Michael Jackson getting Vegas attraction

Michael Jackson is getting his own tribute attraction in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino, which will include a recreation of his Neverland Ranch.

Cirque du Soleil are to recreate Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Las Vegas.

The Canadian entertainment company plan to turn the Mandalay Bay resort into a tribute attraction to the late 'King of Pop' which will include a lounge inspired by the singer, a museum of memorabilia and a theatre which will be a replicate of the pop legend's famous home.

In an announcement made at the hotel and casino on Wednesday (28.04.11) - which was attended by Michael's brother Jackie - Cirque du Soleil President Daniel Lamarre said: "This place, Mandalay Bay, is going to become the home of Michael Jackson in many, many ways."

John Branca, co-executor of the Jackson estate, has also revealed the attraction will contain items from the star's home.

He said: "Very few fans would ever get to visit Michael's Neverland Ranch because of its remote location. Now they can."

The Las Vegas tribute to the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker is set to open in 2013, and is the latest collaboration between the circus troupe and the Jackson estate.

Cirque du Soleil's new show, 'Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour' - which cost $57 million to create - is set to open in Montreal, Canada, in October and will then tour 30 cities across North America, including New York, Miami, Denver, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

When the show hits the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in December it will coincide with a fan convention which will launch the permanent tribute to Michael.

'Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour' contains many of Michael's greatest hits, clips of his iconic music videos and several as-yet-unreleased songs.

Tags: Michael Jackson, Theatre, Famous home, Tribute

Michael Jackson Statue Erected At London Soccer Club

Mohamed Al-Fayed is a wealthy businessman who is best known outside the U.K. due to the fact that his son, Dodi, died in the same car crash that killed Princess Diana. But he also has a number of business interests—he formerly owned Harrods in London, and he currently presides over the Premier League soccer club, Fulham.

Al-Fayed was a former friend of Michael Jackson, and even once invited the star to take in a match at Fulham’s ground, Craven Cottage. That momentous event, and Al-Fayed’s friendship with Jackson, has now been made immortal due to the fact that the chairman has erected a rather odd looking statue of the singer outside the stadium—a move that hasn’t pleased a number of fans of he club.

"If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift this guy gave to the world they can go to hell,” said Al-Fayed, turning on the charm. "I don't want them to be fans. If they don't understand and don't believe in things I believe in they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else.” [via Gigwise, who also have a photo gallery of the statue]

Jackson's spirit seeks apology from ex-wife

Late pop legend Michael Jackson's "unsettled" spirit has apparently begged ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley to forgive him at a seance, her friend Karen Fayehas revealed.

Faye, who was Jackson's make-up artist, said she and Marie Presley, 42, contacted the King of Pop using a psychic last week where he asked for forgiveness for his wrongs to her, reports thesun.co.uk.

"He seemed to be on a mission to reach out to people in his life and be forgiven. Michael spent his time explaining his faults and wanting us to forgive him. He seemed unsettled," said Faye.

Faye insisted the medium had "no idea" of their link to Jackson, who died aged 50 last June.

"There were definite, deep insights that would have been difficult to make up. It was detailed on the inner dynamics of his family and his levels of pain and emotional inability," she said.

She further informed Jackson would not discuss manslaughter charges faced by his doctor Conrad Murray in Los Angeles.

"He said he was detached from things," he said.

Jackson married Marie Presley in 1994 before splitting after 18 months.

Actors Urged To Avoid Michael Jackson Movie

Union bosses at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) have warned members not to take part in the documentary about Michael Jackson's doomed This Is It tour.

Sony Pictures have purchased rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage from concert promoters AEG Live, filmed at Los Angeles' Staples Center, as Jackson prepared for his residency at London's o2 Arena.

Sony has planned a two-week run for the film beginning 28 October (09); however, SAG bosses have announced that the film's producers have not agreed to the minimum basic terms and conditions for performers and background actors employed on the project.

A statement from the union reads: "Guild members are reminded of their obligation not to accept employment on any non-signatory project, as well as their obligation to confirm with the guild that a project is signatory.

"Employment on any non-signatory project within the guild's jurisdiction may subject a member to a Rule One violation."

The union did not have jurisdiction over rehearsals and behind-the-scenes footage during filming, which it expects to be a feature release.

Jackson was set to take the stage in July (09), just weeks after he died from cardiac arrest on 25 June (09).

Michael Jackson Makes $90 Million Since Death

Michael Jackson's estate has raised a staggering $90 million (£60 million) since his death in June (09).

Jackson passed away less than eight weeks ago after suffering a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, prompting a renewed interest in the singer's music back-catalogue.

The executors of his estate, John Branca and John McClain, have negotiated a number of deals that have helped pull in millions - and, after signing new merchandising and film deals, they expect to earn another $90 million before the end of the year (09).

Branca says, "That is a new record for estates that is unlikely to be broken."

He has also predicted that Jackson's estate will in the future continue to make up to $90 million a year - topping the posthumous profits generated by Elvis Presley's estate, which took in $50 million (£33 million) in 2008.

Branca adds, "When you look at what the Presley estate has done, you see the opportunities here."

But Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for Mr Branca and Mr McClain, points out that much of the money will be used to pay off the star's debts.

He explains, "We are very optimistic about the revenue we will generate. But we also have to be sober about the debt the estate has."

The Thriller legend died with debts amounting to approximately $398 m illion (£265 million).

Michael Jackson Memorabilia Stolen

Police have been called in when millions of pounds of Michael Jackson memorabilia has been stolen from Las Vegas.

Business man Henry Vaccaro was involved in a legal dispute with Jackson in the 1990s and the late singer settled the case by handing over items from his personal collection which he kept locked up in Las Vegas.

The treasure - believed to be worth over $1 million (£625,000) - is said to include lyrics, notebooks and costumes, as well as 60 unreleased master tapes, which contain 26 previously unheard Jackson songs.

Shortly before the music icon's death in June (09), Vaccaro agreed to hand eight items back to Jackson, following a request from the star - and after Jackson's death he offered to return the belongings to the estate.

But when he went back to the storage space in Las Vegas with two of Jackson's lawyers in July (09), he reportedly discovered 114 items missing, including the eight he had agreed to return to Jackson.

Vaccaro alleges the missing items were subsequently sold by Clark County Public Auction owner Mario Trabado, who claims to have acquired the items legally from a private seller.

He sold 277 lots for approximately $37,000 (£23,00) at the end of June (09).

Vaccaro has lodged a complaint with the Las vegas police, who are believed to be investigating his claims.

Michael Jackson's This Is It To Hit Cinemas

Michael Jackson's final ever 'concert' is being released as a "gift to his millions of fans".

Sony Pictures Entertainment has confirmed it will piece together highlights from hours of footage of the late pop legend rehearsing for his sold-out 'This Is It' London concerts.

The hotly-anticipated film - which shares its name with the never-performed shows - will feature 3D segments, behind-the-scenes footage and a host of classic songs Jackson was perfecting leading up to his sudden death on June 25.

Music executive John McClain - who along with Jackson's long-time attorney John Branca was named as an executor of his estate in his will - said: "This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining."

This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining.

Kenny Ortega, who was creative director for the 'This Is It' shows, is delighted the world will get to see Jackson's vision for the residency.

Ortega said: "Everyone will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of 'This Is It', and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production.

"It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world. The footage will show that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph."

A percentage of the proceeds will go directly to Jackson's estate for the benefit of the Michael Jackson Family Trust.

Branca said: "Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael's legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael's three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life."

The 'Billie Jean' singer's mother Katherine has been granted full custody of her son's children - Prince Michael I, 12, and Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as 'Blanket'.

Sony Pictures reportedly paid £36 million for the rights to the exclusive rehearsal footage from AEG Live and the movie will hit cinemas worldwide on October 28.

Michael Jackson's final resting place undetermined

The final resting place of the late U.S. pop singer
Michael Jackson has yet to be determined by his mother Katherine, one of his brothers says.

Jermaine Jackson said in an interview for CNN's "Larry King Live" Friday his mother had not decided where the "Thriller" star's remains will be buried. Jermaine said he would like to see his brother's body buried at Neverland Ranch in California.

"I'm just concerned about security and being secure in a peaceful setting," he said of his preference of a burial at Michael Jackson's former home.

Jermaine also downplayed suspicions his brother was addicted to drugs prior to his June 25 death at age 50.

"I have never seen him act abnormal around me or never known anything like that," Jermaine told King.

Jermaine also voiced support for John Branca and John McClain, the two individuals who have control of his late brother's estate holdings.

"These are people we have known for many, many years," he said. "They are doing an incredible job. They have raised a lot of money, close to $100 million for the estate. They are following out Michael's wishes accordingly."

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Vanity Fair September 2009 Issue

Vanity Fair will be publishing two covers for its September issue: one featuring Michael Jackson and another featuring Farrah Fawcett, the two pop culture icons who both died on June 25.

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Vanity Fair September 2009 Issue

Vanity Fair will be publishing two covers for its September issue: one featuring Michael Jackson and another featuring Farrah Fawcett, the two pop culture icons who both died on June 25.

Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett Vanity Fair September 2009 Issue

Vanity Fair will be publishing two covers for its September issue: one featuring Michael Jackson and another featuring Farrah Fawcett, the two pop culture icons who both died on June 25.

Michael Jackson Mad With Bad

Michael Jackson thought 'Bad' was a flop.

The pop icon - who died of a suspected cardiac arrest last month - was unhappy the album failed to match the success of its predecessor, 'Thriller', despite selling over 25 million copies.

His friend and collaborator Quincy Jones - who produced Michael's biggest three LPs, 'Off the Wall', 'Thriller' and 'Bad' - said: "He sold 25 million copies of 'Bad'. That's a lot of records. But Michael wanted to sell 100 million. In his bathroom he had written '100 million' on the mirror in lipstick.

Every city I go to, at midnight, I hear 'Billie Jean', I hear 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', I hear 'Wanna Be Starting Something'

"I said, 'Michael, nobody's going to convince me that 25 million is a bomb."

Although Michael is classed as one of the greatest musicians of all time by critics, Quincy admits he is still amazed by the enduring popularity of the 'Smooth Criminal' hitmaker.

He added: "He was inventive and experimental. He'd try anything.

"Every city I go to, at midnight, I hear 'Billie Jean', I hear 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', I hear 'Wanna Be Starting Something'. His music is still dominant. It's astounding."

Incredible pics of Michael Jakson’s first Moonwalk emerge

According to a report accompanying the pictures, Jackson spent hours studying the ankle, heel, and toes to "glide like he was on ice" across the stage.

His friend Dr. Steven Hoefflin has revealed that the late ‘Thriller’ hitmaker had once seen some children doing an unusual "walking forward while moving backwards" dance in 1982.

He says that he even took the star to a dissection at UCLA Hospital so that he could gain some understanding about the anatomy of the feet.

"When you think of Michael Jackson, you think of the Moonwalk. That dance was Michael’s obsession and passion, we spent weeks practising in my living room," British tabloid The Sun quoted Dr. Hoefflin as saying.

Michael finally unveiled his Moonwalk dancing to hit Billie Jean at the 25th Anniversary of Motown concert in Pasadena in May 1983.

Dr. Hoefflin admitted he was "overcome with pride", saying: "Michael wanted to blow the world away with his dance. He achieved that."

Jackson Reunion Tour in the Works?

Michael Jackson's death left a huge void in the music world. His brothers may be trying to fill at least one of them with the rebirth of the Jackson….four.

It appears that the King of Pop's passing may spurn a mini-reunion tour for the surviving members of the Jackson 5.

Jacksons Tito, Randy, Marlon and Jermaine are reportedly in talks with concert promoters AEG to perform at the O2 Arena in London, according to the Los Angeles Times.

That would be the same venue where the King of Pop was set to stage his comeback with 50 shows, before he died June 25.

While a rep for AEG has yet to comment, according to the L.A. Times, any show put on by the brothers would not be a one-off: They are reportedly negotiating for several dates at the U.K. venue.

Countdown to when Jermaine calls the paper a liar in 3...2...1..

John Mayer plays Human Nature / Human Nature w wykonaniu Johna Mayera

It's one of my favourite songs by Michael Jackson, and I think the way John Mayer paraphrased it was more than simply marvellous. He killed it! There are mixed reviews of yesterday's memorial, I must say though it was very solemn and well-done. I loved Jennifer Hudson, she is a killer! She has this incredible kind of voice, that leaves me awe and speechless! I guess one could wake her up in the middle of the night, and she still'd sing like a goddess! There were touching moments as well- as his brother dedicated him a song, or of course when his daughter was on stage.



Jedna z moich ulubionych piosenek Michaela Jacksona, i jestem zdania, iż sposób w jaki wykonał ją John Mayer nie można ująć tak łatwo w słowach. To było niesamowite. Wczorajszy memoriał (tak to się nazywa?!) nie wszystkim się podobał, według mnie wszak był bardzo dobrze przygotowany i wzniosły (?). Bardzo mi się podobała Jennifer Hudson, ona jest zabójcza! Ma ten typ głosu, który odbiera Ci mowę! Zakładam się, że budząc ja w środku nocy, wciąż by zaśpiewała niczym bogini! Nie zabrakło wzruszających momentów- piosenka jego brata czy też parę, jakże ważnych, słów jego córki.

I am starting to realize...... Zaczynam pojmować..

..that he really is gone. I am just following the broadcast on CNN, and finally it's getting to me : Michael Jackson is really dead. He is gone.
You can watch it, if you want to here. On CNN.



...że naprawdę odszedł. Właśnie śledzę nadawany na żywo pogrzeb na CNN, i wreszcie zaczynam pojmować, że Michael Jackson już nie żyje. Odszedł.
Możecie obejrzeć jego pogrzeb, jeśli chcecie tu, na CNN.


It's just so sad / To takie smutne.

Michael Jackson, I cannot Say Goodbye

Millions of the fans of Michael Jackson should stop sobbing and mourning him, and start celebrating the beautiful and wonderful memories of his awesome life from childhood.

Michael Jackson, I cannot say goodbye.

Michael Jackson - Human Nature

Yesterday the music died /

Michael Jackson is dead. The King of Pop, the man who was my first pop idol, king, whose cassettes and longplayers were the first I ever purchased. The man who wrote history, changed music and set standards as high as no one before and no one after him. The man who electrified with his voice, skills and dancing style, who gathered millions of spectators, sold as many cds as no one else. The man who sang beautiful tunes as "Man in the mirror", "Who is it", "I'll be there" or "They don't care about us". He is really dead. I can tell you that he and his sister Janet were my and my best friend's and my boyfriend's childhood heroes. We imitated their dance styles, we lip-synched their songs, collected every single little article , picture or poster from magazines, we dressed up as the jacksons for carnival, we followed his concerts breathlessly on tv, watched his movie for one million and one amazing time. It's not only Jacko gone, but something from our childhoods as well. I hope he's in a better place, somewhere, they understand him. Good-bye MJ and thank you for your music.

Michael Jackson nie żyje. Król Popu, mój pierwszy muzyczny idol, którego płyty i kasety były zarazem moimi pierwszymi. Człowiek, który uwiecznił się w historii, zmienił cały przemysł muzyczny i podniósł poprzeczkę tak wysoko jak nikt przed i po nim. Ktoś, kto elektryzował swoim głosem, umiejętnościami i sposobem tańca, kto potrafił zgromadzić millionową publiczność, ktoś kto sprzedał tyle płyt, jak nikt inny. Człowiek , który zaśpiewał przepiękne piosenki , takie jak "Man in the mirror", "Who is it", "I'll be there" czy też " They don't care about us". On naprawdę nie żyje. Mogę wam powiedzieć, iż zarówno on jak i jego siostra Janet, to moi, mojej najlepszej przyjaciółki i mojego chłopaka- bohaterowie z dzieciństwa. Naśladowaliśmy ich styl tańca, udawaliśmy, że śpiewamy ich piosenki, zbieraliśmy każdy mały artykulik, obrazek czy plakat. Na bale przebierańców szliśmy jako Jacksonowie, koncerty śledziliśmy wstrzymując oddech, a film obejrzeliśmy milion i jeden wspaniały raz. To nie tylko Jacko odszedł, ale cząstka naszej młodości. Mam nadzieję, że jest w lepszym miejscu, gdzie go rozumieją. Żegnaj MJ i dziękuję za muzykę!

Michael Jackson, the First King of Pop Music Has Passed On

Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958–June 25, 2009).


Yesterday was one of the saddest days in America since 9/11 in 2001 and the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans on August 29, 2005, when the shocking news of the sudden death of the awesome Michael Jackson shook the United States of America and echoed all over the rest of the world within seconds. Hope Obioma Opara, the Publisher of Supple magazine woke me up at about 2 am Nigerian time to break the sad news to me in tears. His younger brother Outragiouz, a Nigerian Hip-hop artiste based in America had called him to tell him that MJ was no more among the living mortals on earth. I felt feverish and sat up in bed and could no longer sleep.
It could be a hoax, I said to Hope.
No Mike, Michael is dead! He said.
Hope is a fanatic of MJ since his teens and in fact his parents stopped him from going to America to prevent him from following in the footsteps of his idol.
We kept vigil to mourn MJ and listened to more news on him on the radio.

We are still mourning Michael Jackson when the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett, (February 2, 1947 — June 25, 2009) hit me this morning. She was one of my favourite actresses of all time and one of the most celebrated pin-up sex symbols on TV. What a weekend of sorrows in America.

Michael Jackson was phenomenal and like Elvis Presley who was the indisputable King of Rock 'n' Roll, Michael Jackson was the first King of Pop Music and there can never be another Michael Jackson.

Farewell in eternity, Michael Jackson.


26 Jun 2009 05:08 Africa/Lagos


Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

NEW YORK, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.


Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."


Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."


Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."


Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.


Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.


Source: Sony Corporation

CONTACT: Sandy Genelius of Sony Corporation of America, +1-212-833-6975;
Liz Young of Sony Music Entertainment, +1-212-833-8558; Jimmy Asci, Sony/ATV
Music Publishing +1-212-833-4513


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
26 Jun 2009
05:26
SIRIUS XM Radio to Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson with Special Programming Across its Music Channels
05:08
Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson
04:11
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation Mourns the Loss of Michael Jackson
02:05
American Heart Association Extends Sympathy to Family of Singer Michael Jackson
00:56
Tributes.com Establishes Online Memorial for Michael Jackson: A Place to Share Memories and Condolences
00:53
Congressman Chaka Fattah Responds to Death of Michael Jackson
00:24
Michael Jackson's Death Underscores the Tragedy and Impact of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Michael Jackson Dies at 50


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