The Michael Jackson Fan Club

11-07-2006

Another Collaboration - Michael Jackson & Akron

Hip hop artist Akron has announced plans to record a duet with Michael Jackson.
 
Raised in Dakar, Senegal, Akon had a hit in 2004 with "Lonely" and has another with "Smack That" which may hit the United States this week at number 1.
 
Akron told pop news site Pop Revenge that he will be appearing on Michael's new album, being produced by Will. I. Am.
 
Akron says "It will be a great duet.  I am planning for it now.  It will happen as soon as possible," adding "I'm a huge fan of Michael.  I know we will do great things in the studio.  It will be a unique sound."

Source: MJFC / soundgenerator.com

11-07-2006

WMA Ticket Information

UPDATE*  WE GO LIVE AT 8pm GMT LONDON TIME ON WEDNESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER. WITH
THE PRIZE DRAW FOR THE 200 TICKETS GIFTED BY MICHAEL JACKSON. THE CODE WORD
TO ACCESS THE PRIZE DRAW AFTER ENTERING THE
BANNER ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE WWW.WORLDMUSICAWARDS.COM
WEBSITE IT 'THRILLER' 100 PAIRS (200 STANDING TICKETS) WILL BE MADE
AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST 100 FANS WHO LOGON AND ENTER AFTER 8PM WEDNESDAY.
THEY WILL THEN RECEIVE
AND EMAIL INFORMING THEN THEY HAVE WON A PAIR OF TICKETS. THESE TICKETS NEED
TO BE PICKED UP IN PERSON WITH THE EMAIL AND ID ON THE SHOW DAY WEDNESDAY
15TH NOVEMBER BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 2PM FROM THE WMA AUDIENCE COORDINATION AT
THE FRONT OF HOUSE MAIN ENTRANCE AT EARLS COURT.

NON WINNERS WILL RECEIVE INFO ON HOW TO OBTAIN DISCOUNTED STANDING TICKETS

Notice as to the time:  8:00 pm London Time is 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard, 2:00 p.m. Central and 12:00 p.m. West Coast.

Source: MJFC 

11-07-2006

Send Your Congratulations To Michael!

Michael Jackson will be attending the World Music Awards in London on November 15 accepting the Diamond Award and celebrating "Thriller's"  25th Anniversary.

If you are among the thousands of Michael's fans who will not be able to join him in the celebration in London, you can still send your congratulations.

 Here is the opportunity to reach out and send Michael greetings and congratulations from wherever you might be in our big, beautiful world.  It is a chance to feel a part of this very special occasion and create something wonderful that hopefully Michael will want to treasure for many years to come.

Each fan can use your computer skills to design up to a page of congratulations for Michael.  Please restrict it to a single page.  Color would be wonderful.  Since this is to congratulate Michael, please restrict the topic to this single theme.  Michael is more likely to read your writing if it is brief and attractive.

Fan clubs and fan groups around the world are invited to gather messages from their fan base and forward them to us to include, as well.  Please identify your club and where you are from.

The albums will be compiled and presented to Michael in London.

Send your e-mail for Michael to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Cut off time for submittals will be Saturday, November 11,  12:00 a.m. CST.

 Italian fans can send their messages for Michael to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - the Italian MJ Fan Club will translate them for you.

Source: MJFC / CTE/jacksonland.IT

11-08-2006

Chris Cornell Includes MJ Song On New Album

Chris Cornell is launching a few surprises in his second solo studio album.  For one, he is going to be recording his own version of Michael Jackson's mega hit, "Billie Jean."  
 
Cornell told MTV "I didn't plan on it.  It just sort of happened organically.  I changed the music quite a bit, I didn't touch the lyrics.  And it's not a joke.  I took a completely different approach to it, musically,  It's like when Johnny Cash did (the Soundgarden song) "Rusty Cage' and people started calling me and leaving messages saying 'I heard the Johnny Cash version and the lyrics are really, really great.'  No one every told me that before.  Ever.  Not once.  This is kind of like that.  It does to this song, because it's really an emotional song."
 
The lyrical content is kind of panicky, because - well, it's a pretty bad thing, someone coming and lying to you, saying you're the father of their kid and you're not."

Source: MJFC / MTV.com

11-10-2006

Former MJ Manager On Italian TV

Tarak Ben Ammar, TV & film producer as well as former Michael Jackson manager, attended an Italian television show called "Le Invasioni Barbariche" to grant an interview. He said:

'I've worked as Michael Jackson manager for 2 years. Michael is a sweet nice guy, yes I’ve said a guy, because Michael is a child. I lived at his house and he lived in mine with my children and as I've already said publicly, I never believed the false allegations moved against him and at the end the truth came out."

Source: MJFC / LA7 / CTE-Jacksonland.it

11-11-2006

Interview With Jospeh Jackson

Michael's father, Joseph Jackson (77), gave an interview in Singapore last Friday. He was interviewed by The New Paper from his Hyatt Hotel suite, looking exhausted after arriving from Las Vegas. Joseph Jackson is in the country to launch the Hip-Hop Boot Camp, a singing competition-cum-reality TV series which aims to unearth the world's next hip-hop wunderkind.

Asked whether he would ever want to manage his own children again he replied candidly:

'No way. Not unless they listen.

When they get to a certain age, they get these big ideas, and they don't know the people that surround them are not the friends they thought they were until five years down the road.

That's the lesson you pay for and you're learning, and that's a very, very, very expensive lesson,' Jackson said, alluding to the countless public lawsuits and private settlements that have plagued his troubled clan.

Yet, Jackson didn't lose his cool when asked about Michael's child molestation charges, of which he was acquitted in a US court.

'I spoke to him a month ago. He's okay, he's strong like me.'

Asked whether the effects of the trial are still being felt by the family he replied:

'It was a little bit bothersome to see Michael up there being accused of something that he didn't do, and knowing he didn't do it because as parents, we believed in him and knew it.

When you're successful, people come along and try to take advantage of that, use some type of scheme to get money. It put him at a standstill for a reason - to regroup.

Now that he has found what he wants to do from now on and the countries he wants to work in, I think he's turning himself around to do what he knows best.

He doesn't want to go back (to the US) too quickly. He gets more recognition from other countries all over the world than America.

People try to bring a superstar down, but he has too many loyal fans all over the world, and I appreciate them for sticking by him through all these hard times.'

Michael recently announced that he's collaborating with Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am for his next album, which is due for release next year. What are Joseph Jackson's thoughts on his son branching out into hip-hop, the multi-billion-dollar industry ?

'I don't have any problem with it - as long as he can take it to the bank!' he said laughingly.

However, Joseph Jackson wasn't as pleased about the disappointing sales of daughter Janet's latest album '20 Y.O'.

'Well, what I would've liked to have seen, is that when you're working with great star producers and doing great things with those producers, you don't change up.

 She did change up and you see what's happening now. I'm thinking her album would've been better if she had stuck with those producers.'

But right now, Jackson is saving his tips for his new proteges from the Hip-Hop Boot Camp project, which is scheduled to start in the US in March. The show will also have an Asian spin-off, as hip-hop talents from Singapore and Malaysia can audition from January onwards for a chance to train under hip-hop experts in New York City. It has been mooted that the top 12 contestants from both countries return to Singapore and compete on TV, Singapore Idol-style, for a recording contract. Jackson and his business associates are currently promoting the concept to MediaCorp.

A boot camp presided over by Joseph Jackson, who has a reputation for dishing out tough love, might sound scary to some - but Mr. Jackson protests:

'Now, why do they give that (label) to me? I don't know why they put me in that character. No, it's not scary. It's like a learning process you have to go through to make it big in the entertainment field.

No, I'm no slave-driver - I'm a driver,' he said, chuckling at his own joke. 'Anyway, we call that 'grooming' now.'

Source: MJFC / The New Paper

11-12-2006

Ed Bradley Remembered By Michael

Michael Jackson released a statement regarding the death of CBS journalist Ed Bradley (1941-2006).

Bradley passed away on November 9, 2006 at age 65 of complications from leukemia. He was one of the first prominent African-American broadcasters and a longtime correspondent for CBS's '60 Minutes' program. His reports won 11 Emmy Awards as well as numerous other awards. During his career, Bradley also interviewed such personalities as Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali.

"I am saddened to learn of the passing of 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley.
As the first African-American to anchor a network morning news program, Mr. Bradley was a trailblazer who set impeccable standards for reporting and journalistic benchmarks in television news. Mr. Bradley single-handily broke down barriers for minorities in journalism.

My family and I offer our sympathy and prayers to Mr. Bradley's family and his friends. He will be missed."

Michael Jackson, Dublin, Ireland

Source: MJFC / Access Hollywood

11-14-2006

Mother Of Accuser Pleads Guilty To Fraud

The mother of the boy who was at the center of the 2005 trial has pleaded no contest to welfare fraud. Prosecutors contend the woman applied for welfare without disclosing she had money from an insurance settlement. The judge ordered the woman to complete 150 hours of community service and pay 86-hundred dollars restitution by April 27.

Patricia Hattersley, the woman's attorney, said she and her client "felt she had a viable defense" to the welfare fraud charge however she wants to "move on with her life" and not put her family through "a major trial."

Michael Jackson's lawyer already had questioned the woman's honesty at last year's trial. Jurors who cleared the entertainer later cited their doubts about her melodramatic testimony, in which she accused Michal Jackson of holding her family against their will.

Source: MJFC / AP / Special thanks to Bonnie.

11-14-2006

Michael In London

Michael arrived in London (UK) and has taken over two floors of the Hempel Hotel in Notting Hill. He is accompanied by a 25-strong entourage, including his three children, Paris, Prince Michael, and Prince Michael II.

The entertainer caused quite a stir when he swept into the hotel in Bayswater wearing a black leather jacket and his trademark aviator shades.

Before moving into the hotel, Michael asked all candles be removed from his children's rooms so not to put them at risk of fire and that complimentary chocolates are not supplied because his family must not eat junk food. Instead, he has asked for freshly squeezed fruit juices and smoothies.

A metal barrier has been set up outside to accommodate the throng of onlookers that gathers each day.

On Wednesday, he will will receive the Diamond Award at the WMAs (World Music Awards).

Source: MJFC / MonstersandCritics.com / Hello magazine / Daily Mail / Image copyright EMPICS.

11-14-2006

Michael's Midnight Shopping Spree

Last night, Topshop tycoon Sir Philip Green and Michael Jackson met over dinner in London. They were introduced at the trendy Nobu restaurant in Park Lane.

It seems they hit it off so well that the billionaire retail boss treated Michael to an impromptu midnight shopping spree. Green opened up the shop especially for Michael and the two took a private tour of the flagship Oxford Street store.

Sir Philip said:

"He was very nice and an absolute gentleman. He was polite and pleasant-and we got on very well. I was invited by friends, who are the organisers of the World Music Awards, to have dinner with them. Michael Jackson was there as their guest.

We had a bit of chit-chat across the table and he was asking about the store, so I took him there - it was not prearranged.

It was no mad shop-up - he just left with a couple of shirts and a jacket. He posed for photographs with all the staff."

Michael left with a Topman jacket and several shirts. He was greeted outside by hordes of fans and paparazzi. Asked whether the clothes were a gift, Sir Philip Green answered that Michael Jackson "offered to pay".

Sir Philip added that he was not concerned by any negative publicity surrounding Michael Jackson:

"I'm not the judge or jury -as far as I'm concerned he was extremely pleasant and kind. The tour was a bit of fun. I'm sure that the man could still fill an arena and attract the biggest audiences in the world."

On his return to the Hempel last night, Michael Jackson was treated to the sight of a man dressed as Superman appearing to grapple with another dressed as Jesus. "Jesus" turned out to be the "comedy terrorist" Aaron Barschak, best known for gatecrashing Prince William's 21st birthday party. Barschak was arrested.

Source: MJFC / Daily Mail

11-14-2006

Michael Receives Certificates From Guinness World Records

Michael Jackson visited the Guinness World Records office.  He was requested to visit the building in London to receive his collection of World Record certificates.
 
Michael received certificates for eight accolades, including the most recent one for Most Successful Entertainer of All Time.  Others include:
 

• Youngest Vocalist To Top The U.S. Singles Chart - age 11 with the Jackson Five
• First Vocalist to Enter the U.S. Single Chart At Number One - for You Are Not Alone
• First Entertainer to Earn More Than 100 Million Dollars In A Year
• Highest Paid Entertainer Of All Time - 125 million dollars on the 1989 Forbes list
• First Entertainer To Sell More Than 100 Million Albums Outside the U.S.
• Most Weeks At The Top Of The U.S. Album Charts - non-soundtrack for Thriller
• Most Successful Music Video - Thriller

Michael has been a fan of the Guinness World Records since he was a child.  Wearing sunglasses, three  quarter length dinner jacket and pants with yellow piping, he was closely followed by a throng of fans from his hotel.
 
Michael was presented with his certificates, a copy of the latest edition of the Guinness Book Of World Records and a special edition from 1958, the year he was born.  He was also given a tour of the offices by Editor Craig Glenday.

Source: MJFC / uk.news.launch.yahoo.com / AP / Special thanks to Jonathan.

11-14-2006

Accuser Pleads No Contest To Welfare Fraud

Janet Arvizo, the mother whose son, Gavin, accused Michael Jackson of sexual misconduct last year, pleaded no contest to welfare fraud on Monday.  In California, this is the same as pleading guilty.  She agreed to repay more than $8,600.  
 
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Barbara Johnson also ordered Arvizo, who has since married and, ironically enough, has Jackson as her new last name, was also ordered to perform 150 hours of community service.
 
The welfare fraud charge would be reduced to a misdemeanor on April 27 if  Arvizo/Jackson performs community service and repays the restitution by that time.  She was expected to move to Georgia this year and was ordered to enroll in community service program in her new home state.
 
Last year, a jury found Michael Jackson not guilty of all charges in the well - publicized event.  During that trial, Janet Arvizo/Jackson refused to testify regarding receiving welfare assistance, invoking the Fifth Amendment against self - incrimination.  Jurors found her testimony lacking in credibility.

Source: MJFC / yahoo.com

11-15-2006

MJ Madness Hits London

US TV show 'Access Hollywood' accompanies Michael Jackson in London while preparing for the World Music Awards.

Their cameras were with Michael inside Earl's Court Arena, where the awards show will takeplace, as he rehearsed for his performance. He confirmed he will be performing 'We Are The World'.

And while all was quiet inside the arena during rehearsals, outside it was a much different story. Access Hollywood desribes it as follows:

"Being with Michael since he landed in London, trust us the hardest part of his day is wading through the mob of fans to get in and out of his car.

Fans even waited for hours outside of Michael's hotel for a glimpse of the superstar and a glimpse is what they got when Michael appeared on his balcony.

The fan frenzy went into overdrive when Michael emerged from his hotel to get into an awaiting van. But the scene would get even wilder.

Ten minutes later, photographers converge on the restaurant Nobu as Michael's van pulls up. And as soon as MJ steps out of the fan, all rules are off as it's a photo frenzy."

At Nobu Michael dined for about 2 hours with a party of 12 and even posed for some photos with for example designer Roberto Cavalli, who will be dressing him for the World Music Awards.

After dinner Michael again met up with the mob scene outside, as Access Hollywood's Billy Bush describes it:

"I was in the middle of this madness and let me just say I couldn't imagine going through this every time I stepped outside."

On Tuesday morning, it was a bit less chaotic as Michael arrived at the offices of the Guinness Book Of World Records, where Michael picked up an award for breaking seven world records.

Michael thanked those in attendance:

"Thank you for everything. God bless you."

Billy Bush took the opportunity to remind Michael of one of his records:

"I have a trivia question. Speaking of records, what album holds the record for sales in the world? Do you know? I'll give you a hint." As Billy hit play on 'Billie Jean', Michael smiled and laughed.

A brief moment of levity before the Michael madness resumed...

For a video of Michael in London click here.

Source: MJFC / MSNBC / Access Hollywood

11-15-2006

Michael Jackson Slowly Returning To Spotlight

Michael Jackson is slowly returning to the spotlight.  
 
Earlier this year, Michael accepted MTV Japan's "Legend Award."  Next, he allowed "Access Hollywood" to film him in a studio in Ireland working with producer will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas.
 
Now Michael Jackson is set to sing the classic "We Are The World" at the World Music Awards in London where he will be receiving another special award.
 
Michael Jackson, still one of the best selling artists of all time, is returning to do what he does best; provide the world with some of the best music and entertainment ever seen.
 
How will he be received by the public?
 
Elroy R.C. Smith, a program director at Chicago based radio station WGCI, a station that plays R&B, hip hop and old-school music says "Michael needs to come back strong and come back of today, not of yesterday.  He could get back in the studio, but if he is out of touch with what's going on musically, he'll be considered 'Well, he's finished."
 
Smith continues "Would the world love to see this guy come back musically?  Absolutely.  Because he's still one of the greatest performers of all time."
 
Although Michael was handed a string of bad luck and bad breaks, his last album, 2001's "Invincible," went double platinum.  
 
Smith feels that Michael's new music will have to earn its way back to his station.  "I'm not going to play Michael Jackson because it's Michael Jackson.  But if it has an urban flair to it, if it has potential, oh yeah, we will truly give it a shot."
 
Billy Bush, "Access Hollywood" host interviewed Michael in Ireland and is also spending time with him this week in London.  "He wants to show that he's moving forward and getting back to doing what he does,"  Bush told the Associated Press.  "The theory (for his new album) is he's gonna build it in Europe and Asia and mount it that way, and eventually, I think the endgame would be the United States.
 
Bush seemed truly surprised earlier this week when he witnessed the fan frenzy Michael creates just stepping out of a car in London:
 
"It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I mean I've seen a lot of celebrities get out of their car and get screams of adoration and adulation and all that, but nothing as emotional and vociferous as this."
 
Those in the music industry are lining up to work with Michael.  R&B hit maker Akon, who has a smash hit with Eminem and is collaborating on Gwen Stefani's new album, is one of them - he plans to do a song for Michael's new album next year.  He advises Michael to go with his instincts, "just do music that feels good, that feels right, that's fun."
 
"Once he understands that, he'll be able to go in a studio and make an album within 30 days, because he just put his feeling into it," Akon to the Associated Press.  "Not only to think strategically... throw all that out the window.  Do what you love to do and put it out and I promise you it will be successful."
 
Michael's fans not only love to hear him, they love to have a look at him.   And there seem to be no shortage of stylists who would be more than happy to help Michael create a new look.
 
One is celeb stylist Nicole Chavez, whose clients include "OC" actress Rachel Bilson.  She says that Michael should "tone down" his look to appeal to a broader audience.  
 
"I think if you get the right people involved, everybody could create a look that would work for Michael and work for the public," she told the AP.
 
Smith says that Americans are "forgiving."  (Although we personally don't see anything to forgive, unless it would be the twisted members of the press and television news industry)  Americans love to see celebrities bounce back and a radio - friendly, slickly produced album might be "worth rooting for."
 
Bush says "I don't think he can do it like he did it the first time in the /80's.  Album sales just don't work like that anymore.  But I think he can capture the fascination.  Good music is good music.  And he's already proven that in that mind - from that mind - comes great, great music.  So there's no question he can do it again.  It's 'will be?' and 'will people accept it?"

Source: MJFC / AP / Special thanks to Amy.

11-15-2006

Links: Michael Arrives At WMA

1. MJ arrives at the WMA and answers some (rather unaudible) questions.

2. Click here, then scroll down to see videos and select to watch.

3.  Billy gets a taste of what its like to be MJ in London and basically...ANYWHERE!!!   Its about time someone in the media gets it.

Source: MJFC / news.bbc.co.uk / Specila thanks to Amy.

11-15-2006

Michael At WMA

When he first arrived at the WMA's Michael Jackson told reporters that there had been a "mis understanding" and that he would not be performing at the event.  That was only partially the case on Wednesday, November 15 at the award ceremony held in London.
 
What Michael did do was to Michael perform a brief rendition of "We Are The World" surrounded by a choir of young singers.  
 
Michael told the audience:
"There have been many people who have loved me and stood by me.  I love all the fans from the bottom of my heart."  
 
He then flung his black jacket into the crowd and left the stage.
 
Earlier, Michael, wearing black, also spoke briefly to the press.  However, the roar of the crowd combined with Michael's quiet voice made it difficult to understand what was being said.
 
Asked where he has been living, Michael replied "All over the place."  

Source: MJFC

11-15-2006

More From The WMA

The reports from Reuters is less than kind toward what had been touted as Michael Jackson's return to the stage.
 
In the opening paragraph, it reports that Michael struggled to reach the high notes before the sound cut out during the choir supported rendition of "We Are The World."  Problems with the sound seemed to catch him off guard.
 
It had been speculated that "Thriller" would be the song that Michael would be performing at the WMA in London.  Instead, that song was performed by a young U.S. singer, Chris Brown.
 
Never the less, fans cheered Michael's every move.  
 
Earlier, Michael was presented with the Diamond Award by Beyonce.  She said "Tonight we are celebrating 25 years of 'Thriller.'  If it wasn't for Michael Jackson, I would never have ever performed.  I love you.  We all love you."
 
Michael replied "I am greatly humbled by this award.  It was my dream that 'Thriller' would be the biggest - selling album ever... and God has answered my prayers."
 
Michael's lifetime record sales tally around 750 million.  This makes him the most successful entertainer of all time.

Source: MJFC / Reuters

11-16-2006

WMA Photos

Source: MJFC / Getty Images

11-16-2006

Michael's Speech

At the WMA in London Michael received the Diamond Award. He received a standing ovation as he walked onto the stage. Turning to the audience he thanked his fans "from the bottom of my heart".

Beyonce Knowles presented him with the award, saying:

"Tonight we are celebrating 25 years of 'Thriller'," referring to his hit album. If it wasn't for Michael Jackson I would never have ever performed. I love you, we all love you."

Michael thanked with the following speech:

"I am greatly humbled by this award.  It was my dream that 'Thriller' would be the biggest - selling album ever... and God has answered my prayers. 25 years later 'Thriller' has become the biggest-selling album of all time with a 104 million sold. I thank God and you for the success.

And there have been so many who've loved me and stood by me throughout the 42 years. I thank my children for their unconditional support and love. I also thank my mom and dad, my brothers and my sisters. I love all my fans from the bottom of my heart."

Source: MJFC / Reuters / BBC / Special thanks to Amy.

11-16-2006

Supporting Michael

While the media titans rubbed their hands in glee at the opportunity to, once again, slice and dice Michael Jackson, this time for the pull - the - plug performance at the WMA's yesterday, other fans were quick to the King of Pop's defense.
 
Bonnie Lamrock, whose MJ Upbeat site is a favorite with fans, expressed the understanding, compassion and support shared by most of us in an editorial she posted today.  
 
Please click here to read her take on Michael's appearance at the World Music Awards.
 
Source: MJFC / MJ Upbeat

11-16-2006

Fans Voice Positive Reaction To WMA Appearance

While some fans voiced disappointment that Michael Jackson didn't present one of his dynamic live, show stopping one man performances at the World Music Awards, other's are expressing their joy and sense of exhilaration that only comes from having the rare opportunity to see Michael live and in person.  
 
Some fans have put the blame squarely on the shoulders of the producers of the show and the venue,  complaining that Michael's performance was cut short because the ceremony over ran, breaking a noise curfew at the venue.  However, the organizers of the event said that they had "not been contacted by any of the fans or hand one complaint" regarding the event.
 
Never the less, Julius Just, head of Public Relations for the awards said

I was standing watching Jackson perform... and suddenly he just stopped."  He incredulously adds "They cut the sound on one of the greatest living artists in the world.  It's the first time anything like this has happened in 18 years of the World Music Awards."

Officials at Earl's Court denied that the sound had been cut.
 
Many fans left the event happy.  Joseph Dougel from East Kilbride sent an email to the BBC saying

I thought it was fantastic.  None of the fans expected him to give a performance, so it was a true surprise."

Another, Adam Saunders, 26, bought tickets for his fiancee, Caroline, who had waited all of there life to see Michael Jackson.  He said "It was worth it just to see her happiness at seeing him on stage.  She just kind of went numb.  There were tears in her eyes."
 
Paolo Mariano, who sang with the choir that performed with Michael called it "the best experience of my life."  
 
He said that he was hand picked last week, shortly after Michael confirmed his appearance.  The rehearsals were rushed and did not include Michael.  
 

We were rehearsing to sing the whole song - so we were a bit confused because we never got to the actual song.  The music was just cut off.I can see that fans might have felt let down, but for us it was amazing."

Source: MJFC / BBC

11-16-2006

Videos Of Michael At The WMA - UPDATED

For a video of Michael at the WMA click here.

For more video material shown on Norwegian TV click here.

Source: MJFC / Reuters

11-18-2006

WMA Choir Performer Voices Opinion

On the web site of the BBC, one of the members of the choir performing 'We Are The World' at the WMAs talks about the performance from the point of view of someone who was in the middle of the happening:

"I was on stage with Michael Jackson as a part of the choir. It was an amazing experience but due to silly people running to Michael and jumping on him I don't blame him for not being able to sing a full song as he was being harassed."
Mohammed Al-Sabti, Kensington, London

Source: MJFC / BBC / Special thanks to Amy!

11-18-2006

Positive Reactions To WMAs

MJFC received an e-mail from Cyprus from Mrs. Aristidou - her daughter Marilena Aristidou and her daughter's friend Mari Rose Tarkmanian traveled all the way to London to see Michael perform:

"I BOUGHT TWO TICKETS FOR MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIEND FOR WMA AS SOON AS I READ THAT MJ WILL PERFORM. WE LIVE IN CYPRUS AND WE HAD TO BUY ALSO AIR TICKETS FOR THEM TO SEE THIS EVENT. I KEPT RECEIVING MASSAGES FROM HER:

"I DO NOT BELIEVE IT I AM HERE. IT IS THE BEST THING IT EVER HAPPENED IN MY LIFE. I EXPECTED TO SEE MICHAEL IN ALL MY LIFE AND NOW HE IS ONLY 10 MTRS AWAY FROM ME"

THEY BOTH CRIED WHEN MICHAEL WAS AT STAGE.

"HE NEVER DISSAPOINTED US FOR A MINUITE"."

Source: MJFC

11-19-2006

Poll - Do You Care?

Do you care about Michael Jackson? Vote here.

Source: MJFC / newsvote.bbc.co.uk / Thanks Michelle & Bita for the heads up!

11-20-2006

Michael Talks To MTV

In a short interview with MTV UK News Michael once again confirmed that he has started working on a new album. Asked how it was going, he responded:

 "Excellent."

"I'm mainly writing it myself."

He also said that he's currently "all over the place" looking for a new house but that when he's settled he wants to get to work on a new movie.

Source: MJFC / MTV UK

11-20-2006

WMA Founder Defends Michael Jackson

World Music Awards founder Melissa Corken spoke out in defense of Michael Jackson late Wednesday night.
 
Speaking with MTV UK News, she said:
"Let's get this straight.  Michael was coming to collect an award, not to perform.  He doesn't have a record ready.
 
The press picked up on a rumor that he was going to sing 'Thriller.'  He was never going to perform 'Thriller.'  It was always going to be Chris Brown performing as a tribute.
 
Michael was a little overwhelmed by (the press stories.)  He said 'I can't do 'Thriller' because I haven't done it for ten years.'  He's played two times at the WMA's already but this time was even more explosive.  I've never felt energy like that before.  It was just wonderful.  Over 10,000 people from all across the world came to see him.
 
I love Michael.  Everyone assumes he's a diva but he's not.  He demands nothing.  He's just a really nice, simple man.  I went to see him and his beautiful children chilling in their hotel room."
 
Melissa told MTV that up close, Michael is looking fine.  
"He has beautiful skin and nice hair.  He was looking good."

Source: MJFC / http://www.mtv.co.uk

11-20-2006

Lindsay Lohan: "He's Michael Jackson!"

Lindsay Lohan hosted the WMA ceremony at Earls Court and came to the defense of Michael Jackson.  Lohan suggested that people would look beyond the media's persist and trashing of Michael and praise him for his contributions to popular music.  
 
Lohan simply stated:

 "I don't care. He's Michael Jackson, for Christ's sake!"

Source: MJFC / yahoo news

11-21-2006

Press Release: Michael Jackson To Attend Christmas Celebration

November 21, 2006                                   

MICHAEL JACKSON TO ATTEND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

IN TOKYO, JAPAN
BEING GIVEN IN HIS HONOR
TO COMMEMORATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE RELEASE OF “THRILLER”
December 19, 2006

Washington, D.C.  ….On Tuesday, December 19, 2006, Michael Jackson will

be attending a Christmas celebration being held in his honor, hosted by Mr.

Broderick Morris, CEO, Positive Productions Yokohama, and Mr. Daisuke

Kodo, CEO, God Gate Investment.  The celebration is being given to

commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the release of “Thriller.”

Messrs. Morris and Kodo hosted Mr. Jackson during his May, 2006, visit to

Tokyo.

The Christmas celebration will be held at Tokyo Studio Coast.

Says Mr. Morris, “Mr. Kodo and I are delighted to be hosting Mr. Jackson in

Tokyo again, for what will be a wonderful, inspirational, fun-filled celebration.  

He has many fans and friends here in Tokyo, and his record sales in Tokyo

exceed that of any other artist.  We also congratulate him on the 25th Anniversary

of “Thriller,” and worldwide record sales of 104,000,000 units.  When Guinness

recently presented him with the award certifying this record-breaking achievement,

we were all so very happy for him.   We look forward to welcoming Mr. Jackson

in December.”

Says Michael Jackson, 

“ I look forward to visiting Japan again, and greeting my

fans and friends.   I would like to thank Messrs. Morris and Kodo for inviting

me back, and for hosting the event."

For ticket information on this event  contact Positive Productions 011 81 90 45 505-0010.

Source: MJFC

11-21-2006

Bon Jovi Not Invited To Present Award To MJ

Bon Jovi slammed the suggestions that he put down Michael Jackson at the World Music Awards in London, insisting that he was not even invited to attend the event.
 
Bon Jovi was in London for his induction into the UK Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier in the week and many expected him to present Michael with the Diamond Award at Earls Court.  Bon Jovi received the same award in 2005.
 
Press had accused that Bon Jovi avoided presenting the award to Michael because of the stigma following Michael's trial.
 
Bon Jovi's spokesperson told the New York Daily News, "An invitation to attend and/or present at the World Music Awards was not received."

Source: MJFC / www.wenn.com

11-24-2006

Victory Tour Jacket On Auction

Michael Jackson's 'Victory Tour Jacket 1984' is on auction at The Fame Bureau. This black cotton jacket was worn on stage by Michael Jackson during the 1984 Jackson's Victory tour.

Within the pockets are controls that enabled Michael to turn on the unique neon strip lights embroidered across the shoulders and back. This was used to great effect to enhance Michaels famous dance moves during the performance.

The jacket is embroidered with a California Custom Jackets Glendale CA and has the Jackson's Victory Tour '84 embroidered on both the back and front of the jacket.

Guide Price: £400-£600

Source: MJFC / The Fame Bureau / Special thanks to Yvan for bringing this to our attention.

11-26-2006

Michael Watches Gest On TV Show

The contestants of the British jungle reality tv show 'I'am a celebrity...get me out of here!' were recently rewarded with a chest full of messages from home. One of the contestants is Davis Gest. While other jungle members received letters from their families, Gest's message was from Michael's brother Tito:

"Michael was watching you on TV in London recently and told me, 'That man never changes but I wish him all the best and would love to see him win the show. Rather him than me. Ha ha ha.'"

Gest also received a letter from fifties screen siren Jane Russell:

"I wish you all the best and know you are a true survivor and know you will see it to the end because you are My David. I met up with Anne and Kirk Douglas and they were asking how you were doing."

Source: MJFC / Contact Music

11-27-2006

School Choir Backs WMA Performance

The Holy Family Catholic College students who sang with Michael Jackson at the World Music Awards have said people and especially press overeacted to the entertainer's truncated performance.

One of the teachers of the college in Walthamstow, who knew an event organiser, was asked if she knew any teenagers who wanted to sing with Michael Jackson. Finally around 20 pupils were asked to sing with him 'We Are The World'.

Afterwards it was alleged Michael Jackson was booed by fans. However, the teenagers singing with him thought it was a dream come true and said there had been an over-reaction to his performance.

Portuia Douglas (16) said:

"The press got the wrong end of the stick. There wasn't any booing. There was booing for other artists because the crowd wanted to see Michael perform.

I think everybody wanted to be in our shoes because it is a once in a life time opportunity to perform with Michael Jackson.

I am a massive fan of his and when I knew I was going to sing with him I phoned everyone in my phone book. I was so excited I couldn't sleep."

Joesph Perry (16) said:

"It was the first time Michael Jackson had performed in a while and perhaps people were expecting Thriller and I think they were surprised when he sang only four lines of the song.

But it was really amazing singing with him. We were stuck in a room for ten hours and we were saying Where's Michael?' but when we were on stage it just clicked.

When we finished he said Thank you guys' and I even touched him.

I was thrilled that our performance was shown round the world and my family in India saw me."

Source: MJFC / This Is Hertfordshire

11-28-2006

Sony Deal On Visionary Box Set

Sony has the following holiday deal on Visionary

"For a LIMITED TIME save an additional 15% off select box sets and 10% off all other titles when you enter the code "HOLIDAY" at checkout! Save big on new holiday releases from Incubus, Oasis, Taylor Hicks, and more, plus cool gift items such as the Michael Jackson Visionary box set and The Transformers Movie Special Edition DVD!

In addition, you can purchase select titles such as the sizzlin' Ciara: The Evolution, at AMAZINGLY LOW PRICES using your cell phone through our Text 2 Buy Program! Click here for details!

Don't forget STANDARD SHIPPING IS FREE for orders of $25 or more!"

Source: MJFC / sonymusic.com

11-30-2006

Custody Case Rejected

A judge in Los Angeles, California, USA has rejected a request by a British woman who claimed she was the mother of Michael Jackson's 3 kids.

Nona Paris Lola Jackson filed claims she is the biological mother of Michael's three children. She alleged that Michael Jackson never had sex with Debbie Rowe or his other ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley. The woman also claimed to have written 3,000 songs and six scripts for Michael Jackson during his career.

But officials have denied her request to take Michael Jackson and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe to court. The judge ruled that Nona Jackson did not properly serve neither the entertainer nor Rowe with notice of her claim.

Source: MJFC / World Entertainment News Network