honor that people had the chance to vote through them. I did not read a bad word.
They explain the history of each song now every day on their website www. bild. de .
There you can also send Michael birthday wishes, which they promise to hand over to him personally.
Here is the link: http://www. bild. de/BILD/unterhaltung/leute/2008/07/31/michael-jackson/50-geburtstag-leser-schicken-geburtstagsgruesse. html .
And you write to this Email adress: happybirthdaymichael@bild.de Just write to that adress as you were writing tio Michael. You can also include a picture of yourself.



source: www. bild. de
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Report series about Michael in German youth magazine Bravo

Honoring the King of Pop and celebrating his 50th birthday, the youth magazine Bravo publishes a series of reports about him. Starting from July 30th, week by week there will be another report about him until his birthday. Michael was on Bravo's cover for 33 times already ! In 1996 he won the Bravo Lifetime Achievement award, which was at that time created for him the first time.



source: http://www. bravo. de/online/render. php?render=71016
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AKON SIGNS JACKSON?

R+B singer AKON is set to oversee MICHAEL JACKSON's comeback album, after hinting he has signed the King Of Pop to his own record label.


Jackson enlisted the talents of the Smack That hitmaker to produce his forthcoming comeback album, and now Akon has suggested the project is to be released under his own imprint, Konvict Music.


He tells MTV. com, "When (Jackson's) record comes out, read the label.

"
Meanwhile, Jackson has repaid the favour by lending his vocals to Akon's new track, entitled Hold My Hand, which will be featured on the star's forthcoming album Acquitted.



31.07.

2008 19:10:36

source: www. contactmusic. com

Akon Says He Can Retire Now That He's Worked With Michael Jackson -- But He Won't

'I got to Mike 10 years earlier than I expected,' says 'Kon, who also collaborated with Whitney Houston on upcoming LP.

NEW YORK — Akon could quit music right now. He's already accomplished his top objective: working with Michael Jackson.

"That was a dream come true," 'Kon said Tuesday. "You know how you come into a career and set your goals as to where you wanna start and where you wanna end? I had a wish list of all the collaborations I ever wanted to do. Mike was at the top. I was saying, 'Well, if ever I get to Mike, then that'll be the sign I can retire.' But I got to Mike 10 years earlier than I expected. So I decided not to make retirement goals anymore.

"I think at the end of the day, it was one of those situations that caught me off guard," he added. "I didn't realize I was working so hard to actually capture his attention. That really showed me. That's the day I realized I made it."

The song MJ and Akon put together is called "Hold My Hand" and it's one of the first records we've heard Mike on in years. The two go back and forth on the verses.

"It's a worldwide smash. It's gonna be huge," Akon promised. "The concept is to bring all the people together as one person linking as one world. At the state of where the world is now, with all these wars and conflict all over the place, I think a record like that is needed. That's the best time when a voice needs to be heard. I felt like, 'What better voice between me and Mike to be able to say something like that at the time we in?' Outside of trying to do a club record or a record we expect to get thousand of [spins], it was more so, 'Let's do a record that fits all formats but also has some meaning to it.' But, of course, for the future, we'll be finishing up the rest of the record."

Which leads to another question: Will we see Michael Jackson wearing a Konvict Music chain to match his sparkling glove? "When the record comes out, read the label," 'Kon hinted.

Akon also said Jackson would be appearing in the video for "Hold My Hand," which is the lead cut from 'Kon's next LP, Acquitted. "He's fully committed," Akon said about MJ being in the video. "We're gonna set up a whole tour around it. It's a big play."

Besides Nelly and Ashanti on "Body on Me" and DJ Khaled on "Out Here Grindin'," Akon's other big guest appearance is Whitney Houston on "Like I Never Left." "I really enjoyed working with Whitney," Akon said. "She was mad cool. Down to earth, yet conservative, polite. She felt like a high school friend. She felt mad approachable, cool as hell. We had a great time working. The chemistry was right on point. The record shows it, because we came up with a smash."

The duo sing about losing love and trying to rekindle a flame like the good old days.

"I want you to hold on," Houston sings on the chorus.

Akon chimes in: "Like I never left."

"I realize I been foolish, I never should have turned my back," Houston sings. " 'Cause it's a cold world when you're out there all alone/ So many times I wanted to pick up the phone and tell you, 'Ooh baby, baby, I miss your loving so.' "

"Do you think we can pick up where we left off before the day/ That I told you it was over, packed my things and moved away?" Akon asks later. "Without you, my world is just an empty place."

"She's not singing about nobody," Akon insisted, knocking down any thoughts that Houston might be singing about her ex Bobby Brown or her rumored current man, Ray J. "She really ain't. Actually, we switched some words around so people don't think she was singing about Bobby. This record is more of a record that anyone going through that situation would be able to relate to. It's just the fact that she got out of a situation is what made it more relevant. I'm doing two records for her album."

Akon's Acquitted comes out in October. He says he's about two songs away from recording and is in the process of whittling down his collaborations. The record with Michael Jackson will definitely be included in the set, though.

"Mike is on the album," 'Kon laughed. "He's already got the prime slot."

Juli 03, 2008 , 10:25 AM ET

Mariel Concepcion, N.Y.
Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Claude Kelly wrote the recently leaked Akon song "Hold My Hand" featuring Michael Jackson, but he confesses hearing the legendary singer's voice on the track the first time was a total surprise to him.

"I wrote the song and gave it to Akon with the intention of it going to maybe Whitney Houston, but Akon said he wanted to cut it himself. I thought, 'It doesn't get any bigger than this'," the 27-year-old New York native tells Billboard.com. "A few months after, Akon plays the song for me and all of a sudden I hear Michael Jackson's voice. I was literally shaking by the time the song was over."

The track, which is in contention to be the first single from Akon's new album, due late this year, has since been pulled off the Internet. As per when an actual Michael Jackson album will be released, Kelly says a date hasn't been set yet. What has been confirmed, as per Kelly's manager Michael "Make" Mentore from Star Power Media/Make Moves Management, is that the track will appear on both Akon and Jackson's albums.

Since penning the collaborative track, Kelly has been tapped to work not only with Akon and Whitney Houston but also with Jennifer Hudson, Frankie J, Brandy, New Kids On The Block, Toni Braxton, recent Def Jam signee Unique and Leona Lewis, including the latter's second single, "Forgive Me," which will be released in the coming weeks. He also wrote the entire debut solo album for Corbin Bleu from "High School Musical" fame.

As a child, Kelly took piano and flute lessons and sang with local choirs. He attended Brooklyn College of Music in 1999, and in 2002 wrote his first song, which was placed in a Bathing Ape compilation released in Japan. His first major placement came with "Daddy's Little Girl" from Frankie J's 2006 album "Priceless."


In the future, Kelly says he hopes to work with the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Usher, Chris Brown and Kelly Clarkson, among others. He also plans on delving into country and rock music as well.

Akon has been working with Michael Jackson on the King of Pop’s comeback album. The latest fruit of their labor comes with “Hold My Hand.” The mid-tempo, melodic collaboration features the lyrics, “Things will get better if you just hold my hand.”

Listen to the song here: http://www.rap-up.com/2008/06/30/new-music-akon-f-michael-jackson-hold-my-hand/

Michael Jackson turns 50 on August 29 and Sony BMG Music Entertainment, are giving his Australian fans the chance to congratulate Michael and celebrate with him by choosing the track list for Michael's new Australian album release 'King Of Pop'.

As of tomorrow, Saturday 21st June and for the next three weeks, fans will be able to go to www.mj50.com.au and vote for the tracks they want to appear on the 'King Of Pop' album - which will be released on Michael's 50th Birthday on August 29 2008.

They can also leave Michael a birthday wish - a selection of which will be forever immortalized as part of the limited edition album artwork!

Sony BMG Music Entertainment is proud to celebrate Michael's amazing career, with over 200 Million sales worldwide and over four million in Australia. What better way to celebrate this than with a new King Of Pop greatest hits package that uniquely has been voted for by his Australian fans.

In the first Australian fan-driven album of its kind, King of Pop will contain the top 30 tracks chosen from Michael's Australian fans, plus rare tracks from Michael's career and a never before released track plus a brand new "MegaMix" from the legendary Jason Nevins.

'King Of Pop' will be released in two editions. The first is a limited edition digi-pak that will feature selected voters names and messages left by the fans on the www.mj50.com.au site and a special fold-out poster that follows Michael through his illustrious musical career. The second edition will be a standard release of the album without the poster.

Go to www.mj50.com.au

Hip-hop producer SWIZZ BEATZ has fuelled rumours that MICHAEL JACKSON is planning a live return - after revealing he has been in talks to work on a tour by the pop superstar.

The Thriller hitmaker has already enlisted the talents of R+B stars Ne-Yo and Akon to work on his forthcoming LP, and now Swizz Beatz has confirmed he is contributing to the project as well.
But Swizz also admits there has been talk about some live shows.

He tells MTV.com, "I'm working on this new Michael Jackson s**t. I'm probably gonna be producing his tour and everything."

Jackson prompted speculation he will headline his own Las Vegas residency when an equity group linked to the Las Vegas Hilton helped him save his Neverland Ranch from foreclosure earlier this year (08).

He has also made a number of personal appearances in the Nevada city of late.

11 June 2008

POP legend Michael Jackson wowed fans by speaking to them via a live telephone link from Las Vegas at a party held at the Durrant House Hotel in Northam on Sunday.

Three hundred excited fans had packed out the ballroom at the sell-out party to meet Jackson Five legend Tito Jackson and his sons TJ and Taj when the pop king personally phoned the hotel to speak with his older brother and nephews - and say hi to his adoring aficionados.

Hotel manager Julie Finn said the receptionist put the call through to her office at around 8pm on Sunday.

She said: "It was a little surreal waiting in my small office with the Jacksons for Michael to call - and being filmed by Channel 4!

"We set up a link to the ballroom, and when the call came though and fans realised who was on the phone, it was incredible."

Michael said "hi" to his fans before saying he had been busy working in the studio that day. "I love you all," he said.

Earlier, fans were given the chance to rub shoulders with the Jackson stars and were entertained by a succession of top Jackson tribute acts including Danny Oliver, MJacksonUK, Mikki J, and Britain's Got Talent finalist Damon Scott and "Bubbles".

The event was organised by 18-year-old North Devon College student George Warren.

George, from Barnstaple, who has been hard at work organising the show for the last six weeks told the Gazette the event was more than he had ever hoped it would be.

"It was a fantastic night. We originally thought just Tito was going to come but to have him and two of his sons come - and stay for the whole evening - was amazing.

"The auction of Michael's fedora and the phone call was the icing on the cake.

"Organising the event has been pretty much non-stop - stressful but exciting.

"I'll now be concentrating on my A-Level exams this week and next - and learning to drive!"

The event raised an astonishing £8,000 for the North Devon Hospice through ticket sales, a raffle, and £500 donation by supermarket ASDA, who also presented a hamper of North Devon produce to Tito. A further £6,000 was raised through an auction of Jackson memorabilia including Michael's white fedora that he wore in the Smooth Criminal video, signed by the star himself. Other lots included signed Janet Jackson tour merchandise, and generous Tito even offered to cook one lucky fan a meal at his Appledore rented home.

Tito, who is understood to be flying back to America this week said: "I love North Devon. The people have been beautiful to me and I've been out for a lot of walks in the evening to enjoy the beautiful sunsets - I've had a ball!

by Paul Cashmere - May 27 2008

Michael Jackson was seen hanging out at the 50th birthday party of Christian Audigier, the founder of Ed Hardy last Friday night in Los Angeles.

Audigier celebrated his birthday at the Peterson Automotive Museum.

His guest-list also included Britney Spears, but the photo op of Britney and Jackson didn't happen. She left the party 10 minutes before Jackson arrived.

Fergie and Pamela Anderson were also there. Fergie sang for the crowd.

Jackson made a speech at the party. He called Audigier 'The King of Fashion".

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Photos and video of the event @ mjCommunity

May 11, 2008 02:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time


LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Michael Jackson today announced that the foreclosure sale of his Neverland Ranch property scheduled for this week has been cancelled by Colony Capital, LLC, which just acquired the existing loan on Neverland Ranch from an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group.

Mr. Jackson said, “I am pleased with recent developments involving Neverland Ranch and I am in discussions with Colony and Tom Barrack with regard to the Ranch and other matters that would allow me to focus on the future.”

Thu May 1, 7:45 PM ET, LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Pop star Michael Jackson has dropped a lawsuit against an accounting firm he had accused of making deals and hiring people without his permission, according to court papers obtained on Thursday.

The papers, filed on April 14, did not say whether Jackson had reached a settlement with the firm or dropped the litigation for another reason.

Jackson, through his production company, MJJ Productions Inc., sued the accounting firm of Bernstein, Fox, Whitman, Goldman and Sloan in December 2006, alleging negligence and breach of fiduciary duty.

The lawsuit alleged the firm did not pay workers' compensation payments on his behalf in 2004 and 2005 and was late paying taxes he owed, in addition to hiring people and entering into contracts without his authorization.

The accounting firm countersued Jackson the day after he filed his court papers, claiming the singer owed nearly $1 million in unpaid bills. That action was dismissed.

Jackson has maintained a low profile since his June 2005 acquittal on child sex abuse charges in California. His lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

Hello friends !

On Saturday, 26th of April, I, MJIMM's Captain Eo, visited the Thriller Live musical show in Amsterdam, Netherlands. For several times, the crew toured the UK and Ireland already, so this tour is the first one to take them off the islands and to Netherlands for a total of 6 shows (4 in Amsterdam, 2 in Zwolle).

Now, after reading several reviews, especially the ones not posted on their website, I went there not really knowing what to expect. Half the reviews said it was really good, then again the other half said they were left confused, because the show was not "michaely" enough for them.

So a friend and I travelled from Frankfurt to Amsterdam, which is a 4 hour trip by ICE (Inter City Express) International train. The tickets were priced very moderately, 45€ each, considering the promised show that would feature "over 20 performers with a full company of singers, dancers and live band" to celebrate "the King of Pop like never before!" as the advertisement says on the website www.thrillerlive.com . And that was the first thing for us to notice in Amsterdam: Advertisements for the show everywhere you go and turn, just like all those tenthousands of bicycles everywhere ! Huge ads on the metro, tram and all over public places in the city. At this point, I truly felt happy and proud to be a MJ fan once again. And my expectations did rise.

Arriving there, dropping off luggage at our hotel (goodness, Amsterdam is expensive !!!), we went to the city's Madame Tussauds. It's showing the History of the city and the Netherlands, features a spooky inscenation of Pirates Of The Carribean and of course, some Very Important People... Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Lenny Kravitz, Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Bob Marley, Freddie Mercury and of course: Michael Jackson ! They remodeled his wax figure several times during the years, whenever Michael changed style and appearance. And over the years, he visited the museum like 3 times. So I took my chance for a picture with the King Of Pop, but that one I will have to post in a few days in a seperate blog.

So the evening came and it got tme for the show. Would it be sold out ? What kind of people would go there ? How would they all like it ? And how would I ?

Considering the show playing there 4 times in a row, one every day from Thursday to Sunday, I was really interested if they would get the place filled completely. Yes, it is about Michael, but also, he did not really deliver a lot lately, that would bring the huge, positive media attention that we all hoped for. Anyways, the worrys about that went away when entering the Heineken Music Hall, which is situated directly across from the huge, impresive Amsterdam Arena, home of soccer club Ajax Amsterdam. We got there like 40 minutes early, and the rows were already filled up pretty good. At the beginning of the show, there were just very few seats empty that I could recognize. And let me tell you this, by the end it would be a few more, and not because the show was so bad, but because people would get up and stand on the side to get closer to the stage and dance ! And the audience were not just hardcore fans like I would consider myself. It were little children from maybe 5 yeras acoompanied by their teen brothers and sisters, their parents and their grandparents, an audience of all ages and incomes. This is what makes Michael and his music so great ! It brings people together !

The show started with a teaser about Michael's achievements in bussiness, like awards, sold albums, tour visitors, charity etc. At this point I felt myself electrified and I finally knew what this show would be all about: It would celebrate the King Of Pop and his music ! Starting up with early Jackson 5 hits, performed by a very authentic Dominic Smith, it went over to Jacksons songs and outtakes of the early solo albums and Off The Wall. Then a break and you will be taken from Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time to HIStory, no further though. And all of this without leaving any important song I would have missed.

So the beginning with Dominc Smith was just a perfect one. It was the show Michael and his brothers would have delivered as well, Dominic's voice and also appearance matching as close as it could only get. Thereafter, is the part where some people probably got confused. The rest of the Musical's lead singer cast was not really looking like Michael, dancing like Michael or even singing like Michael, with a few exceptions here and there (When it comes to dancing, Ricko Baird did a perfect job on Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal - even with the lean this time !!! - and Dangerous). One of them was even a woman, Hayley Evetts, giving the songs a complete new touch with not suppressing the original meanings; one being white, Peter Eldridge, who managed all the rock parts like Beat It, Dirty Diana, a very powerful singing performer. But that it was NOT JUST impersonating did not really do anything bad to the show. I would have sort of cheated by that anyways. I mean, I like people impersonating Michael, but I don't like people trying to play Michael as they really were it themselves... might sound strange, but I just can't find a better expression. Everybody involved, really everybody, did sing the songs with so much emotion, so much heart and power that in the end I had to sum it all up to this sentece once again:

This show truly celebrates Michael as an artist and his music ! That was what I wanted to see. That was what made the audience jump off their chairs almost every single song, clapping, dancing and singing along.

Thank you to everyone from the Thriller Live team ! You gals and guys do an awesome job, that certainly makes Michael proud and feel honored and his fans can be proud as well ! Thank you for the happiness, thank you for the music !


Unfortunately, taking pictures during the show was not allowed. I would have loved to share some. I will show you pics of the trip though in some days. If you get the chance, visit that musical ! They're still touring the UK. Check tour dates on www.thrillerlive.com .

Body: April 25, 2008 -- MICHAEL Jackson's legal bills have prompted him to go back to work - and this time he's serious. He's hired music producers RedOne and Akon to mastermind his new album, and the trio began working together at the Palms recording studio in Las Vegas Wednesday. "Michael is producing the album himself and then will sell it to a record company when he's finished," our spy said. To maintain the utmost concentration, "Michael has banned his kids from the recording studio. He realizes this is very important and doesn't want any distractions." Jacko has also sworn off women for the time being, despite never seeming to care much for them anyway. Jackson - who supposedly had been seeing his children's nanny, Grace Rwaramba - told pals, "He's not going to be involved in any personal relationships with women until he gets this record done. He's dumped the nanny - she's not around any more.

02 April 2008 | 10:23

MICHAEL Jackson and his famous family are set to move into a new home in England in the next few weeks, it emerged today.

The legendary king of pop is said to be delighted after tying up the move to the five-bedroom house.

The comfortable but unassuming property in Appledore, Devon, will become the UK retreat for the Jackson Five legends from next month.

The owners of the holiday des res have agreed an initial one-month letting arrangement with the superstar's family while they continue to search Devon for the ideal spot on which to build a multi-million-pound pad.

The house has been let to the Jacksons on behalf of two Bristol-based couples by specialist holiday cottages agency, Barnstaple-based North Devon Holiday Homes.

Managing director Matthew Ryan spoke of a "boyish excitement" when he was given the task of relaying the jaw-dropping news of the new tenants to his astonished clients.

Matthew said: "I was pretty shocked when we were first approached but was convinced it was a bona fide request as I knew the Jacksons were looking to find a home in North Devon.

"We're very proud that a family of that stature, and with such high and exacting requirements, has approached us to represent them."

He added: "Over the years, we have accommodated a broad spectrum of fairly well-known clients, but obviously this is on a different scale entirely."

Mr Ryan - who discussed preparations such as additional window screening with the Jacksons on Monday - said he had an "interesting" conversation with the owners, who had already booked the accommodation for their own use.

"I told them that there was a high profile client looking to let their property and they were good enough to cancel their own holiday before they even knew who it was," he said.

Besides the Appledore deal, the Jacksons are negotiating terms on a secluded piece of land in the Croyde area on which to build a spectacular "glass-style" mansion for permanent use while they're in the UK.

The stunning revelations come just weeks after Tito Jackson's North Devon home hunt was revealed.

Jackson*'s older brother Tito, 54, spent a week in the region looking at various properties with family friend and martial arts empire owner Matt Fiddes.

Matt spent the weekend in London with Jermaine Jackson and other family members to put the final preparations in place for the Devon move.

"Matt is one of my family's closest friends," said Jermaine.

"We are looking forward to spending time with my brothers and Matt in Barnstaple.

"It's a beautiful place and we can't wait for Tito to set us up a family home there."

Mr Fiddes, who has a home near Barnstaple, said that, since Tito's visit last month, the phone line between North Devon and California had been red hot.

It is understood that he has signed a contract with the Jacksons to get all brothers - including Michael - back in shape and fighting fit for a Jackson Five reunion tour.

"They couldn't buy a house quickly enough and are renting the place in Appledore until they can build their own home, exactly how they want it," said Matt.

The large barn conversion in Appledore has lots of rooms, big gardens, a balcony and first-class views of the Taw and Torridge estuary.

It should suit the iconic family down to the ground - from the state-of-the-art surround-sound ceiling speaker system, to the American flag cushions on the living room sofa.

"The home is set back from the road with its own gate but although it's stunning, it's a fairly normal house really," added Mr Fiddes.

"It's not as private as they are used to, but they have bodyguards - and it's the best they could do at such short notice.

"Tito and his sons are putting the finishing touches to a brand new album and are desperate to get here as they know it's more peaceful than California.

"They know that in North Devon, they can put some serious work into the new material and get it released as soon as possible."

Tito, his girlfriend, actress and model Claudia Lynx, and sons Taj, Taryll and TJ of pop band 3T, are expected to arrive in North Devon on May 5.

It is almost certain that the move will see the world's media focus its attention on Appledore during the next weeks and months, with the prospect of untold superstar visits in the offing.

It is understood that brother Jermaine, sister Janet, and even mum and dad Joseph and Katherine, have already signalled their intention to come and visit.

"We will have to wait and see whether or not Michael turns up," said Mr Fiddes.

"Michael likes surprising people, so he'll probably keep us all guessing up until the last minute!

"He turns 50 this summer and, with a lot of his family in the region, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of him celebrating his birthday in North Devon."

Where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet, the delightful quayside village of Appledore, next to the River Torridge, boasts a great range of shops, pubs, guesthouses and art galleries.

A thriving fishing and trading village since the 14th century, Appledore has been a famous boat-building centre for many years and the shipyard is still active today.

The Quay is very central to life in the village and it is here you will find many activities including fishing trips, crabbing contests on the quay, Morris Dancers, and in summer, a ferry across the river to Instow.

The fishing village has a maze of narrow streets leading to the quay.

A settlement there can be traced back to Saxon times, and Viking raiders lead by Hubba the Dane, were defeated here in the Battle of Bloody Corner circa 878 AD (a plaque to the battle is visible between Appledore and Northam on the Churchill Way corner near the swimming pool.

In Elizabethan times, Appledore along with Bideford, was the largest importer of tobacco, and tales of smugglers and a nautical air can be found around every corner.

edited*

MJIMM just learned about a report by KGMB9, that there is something going on at Neverland. Moving trucks are coming and going and landscapers are at work. Rumour has it, that Michael might move back in.

Check out the source: http://kgmb9. com/main/content/view/5017/101/

LATEST: MICHAEL JACKSON’s brother JERMAINE has denied the singer’s Neverland Ranch was ever for sale - insisting the property would go on the market "over my dead body". The California estate was reportedly scheduled to be sold off if Jackson failed to pay $24.5 million (GBP12.25 million) he owed in property taxes by 19 March (08). The Thriller hitmaker was believed to have saved his home by agreeing a deal with an investment group that will allow him to retain ownership. But Jermaine has insisted the property was never under threat.
He tells TMZ. com, "It’s very simple. It’s not for sale. Not over my dead body. It’s not for sale." And when asked if the property would be sold if it went into foreclosure, he added, "That’s a myth.

The pop star's lawyer says deal struck to stop Neverland auction

From the Associated Press

March 13, 2008

LOS OLIVOS, Calif. (AP) -- Michael Jackson reached an 11th-hour deal to refinance his troubled Neverland Ranch, his lawyer said Thursday, avoiding a public auction of the property that had been scheduled next week.

Jackson attorney L. Londell McMillan told The Associated Press the pop star has worked out a "confidential" agreement with Fortress Investment Group LLC allowing him to retain ownership of the famed property in Los Olivos, Calif.

"Neverland and MJ are fine," McMillan said.

A representative for Fortress did not immediately return a call for comment.

The property was scheduled to be auctioned March 19 after Jackson went into default on the $24.5 million he owes on the 2,500-acre spread in the rolling hills of central California's wine country.

A representative of Financial Title Co. of San Francisco, which filed the default notice, did not immediately return a call for comment.

A source close to Jackson, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said it's not clear whether the entertainer will keep Neverland.

Jackson has not lived there since his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005, and residents of Los Olivos, the small town that gained attention in the movie "Sideways," say rumors of its imminent sale have been rampant for months.

Among those rumored to be interested in the property are soccer star David Beckham, said Kim Morrison, one of the administrators of a private school located across the road from Neverland.

"It would be nice to have Beckham there," said Morrison, although she quickly added that Jackson "was always a good neighbor."

Jackson bought the property years ago from a local cattle rancher and turned it into his personal playground, naming it after the mythical land of Peter Pan where boys never grow up. The singer, who was a star before he reached his teens, has said it was an effort to recreate the childhood he was denied.

He installed a zoo stocked with exotic animals and more than a dozen amusement park rides, including a merry-go-round and a train to rival Disneyland's.

During the ranch's heyday in the late 1980s and 1990s, Jackson would frequently bring ill or disadvantaged children by the busload to the ranch to enjoy it with him.

Since he left in 2005 the exotic animals have been removed and the ranch is said to have fallen into disrepair.

"No one is living here," a security guard at the front gate said this week.

Newcastle businessmen to launch multi-million pound bid

Mar 10, 2008

British businessmen Liam Collins and David Bone are set to launch a joint £15 million bid to buy Michael Jackson’s ranch, Neverland, in an attempt to alleviate the singer’s financial crisis.

Jackson must pay off $25 million (£12.5 million) of his debts by March 19 or he faces losing the property anyway in auction.

Entrepreneurs Collins and Bone, who are based in Newcastle, are huge fans of Jackson, and told the Daily Star that they began earning their own fortunes by busking in London, copying his dance routines.

“We really want to see Jacko back on his feet,” Bone said. Collins added: “If it wasn’t for Michael’s music and his fantastic dance routines, it is possible that we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Friday, 15 February 2008 - Ann Powers - LOS ANGELES TIMES

...

The just-issued 25th anniversary of "Thriller" includes remixes by will.i.am and Kanye West and guest appearances from Fergie and Akon. But the classic content is what still resonates, even if younger listeners need to be lured in by names they associate with the Hot 100. Here, nine Los Angeles Times staff writers and contributors offer their views of the album's original tracks.

• "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' ": Hot as Jackson was after the quantum leap that 1979's "Off the Wall" brought his solo career, few expected him to match, much less dramatically surpass, those heights so quickly. But "Thriller's" leadoff track immediately established the new album as another giant step forward. It connected to "Off the Wall" with an irresistible Afro-Caribbean funk, dance-floor pulse and peppery horn accents akin to "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," then rocketed to new heights with even more sinewy bass and guitar lines propelling his impossibly nimble vocals. If "Off the Wall" demonstrated that Jackson was a kid no more, "Somethin' " signaled the full maturity of his musical acumen. All the more impressive for a song built on just two chords. (Randy Lewis)

• "Baby Be Mine": Imagine if this weren't the better of the two non-singles from a monster album but a one-shot single by an unknown artist. The sweet midtempo glide of "Baby Be Mine" probably would have bubbled into the R&B Top 20 and gotten lots of roller-skate play, been included on recent mix CDs by cutting-edge European DJs and been remade as a slow jam at least three times. We would have wondered at the bionic singer, the effervescent synth arrangements, the popping groove. In short, it would sound like the hidden classic it remains, even in plain sight. (Michaelangelo Matos)

• "The Girl Is Mine": Treacly, insipid, weak, embarrassing -- that's how detractors describe Jackson's gentle sparring match with his then-favorite Beatle, Paul McCartney. Borne forward on a beat light as hair mousse and synth flourishes supplied by the guys from Toto, it's a long way from the paranoid funk of "Billie Jean." But its spun-sugar vocal line is like the G-rated version of "Unchained Melody," and the cornball lyrics (I know, "doggone") invoke a show-tune Arcadia that both MJ and Macca fought to preserve as pop got ever filthier. The lift Jackson gives the word "endlessly" midsong can still make a listener feel like she's swimming in a sea of Love's Baby Soft. (Ann Powers)

• "Thriller": If ever a video killed the radio star, "Thriller" was it. The song was adequately groovy -- funked-out beat, lyrics seemingly lifted from some little kid's "scary storybook" -- but the video was legendary: Costing $800,000, the 14-minute mini-film was the most expensive video of its time. Back then it was over the top; to today's viewer, jaded by bloated-budget videos, it still looks epic -- and deliciously campier than ever. That dialogue ("I'm not like other guys")! That Vincent Price rap interlude! And, most of all, those choreographed zombies, dancing in a style that -- thanks to Usher, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown -- still gets its close-up on MTV. (Baz Dreisinger)

• "Beat It": A secret not closely guarded: The uncredited guitarist who whipped out the fluttering, squealing solo on this ode to macho cowardice was Eddie Van Halen, whose extracurriculars ranked among the provocations for singer David Lee Roth's 1985 departure from the megalithic rock band Van Halen. The aerodynamic metal flight pumped crossover fuel that would boost the success of "Thriller" -- a gimmick Jackson would flog later with spots from Slash and Carlos Santana. Without the Van Halen precedent, there might have been no collaboration of Run-DMC and Aerosmith on the 1986 rap/rock version of "Walk This Way." (Greg Burk)

• "Billie Jean": Twenty-five years later, "Thriller's" central chamber has lost none of its fevered mystery. This is where the album's material plane gives way to a haunted interior, excavated by that remorseless bass line and shaped by a taut interplay of instruments -- the arrangement is ingenious, so lean and spare that it's hard to accept that there are three synthesizers at work. Jackson finds a new voice here, a victim's voice that shudders in the shadows of this remarkable sonic space, lashing at his own naivete and at the false accusers who were just starting to gather at his door. (Richard Cromelin)

• "Human Nature": Jackson is a sensual vampire flying over the city looking for juicy necks to bite. A template for new jack swing and hip-hop soul ballads, "Human Nature" is comparatively slower and more intimate than "Thriller's" other songs. "If this town is just an apple, let me take a bite," quivers Jackson's voice over a cascading synthesizer and percolating bass line. Though written by John Bettis and Steve Porcaro of Toto, the lyrics resonate with Jackson's yearning to break free from his tower of celebrity and mingle with young people in a "city that winks its sleepless eye." (Serena Kim)

• "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)": It's all about the chipmunk. The production has a compelling charm already; It's not as forceful as "Beat It" or as slick as "Human Nature," but those squiggly synths and chewy bass lines do their work well. But besides the robo-accented "P.Y.T." hook, what seals the deal is that helium-pitched voice after the bridge. Honestly, to this day, I still can't decipher what line is blurted out, but just the chipmunk effect has been enough to imprint the song in my head. Given that Kanye West looped the same passage for his Grammy-winning "Good Life" only confirms I'm not alone in my infatuation. (Oliver Wang)

• "The Lady in My Life": And the '80s pop big bang ends with a ... whimper? So it might have seemed at the time, this Rod Temperton-penned and arranged trifle closed "Thriller" on an unconvincingly romantic note -- even pre-scandal. Yet today, "Lady" shines for its classic simplicity and nuanced craft, a verse melody straight from vintage Burt Bacharach (the muted trumpet early on leaves no doubt) topped with a chorus that's almost a Stevie Wonder homage. And Jackson's delivery is refreshingly unaffected -- not until shortly before the final fade does he even let out an ooo! No, not a whimper. A sigh. (Steve Hochman)

XM THRILLER: The Music of Michael Jackson' to Launch March 1 on XM

Quincy Jones to Serve as Executive Advisor for the Month-Long Channel to Commemorate 25th Anniversary Release of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of "Thriller," XM Radio will launch a new channel dedicated to the music of pop icon Michael Jackson on March 1, it was announced today. The new channel, "XM THRILLER: The Music of Michael Jackson" (XM 63), will feature Jackson's solo work, as well as recordings from The Jackson 5, interviews and stories from other artists, plus other unique content that celebrates Jackson's musical contributions. Music industry legend Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller," among other Jackson solo albums, will serve as Executive Advisor, providing counsel on the channel's creative direction and structure.

"With 'XM THRILLER,' we are paying tribute to the best-selling album in the world and a music icon whose influence on pop music is unparalleled," said Eric Logan, executive vice president of programming, XM.

Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" skyrocketed Jackson into international superstardom. The album has sold more than 104 million copies worldwide and was the first in history to have seven top-ten singles. The 25th anniversary reissue, "Thriller 25," will be released nationwide tomorrow, February 12, and includes every song from the original release remastered, plus several new remixes featuring Akon, will.i.am, Fergie and Kanye West.

Michael Jackson made his musical debut at a young age as part of the group The Jackson 5 and went on to have one of the most successful solo careers in music history. His success made huge strides for African-American artists and brought attention to the music video as an art form. Jackson was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 as a member of The Jackson 5 and in 2001 for his achievements as a solo artist. With 13 GRAMMY Awards and 13 number-one singles, Jackson remains one of the most respected and admired musicians whose influence is undeniable. Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, Pharell Williams and countless other artists have credited Jackson as an important musical influence.

"XM THRILLER" will be available from March 1 through March 31. Programming information for the channel will be available online at http://www.xmradio.com/thriller.

About XM

XM is America's number one satellite radio company with more than 8.5 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2008 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: commercial-free music, premier sports, news, talk radio, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Porsche, Ferrari, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota, is available in 140 different vehicle models for 2008. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. XM programming is also available through XM Radio Online, the exclusive home on the Internet for XM's commercial-free music channels; as downloads of original XM shows via podcasts from XM's Web site or the Apple's iTunes Store; and as streams of commercial- free XM music channels to AT&T and Alltel wireless customers through XM Radio Mobile.

For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, visit http://www.xmradio.com/.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-1-07. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department. All programming subject to change.

CONTACT: Anne-Taylor Adams of XM, +1-212-708-6171,
annetaylor.adams@xmradio.com

Web site: http://www.xmradio.com/
http://www.xmradio.com/thriller

Hey Friends,

since yesterday, Thriller 25 is released all over the world. My fav remix is Wanna Be Startin' Something 2008 with Will.I.Am . For All Time finally released, great song ! Should have been on there from the start. Get your copy from your local retailer, amazon or itunes, etc.

Also check out http://www.myspace.com/mjimm for the official Thriller 25 TV ad, a new interview about Thriller 25 with Quincy Jones, and Episode 1 of Michael's official MySpace' Thrillcast, featuring an almost 10 minutes interview about Michael and Thriller by RUN DMC.

Keep on, with the force don't stop

Watch the video of NRJ Music Awards on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSKG_5GPmvA

This first single from Thriller 25th Anniversary, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 is now available on iTunes for purchase.

To purchase this song, Click Here

Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 is a new track produced by Akon and Michael, featuring Akon's vocal and a brand new 2008 Michael Jackson vocal track. Not a remix but a new version of this classic!

Epic/Legacy Recordings proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller, the world's biggest-selling album of all time, with a newly expanded deluxe edition of the phenomenal record-breaking pop culture touchstone, available on Tuesday, February 12. The Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition will include the original album in its entirety as well as six tracks previously unreleased in any form: a new Kanye West remix of "Billie Jean"; will.i.am remixes of "The Girl is Mine" and "P.Y.T."; Fergie's version of "Beat It"; "For All Time," a rare unreleased cut from the original Thriller recording sessions, newly mixed and mastered by Michael Jackson: and the first single, a new 2008 version of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Akon and will.i.am.

Hollywood actor JOHNNY DEPP is hoping to play * pop star MICHAEL JACKSON in a movie of the singer's life. The Sweeney Todd star was rumoured to have modelled himself on Jackson for his role as Willy Wonka in 2005 movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But although Depp believes any similarities to the pop superstar in his portrayal are purely coincidental, he would love to take on the role of the Thriller hitmaker, insisting, "There is still time to play him."

*edited

Dear Michael fans, dear friends,

2008 is hopefully to become the long awaited, exciting year for Michael Jackson, his fans and MJIMM:

The release of Thriller 25, a tribute to the biggest selling album in history is just ahead on February 2nd.

Michael's 50th birthday !

The release of a whole new album of the King of Pop in summer. (Let's pray...)

MJIMM's team decided, to officially get in contact with fans on Myspace now, for it to be a bridge to our actual website, a bridge to the latest news and informations about Michael and a bridge to the mjCommunity, were fans can chat and discuss about their musical idol.

The team of MJIMM - Michael Jackson - The Invincible Man of Music - wishes you a happy and a healthy year 2008 !

Let Michael rock the world !

www.myspace.com/mjimm

Pop legend MICHAEL JACKSON has bought publishing rights for rapper EMINEM's back catalogue. The Thriller hitmaker, who also currently owns The Beatles copyright, has purchased Famous Music LLC from Viacom for an undisclosed amount. Jackson is now the owner of The Real Slim Shady and Without Me but also owns the rights to songs by Shakira, Beck and Bjork under the transaction. The singer says, "This is a milestone event for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The diverse collection of songs in this catalogue range from timeless classics to contemporary hits, and I am pleased to add the acquisition of Famous Music to Sony/ ATV." Eminem parodied Jackson in his video for 2002 hit Without Me.

According to Johnson Publishing this is a combined issue for 2 weeks and the last of this year. With REMIX CD set for release the THRILLER returns.

JET Magazine is available for Pre-Orders at www.mjjshop.com - The Michael Jackson Worldwide Shop!

THRILLER 25

Worldwide Release: FEBRUARY 12, 2008.

Pre-Order Here At Sony BMG Store:

Click Here

EPIC RECORDS/LEGACY RECORDINGS UNVEIL
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
OF MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER
THE WORLD'S BIGGEST SELLING ALBUM OF ALL TIME

Newly Expanded Deluxe Edition of Multi-Platinum Grammy-Winning Album
With New & Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks
Including Remixes By Akon, will.i.am & Kanye West:

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin"
"Baby Be Mine"
"The Girl Is Mine"
"Thriller"
"Beat It"
"Billie Jean"
"Human Nature"
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"
"The Lady in My Life"

Bonus Material:
10. Someone In the Dark
11. Billie Jean (original demo recording)
12. Carousel

Previously Unreleased Tracks For 25th Anniversary Edition
13. The Girl Is Mine 2008 with will.i.am*
14. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 2008 with Michael Jackson and will.i.am*
15. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 with Michael Jackson, Akon and will.i.am*
16. Billie Jean 2008 with Kanye West*
17. For All Time (unreleased track from original Thriller sessions)*

+ Bonus DVD Featuring Digitally Restored Short Films
& Michael Jackson's Historic Breakout Performance
From "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" Television Broadcast

Bonus DVD Videos
Thriller
Beat It
Billie Jean
Billie Jean performance from Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever
25th Anniversary Executive Producer: Michael Jackson
Original Album Produced by Quincy Jones for [Quincy Jones Productions logo]



Epic/Legacy Recordings proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller, the world's biggest-selling album of all time, with a newly expanded deluxe edition of the phenomenal record-breaking pop culture touchstone, available worldwide in February 2008.

The Michael Jackson Thriller 25th anniversary celebration kicks off in December 2007 and continues throughout 2008 with the release of a new single and a multi-faceted global marketing campaign featuring high-profile television, radio and online events around the world.

The Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition will include the original album in its entirety as well as eight bonus tracks and a DVD featuring Michael Jackson's groundbreaking short films from Thriller ("Thriller," "Beat It," and "Billie Jean") and the artist's Emmy-nominated breakout performance of "Billie Jean" from the legendary "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" television special (first broadcast on NBC on May 16, 1983).

The newly expanded version of Thriller premieres five tracks previously unreleased in any form: a new Kanye West remix of "Billie Jean"; a new 2008 version of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Akon and will.i.am; will.i.am remixes of "The Girl Is Mine" and "P.Y.T."; and "For All Time," a rare unreleased cut from the original Thriller recording sessions, newly mixed and mastered by Michael Jackson.

Additional bonus material on the Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition includes "Someone In The Dark," "Carousel," and Michael Jackson's original demo recording of "Billie Jean."

The deluxe Thriller - 25th Anniversary Edition packaging contains a personal greeting from Michael Jackson to his fans penned exclusively for this special release.

Originally released 25 years ago early December 1982 by Epic Records, Thriller, Michael Jackson's sixth solo album and second with producer Quincy Jones, rocketed the former child-star lead singer for the Jackson 5 into the stratosphere of international superstardom. Introducing the "robot" and the "moonwalk" into the international lexicon of clubland dance moves via the pulsing sounds of Thriller, Michael Jackson revolutionized all aspects of mainstream pop culture -- from radio airwaves to the newly emerging art form of music videos -- becoming the world's most popular entertainer in the process.

The original Thriller spent an astounding 80 consecutive weeks in the American Top 10, 37 of those at 1. Seven of the album's original nine tracks became Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 while Individual singles from Thriller reached 1 chart positions in the US, the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada.

Thriller made history as the first and only record to be America's top-selling album two years running (1983 and 1984).

Thriller has been certified 27x platinum by the RIAA, giving it Double Diamond Award status in the US. In addition, the album has achieved Diamond or Multi-Platinum status in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Thriller was named the Best Selling Album of All Time by the Guinness Book of Records in 1985.

In February 1984, Michael Jackson held a record-breaking 12 Grammy nominations, going on to win eight, which stands as the record for most Grammy Awards to be won by anyone in a single year. Seven of Michael's Grammys that year were for Thriller: Album of the Year; Record of the Year ("Beat It"); Best Male Pop Vocal Performance ("Thriller"); Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical (Thriller); Best Male Rock Vocal Performance ("Beat It"); Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Billie Jean"); Best R&B Song ("Billie Jean"). (Michael's eighth Grammy that year was in the Best Recording For Children - Single or Album, Musical or Spoken category for "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial"). That same year, Michael Jackson took home eight American Music Awards and three MTV Video Music Awards. The following year, "The Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller" took home the Best Video Album trophy at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards.

Named the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time" by the Guinness World Records, Michael Jackson is among the most highly acclaimed and influential artists in pop culture. He was named the World Music Award's Best-Selling Pop Male Artist of the Millennium and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice: in 1997 as a member of the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist in 2001.

Product Description:

Ease on down the yellow-brick road with the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Wiz, starring superstars Diana Ross and Michael Jackson! Relive all of the magic of this beloved musical when Dorothy is whisked away to the enchanting wonderland of Oz, where she encounters the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Lion. The Wiz features spectacular musical numbers from legendary producer Quincy Jones and an all-star cast including Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross. With a digitally remastered picture and the unforgettable soundtrack in new 5.1 surround sound, it's an experience of the land of Oz unlike anything you've seen before!

Region 1
Snap Case
Anamorphic Widescreen -
1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo - English
Subtitles - English (SDH) - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Featurette - WIZ ON DOWN THE ROAD
Trailer - Theatrical Trailer
Additional Products:
Includes 8-Track Bonus CD Featuring Songs by Michael Jackson & Diana Ross..

The groundbreaking Michael Jackson video "Thriller" was released 25 years ago Dec. 1. In honor of that anniversary, "GMA" wants to see your video versions of "Thriller." We''ll choose the best ones and show them on air this Friday. Just fill out the information below and upload your video.
Upload your video below or send your cell phone video to us at icaught@abcnews.go.com.

**NOTE: Please wait for the confirmation page before clicking out of this window. This may take several minutes.**

Thursday, November 15, 2007
By Matt Kettmann (Contact)

Michael Jackson is 100 percent innocent, and his 2005 trial on charges of child molestation was an outrageously expensive witch hunt solely designed by then Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon to dethrone a successful black celebrity. Meanwhile, the mainstream media missed the true story, preferring instead to pronounce the pop star guilty on all counts in the court of public opinion. Everyone except Michael Jackson should be ashamed of themselves.

So believes author Aphrodite Jones, and her latest book, Michael Jackson Confidential, lays out her theories in a meticulously researched, blow-by-blow fashion. Taking readers inside the Santa Maria courtroom that captured the world’s attention for more than six months, the book recounts the testimony of crucial witnesses, paints the bizarre backdrop of nutty fans and international media hordes, and hammers home the “not guilty” verdict that a jury of Jackson’s peers delivered.

It’s a tale I already know far too well, having covered the trial for The Independent, TIME, and various national radio programs. I was even on the path to my own book deal, corresponding extensively with a prominent New York City agent and developing chapter outlines for a pitch that never popped. Like Michael Jackson Confidential, my book would have focused largely on the media circus surrounding the event, as I found myself intermingling with these professional train wreck-watchers whose heavily made-up faces, outlandish opinions, and no-holds-barred scoop-snagging strategies left me feeling ill as I drove home every day from Santa Maria.

And like Jones — who was forced to self-publish her book even though she has a slew of other best-selling true-crime titles under her belt — I quickly found that the publishers weren’t interested in anything on Jackson at all after the not-guilty verdict was announced. “I was told flat-out by numerous publishers and agents in New York that nobody wants a pro-Jackson book,” said Jones. “Can you believe that? It’s just weird that even what you read in a book is getting designated by someone making executive decisions about people’s lives and reputations. It’s not only weird, it’s actually scary.”

But unlike Jones, by the time the trial had ended, I thought Jackson was guilty. For me, the convincing factor was a video played by the prosecution in the trial’s 11th hour: footage of the accuser, then 13-year-old Gavin Arvizo, telling the cops for the first time that he’d been molested by Jackson. Oddly, it was this same video that convinced Jones of Jackson’s innocence.

“That video was the thing that convinced me completely,” she explained in a long and meandering phone conversation from her Long Island home two weeks ago. “I don’t believe he did anything to this Arvizo kid. I honest-to-god believe he didn’t do it. Watch the video again, and watch him get nervous at the wrong places and watch him study before he answers. He’s a very good little actor, but he was acting.”

Jones believes that the whole attempt to put Jackson behind bars was simply a pet “vendetta” of D.A. Sneddon, who retired at the end of 2006 after 23 years on the job. Jones said that Jackson’s attorney Thomas Mesereau, who penned the forward to Michael Jackson Confidential, had told Sneddon that the Arvizos were not reliable witnesses and that they’d been involved in other con games before — two facts that eventually swayed the jury. “But Sneddon didn’t care,” said Jones. “He just wanted his name in lights. He just wanted all the hoopla around him.”

Jones is also now claiming wherever she can that the retired D.A. is a racist in the good-ole-boy sense, pointing to a courtroom exchange in which one of the witnesses, black comedian Chris Tucker, asked to see a photograph of himself that was being used by the prosecution, and Sneddon replied, “If you’re a good boy.” I remember finding the moment a tad unsettling, but its ties to racism are debatable. (Sneddon did not respond to my request for a comment last week, and when I ran into him at the Taco Bell on Milpas many months ago, he seemed to be enjoying retired life and to have moved far beyond the 2005 trial.)

Complicating matters, while the trial was going on, Jones herself was a popular talking head on television, especially for the Fox News network. “I was one of the leaders of the pack,” she admitted. “We did as much as we could to make [Jackson] look bad. That’s what people wanted. To be quite honest, that’s what Fox wanted. They didn’t want any exculpatory information.”

This book is her apology, an attempt to set the record straight and reveal that the media were biased and remain broken. “It’s all about exposing what the media can do to someone with just an accusation,” Jones explained. “Anyone can come along with accusations or innuendo and, if the media decide to pick it up, it can snowball and ruin careers.” Though she never mentions specific journalists by name in her book — save for Martin Bashir, whose documentary on Jackson jump-started the investigation and made Bashir a witness — Jones has no love for many of her colleagues, explaining, “These people make their careers off Jackson’s blood.”

While her book is about the Jackson trial, Jones sees it as an indictment of the whole media system. “We have moved into a culture where it’s all about personalities and the Nancy Graces of the world who have an agenda. I don’t think that’s real news anymore,” she said. “We’re coming into a society and era that’s becoming so obsessed with celebrity that even the news organizations are caving in.” Jones hopes she’s a force in the other direction, toward truth and fairness — even though her opinionated book comes off as rather one-sided.

As for the pop star, Jones says “He hasn’t even recognized that the book exists.” But her book is a big hit with MJ fans all over the world, and is already being translated into a number of languages. She’s been doing book-signings since the book came out in June — much like the ones she’s doing with attorney Thomas Mesereau this weekend in Santa Barbara — and the book is starting to attract the attention of the legal community as well.

But Michael Jackson Confidential was never a money-making endeavor for Jones, who said, “It was more a labor of love and catharsis for me.” Hopefully it’s a cathartic reality check for the mainstream media as well.

Aphrodite Jones will discuss and sign copies of Michael Jackson Confidential on Saturday, noon-4 p.m., at the Barnes & Noble on State Street, and on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Borders in Goleta. Jackson’s defense attorney, Thomas Mesereau, will also be in attendance. For more on the book, see aphroditejones.com.

Watch video about Aphrodite Jones' book on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIwehjDPOYU

November 18th, 2007 - 4:14 pm ICT by admin

New York, Nov 18 (ANI): Pop star Michael Jackson led the crowd through a spirited rendition of Happy Birthday at civil rights activist Jesse Jackson’s 66th birthday bash.

The pop star walked the red carpet of the party, sponsored by Bombay Sapphire and RainbowPUSH at the Beverly Hilton, along with the Baptist minister and U.S. TV veteran Larry King, reports the New York Post.

According to sources, the former king of pop stopped midway to sing a power-ballad rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ complete with theatrical clenched fists and stage expressions.

King and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also joined the pop star as his backup singers.
The most bizarre part, however, was seeing Larry King and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa chime in as his backup singers,” they added. (ANI)

For Immediate Release

November 7, 2007

NEVERLAND VALLEY RANCH


Washington, D.C. …. In 2006, Mr. Jackson’s former advisors refinanced

Neverland Valley Ranch through Fortress Investment Group, LLC.



The loan matured in October, 2007.



Contrary to published reports, Mr. Jackson was never in default of the

loan. Mr. Jackson is in the final stages of refinance and will not lose

Neverland Valley Ranch.



No further comments will be made regarding this subject as it has been

our long term policy not to address Mr. Jackson’s personal financial

affairs.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Michael Jackson knows his reputation as a freak -- but just ignores it.


Michael Jackson says his eccentric reputation is based on "ignorance."

"I don't pay attention to that," the 49-year-old singer tells Ebony magazine. "In my opinion, it's ignorance. It's usually not based on fact. ... Every neighborhood has the guy who you don't see, so you gossip about him. You see those stories about him, there's the myth that he did this or he did that. People are crazy!"

Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, says he hasn't changed all that much since releasing his blockbuster album "Thriller" nearly 25 years ago.

"That Michael is probably the same Michael here," he says in the magazine's December issue, on newsstands Monday. "I just wanted to get certain things accomplished first. But I always had this tug in the back of my head, the things I wanted to do, to raise children, have children. I'm enjoying it very much."

Jackson says success "came with a lot of pain."

"When you're on top of your game, when you're a pioneer, people come at you. ... But I feel grateful, all those record-breaking things, to the biggest albums, to those No. 1s, I still feel grateful," says the singer, who has sold more than 750 million albums worldwide.

What does he make of today's music?

"I don't think people are being as experimental and innovative enough," he says. "I know people can easily say, 'Well, we don't have the Michael Jackson budget.' Wrong, you can be so creative with almost nothing. And that's usually the best stuff, when you strip it down to the bare minimum and go inside yourself and invent."

Jackson -- whose last album, 2001's "Invincible," went double-platinum but failed to produce any monster hits -- is reportedly collaborating with the likes of Kanye West for his forthcoming album, Ebony said.

"I always want to do music that influences and inspires each generation," he says. "Let's face it, who wants mortality? You want what you create to live, and I give my all in my work because I want it to live."

Myths, rumors and innuendos behind the King of Pop

Twenty five years after the record-breaking Thriller album was released, Michael Jackson still reigns as the King of Pop. EBONY magazine offers readers a rare glimpse into the world of the internationally recognized icon. The talented dancer, singer and songwriter sat down in a New York hotel suite with EBONY to conduct his first U.S. magazine interview and cover story in a decade. In this special collector’s edition, Michael shares a unique view into his creativity, where he’s been and where he’s headed next. “I always want to do music that influences and inspires each generation. Let’s face it, who wants mortality? You want what you create to live, and I give my all in my work because I want it to live.”

Copy and paste the link to see the letter in our forum:

http://www.mjimm.com/mjcommunity/index.php?showtopic=328

Michael Jackson 'not re-married'

Michael Jackson has already been married twice
Michael Jackson's spokeswoman has denied that the pop star has married his children's nanny.
Raymone Bain issued a statement on the Michael Jackson Fan Club website following several media reports that the singer had wed Grace Rwaramba.

"Wide-spreading reports regarding Michael Jackson being married are not true," the statement said.

"Documents stating otherwise are a hoax." Jackson has already been married twice and has three children.

His two eldest, Prince Michael Jackson Jr and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, were born to his second wife Deborah Rowe.

...

The singer has never revealed the identity of the mother of his youngest son, Blanket.

A British woman who claimed she was the mother of Jackson's children was recently denied a role in any custody settlement.

A Los Angeles judge said Nona Jackson, 36, from London, failed to "establish any genetic relationship".

Jackson settled a custody row with Ms Rowe over his two eldest children in September last year.

Michael Jackson’s Hair Reportedly Takes Three Hours to Style

The 'Thriller' singer is in New York to be photographed for the cover of Italian Vogue magazine and spent hours having his hair styled to perfection.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "Jackson has been holed up in a fancy Midtown hotel since Thursday afternoon with an enormous
entourage.

"Since he arrived he has only left once, at 5am, to take part in the 10-hour shoot for Italian Vogue."

Before he left he spent three hours in the hairdressers chair getting his hair done. That's longer than any supermodel took getting their hair done for New York Fashion Week."

Jackson has long been rumored to wear a wig, with numerous photographs showing what appears to be a weave on his hairline.

The eccentric star famously burnt his hair after his locks accidentally
caught fire while he was filming a Pepsi advert in 1984.

Jackson is believed to be appearing in a sprawling spread in the fashion bible, however, it is yet to be confirmed by Vogue.

[b]Akon Raves About Working With Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston

'Kon says Jacko's thinking is 'on another level.'
By Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Sway Calloway[/b]

Akon's melodic thuggin' on the airwaves has helped turn records by superstars like Gwen Stefani into harmonic hits.

Now the singer is moving into the realm of three of music's most iconic legends: Madonna, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.