Michael Jackson

Exclusive Video: Michael Jackson's "This Is It" Movie Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:11:00 +0000

Michael Jackson 'This Is It' Trailer To Premiere During VMAs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Documentary preview will debut on MTV during the live broadcast, airing Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.

Though Michael Jackson is gone, the King of Pop will be front and center during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. Not only will his sister Janet make a musical tribute to her brother with a special appearance to help open the show, but we can now reveal that viewers will get their first look at the MJ documentary "This Is It" during the live broadcast, when the trailer premieres on MTV.

Drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage and produced with the full support of Jackson's family, "This Is It" chronicles the last three months of the superstar's life as he sought to stage a series of 50 sold-out comeback concerts at London's O2 arena. The documentary shows MJ developing the show and rehearsing a number of songs during his final days. "This Is It" is directed by Kenny Ortega, Jackson's creative partner and the director of the planned O2 stage show. Sony Pictures plans to release the film in theaters for a limited two-week engagement, starting on October 28.

MTV will also exclusively premiere an extended trailer for another hotly anticipated fall movie, "New Moon," the second installment of the "Twilight" vampire franchise. Stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner will be on hand to debut the footage. "New Moon" co-star Ashley Greene will also be at the show, serving as MTV News' fashion correspondent on the red carpet during the preshow, which airs at 8 p.m. ET.

The VMAs will be hosted for the second year in a row by British comedian Russell Brand. The evening's performers include Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Pink, Taylor Swift and Muse. Katy Perry, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester and Miranda Cosgrove are set to present awards.

Poster released for Michael Jackson's concert film This Is It

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Promotional material made available today for the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It shows a composite of colourful images of the singer rehearsing for his comeback tour, superimposed on a full-size image of the star in a familiar pose. It includes the tagline: "Michael Jackson's This Is It. Like you've never seen him before."

1. Movie: This Is It
2. Production year: 2009
3. Country: USA
4. Directors: Kenny Ortega
5. Cast: Michael Jackson
6. More on this film

This Is It, directed by Jackson's creative partner and tour co-ordinator, Kenny Ortega, will be released for a limited two-week period. Billed as a rare, behind-the-scenes portrait of the singer, the film will chronicle the period from April to June 2009, during which Jackson was rehearsing for his proposed 50-date O2 Arena stint, due to begin in July.

Ortega, who has also directed the High School Musical films, said: It's a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius's world. This Is It may go down as the greatest concert that no-one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work."

The PG-rated film will make its debut on 28 October, with tickets going on sale almost a month earlier, on 27 September. It's release date was jointly negotiated between promoters AEG Live and Columbia Pictures, with 80% of the profit going to Jackson's children, according to reports.

In Pics:King of Pop Michael Jackson Burial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Michael Jackson's Children Pay Respects to Father

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:31:00 +0000

Michael Jackson's three children were in attendance at tonight's funeral service for their father. Prince Michael, Paris, and "Blanket" joined family and friends in tribute to Jackson.

Jackson's children began the service by placing a bejeweled crown on top of their father's casket, the Associated Press reports.

Attendees were given a program to commemorate the life of their dear friend, father, brother, and son. The King of Pop was buried tonight at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California more than two months after his untimely death.

Exclusive: Program from Michael Jackson's Burial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Only ET can show you the program from Michael Jackson's private burial service.

Jackson will be laid to rest Thursday night in a sunset service.

Keep checking back throughout the day for more.

-- ET ONLINE

Thousands Of Fans Celebrate Michael Jackson’s 51st B-Day In New York

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:15:00 +0000

Despite rain, fans of the late Michael Jackson came out -- in the thousands -- to celebrate what would've been his 51st birthday in New York on Saturday (August 29) to remember one of music's greatest talents ever.

Organized by filmmaker Spike Lee, the celebration in Prospect Park had thousands of fans dancing in the rain, all while decked out in MJ gear.

From white gloves and fedoras, to memorial t-shirts and buttons, it was like the late King of Pop was alive and well.

"51 years ago, he was born into the world," Lee said, according to New York's Daily News. "I'm like everybody else -- somebody who loved his talent. We're here to celebrate Michael Jackson."

While attendees danced, DJs played Jackson's music -- spanning over his 30-plus year career, from his early stuff with the Jackson Five to his final tracks.

Lee even had a birthday cake made -- a giant white birthday cake that read "Happy Birthday Michael Jackson" in red frosting. Balloons floated in the sky as well.

According to the Associated Press, the event was originally planned as "a block-party-style gathering for 2,000 in Brooklyn's Fort Greene Park," but was relocated to Prospect Park to accommodate a bigger crowd.

"I've been into Michael Jackson since I was 1 year old," one 39-year-old fan, who wore a silver sequin glove on one hand, told the Daily News. "I've always, always celebrated his birthday."

"I don't even remember life without him," actor Tracy Morgan said at Saturday's party. "Michael Jackson was everything."

"Happy birthday, Michael!" another fan yelled. "I wasn't able to go to one of his concerts, but I'll always remember this concert."

Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest just over two months ago after his doctor, Conrad Murray, gave him a lethal drug cocktail at his rented Bel Air estate in June.

The death was ruled a homicide last week.

Google Logo Remembers Michael Jackson’s Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:12:00 +0000

Google’s August 29th logo notes Michael Jackson’s birthday. google-jackson-logo

Google has commemorated birthdays of many famous people and events, such as Luciano Pavarotti, Lego, and Dr. Seuss.

500 Brits Wish Michael Jackson a Happy Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:12:00 +0000

A group of well-choreographed Michael Jackson fans -- about 500 to be exact -- gathered in Leicester, U.K. to wish Michael Jackson a happy 51st birthday by re-enacting his famous "Thriller" video.

According to the group, they think they've set some sort of world record.

Spike Lee Hosts Massive Michael Jackson B-Day Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Dancing Michael Jackson fans reportedly numbering in the thousands filled up a New York park where director Spike Lee hosted a ceremonial birthday bash for the late King of Pop, who would have turned 51 on Saturday.

The party-goers danced beneath a shower of rain in Brooklyn's Prospect Park as a DJ spun Jackson's classic songs, says the Associated Press.

"I was just like everyone else. I loved his talent," Lee said.

Known for films such as 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Inside Man,' Lee also directed Jackson's music video for "They Don't Care About Us."

Michael Jackson Lives on at Madame Tussauds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Michael Jackson gained immortality Thursday at the world-famous Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. Read on for details…

A wax figure of the King of Pop was unveiled to pomp and circumstance, just two days before what would have been his 51st birthday, and we was there!

The museum turned the occasion into a big celebration, with a DJ spinning the Grammy winner's timeless tunes and Jackson imitators strutting their stuff, including a Moonwalk demonstration.

Crafted in London and shipped to the States under tight security, the wax figure's price tag is said to be $300,000.

Jackson Family Reacts to Autopsy Results

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Michael Jackson's family is opening up to ET with their reaction to the late star's autopsy results released on Friday.

"The Jackson family again wishes to commend the actions of the Coroner, the LAPD and other law enforcement agencies, and looks forward to the day that justice can be served," the family's statement to ET says.

Keep checking back here for the latest.

LAPD: Michael Jackson Death Investigation Is Ongoing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:38:00 +0000

The LAPD tells that the investigation into Michael Jackson's death is continuing, following the L.A. County Coroner's announcement about the cause and nature of Jackson's demise.

The LAPD, which describes itself as the "primary investigative agency" responsible for the death investigation, tells ET the investigation is "ongoing and will result in the case being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for filing consideration."

The LAPD adds that the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and BNE (Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement) have launched their own independent investigations into findings the LAPD's investigation uncovered that "may not be directly related to [Jackson's] cause of death."

Keep checking back here for the latest Michael Jackson news.

Michael Jackson Death Ruled Homicide, Cause of Death Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:36:00 +0000

The Los Angeles County Coroner has announced the cause of death for Michael Jackson and revealed that his death was ruled a homicide.

The announcement indicates that the King of Pop died of "acute Propofol intoxication" and "other conditions contributing to death: Benzodiazepine effect." Benzodiazepine is a sedative-hypnotic.

"The drugs Propofol and Lorazepam were found to be the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson's death. Other drugs detected were: Midazolam, Diazepam, Lidocaine and Ephedrine," the announcement goes on to state.

Jackson passed away on June 25 at age 50 after he was found unresponsive in his bedroom.

Keep checking back here for all the latest on Michael Jackson death investigation.

Jackson Doc Reaches Out to President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:15:00 +0000

One of the doctors assisting the LAPD in Michael Jackson's death investigation has fired off a letter to President Barack Obama. The topic: To make it tougher for people to obtain "controlled medication."

In the letter, Dr. Susan Essien Etok -- the doc who claims Michael offered her £500,000 to supply him with drugs -- urges the President to consider "harsher punitive measures" for "unethical Doctors" who are willing to hand out strong drugs to anyone with the right amount of money.

Etok also says "no individual Doctor is responsible for Michael's death," then compares the singer's passing to that of Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger and Anna Nicole Smith -- all of whom died with drug cocktails in their system.

-- Staff, TMZ

Dr. Conrad Murray Responds to Jackson Homicide Claim

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

The attorney for Dr. Conrad Murray is responding to the Houston search warrant affidavit released today as well as the news that a source claimed that Michael Jackson's death will be ruled a homicide.

In a statement to ET, Murray's attorney, Edward Chernoff, says, "Much of what was in the search warrant affidavit is factual. However, unfortunately, much is police theory. Most egregiously, the timeline reported by law enforcement was not obtained through interviews with Dr. Murray, as was implied by the affidavit. Dr. Murray simply never told investigators that he found Michael Jackson at 11:00 am not breathing. He also never said that he waited a mere ten minutes before leaving to make several phone calls. In fact, Dr. Murray never said that he left Michael Jackson's room to make phone calls at all.

"We will not comment on the 'anonymous' law enforcement source that claims that Michael Jackson's death will be ruled a homicide. Most of the reports by 'anonymous' sources have been proven wrong. We will be happy to address the Coroner's report when it is officially released."

Stay tuned for the latest on this developing story…

Jackson Family Responds to Reported Homicide Charge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:57:00 +0000

We has obtained a statement from the Jackson family in response to reports that Michael Jackson's death has been ruled a homicide, according to a source. Read on for details…

The statement reads: "The Jackson family has full confidence in the legal process, and commends the ongoing efforts of the L.A. County Coroner, the L.A. District Attorney and the L.A. Police Department. The family looks forward to the day that justice can be served."

Katherine Jackson's attorney, L. Londell McMillan, also tells ET, "This report reaffirms the very sad reality that there was a tragic and gross violation of duty and care for Michael Jackson. There is obvious legal culpability which has been the concern of Michael's mother, family and fans worldwide."

The Associated Press reports that a law enforcement official told them that the Los Angeles County Coroner said a fatal combination of drugs, including Propofol, was given to the King of Pop hours before he passed on June 25.

Stay tuned for the latest in this developing story…

Document: Michael Jackson Died of Lethal Dose of Propofo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Michael Jackson died from a lethal dose of propofol, officials say in a search warrant.

In a search warrant affidavit unsealed today in Houston, TX, a report from the L.A. County coroner's officials indicated that they found a lethal dose of the drug in his system.

The search warrant details how Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, administered drugs to the fallen pop star. According to the document, he told LAPD detectives that he had been treating the singer for insomnia and had been giving Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol every night using an intravenous line, but worried the singer was forming an addiction and tried to wean him off the drug.

On the morning of Jackson's death, Murray tried to induce sleep without using propofol, according to the affidavit. Murray said, according to the document, that he gave Jackson valium at 1:30 a.m., but it didn't work. According to the affidavit, Murray later injected lorazepam intravenously at 2 a.m. and administered midazolam at 3 a.m..

Murray continued to give him drugs over the next few hours, the warrant says. According to the document, the doctor claims that Jackson continued to demand propofol, which he administered at 10:40 a.m. -- and when he next checked in, Jackson was not breathing.

Michael Jackson Set to Be Buried September 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:24:00 +0000

We can confirm that Michael Jackson will be buried at 7 p.m. on September 3.

He will be interred at Holly Terrace in the Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA. The King of Pop was originally to be buried on what was to be his 51st birthday, Saturday, August 29.

Keep checking back here for more details on Jackson's burial.

Michael Jackson planned 50ft robot for Las Vegas residency

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:29:00 +0000

According to reports, the late singer wanted a giant Jackson robot to roam the Nevada desert as an advertisement for a 2005 comeback that never was.

Years before Michael Jackson agreed to a 50-date residency at London's O2 Arena, the singer was considering a similar run of shows in Las Vegas. According to reports this week, Jackson was working with artists not just on costumes, sets and an accompanying hotel – but on a gigantic Michael Jackson robot roaming the Nevada desert.

Plans for the Las Vegas concerts began in October 2005, just months after the King of Pop was acquitted on child-molestation charges. Fashion designer André van Pier, a long-time friend of both Jackson and Princess Diana, led the work. According to PageSix, his costume designs included "space-age", solar-powered fabric that changed colour in reaction to stage lights.

The team's sci-fi ambitions didn't stop there. Van Pier, partner Michael Luckman and artist Timothy Patterson made plans for a towering Michael Jackson robot, 50ft high and visible from Las Vegas's McCarran airport. The robot would wander in the desert as an advertisement for Jackson's show. "Michael's looked at the sketches and liked them," Luckman told the New York Daily News in 2007.

Funding, however, was a problem. Fresh from his controversial trial, Jackson had trouble securing investors. Though he met with moguls including casino owner Steve Wynne, "he just couldn't raise enough money," Luckman told MTV News.

Eventually, Jackson and his team scaled down their grand ambitions. Instead of a roaming robot, they conceived of a Jackson-themed hotel and casino – with an android at the entrance. "Michael really liked the initial designs and wanted to use them somehow," Luckman said. Patterson described the looming techno-Michael that would have dominated the hotel's proposed facade: "The face would move, shooting laser-beam-looking lights. The whole building would be covered with spotlights."

Money, however, continued to be a problem. Jackson, who had been living in Nevada, moved away. Van Pier died in August 2008, and finally Jackson announced the London concerts in March 2009 – scuppering plans for a Las Vegas run. Though Luckman, Patterson and Jackson were scheduled to have a meeting in November, Jackson died in June.

There are currently no public plans to build the hotel, casino, or the lonely, moonwalking, robot.

MJ's Final Resting Place -- No Visitors, Please

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:11:00 +0000

If you're planning on going to Michael Jackson's burial site at Forest Lawn Memorial Park and dropping off some flowers, think again -- the mausoleum where he's being buried on August 29 isn't open to the public.

The Great Mausoleum -- where stars like Clark Gable and Jean Harlow were laid to rest -- is considered a private area, where only property owners and family members are allowed to go. It's monitored by security cameras to catch any trespassers who snoop around.

Graceland, it is not.

Jackson Bros to Carry the Casket One More Time

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Randy Jackson just confirmed to TMZ that he and his brothers will serve as pallbearers at Michael Jackson's burial service.

Here's the message we just received straight from Randy -- " I will be there ... and yes the brothers will carry him from the hearse to the front of the mausoleum."

Randy, his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon were the pallbearers at the Staples Center Memorial last month.

Now, the family is preparing for the private burial which is set to take place August 29 at Glendale Forest Lawn -- on what would have been Michael's 51st birthday.

Update: Michael Jackson Burial Details

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:08:00 +0000

We has the latest on when Michael Jackson will be buried.

A family spokesperson confirms that Jackson will be buried on what was to be his 51st birthday, August 29. The singer will be buried at Holly Terrace in the Grand Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA, on Saturday, August 29 at 10 AM.

The burial will be a private ceremony, which will be limited to close friends and family.

Michael Jackson Set for Birthday Burial; Usher, Osmonds Plan Vegas Tribute

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Weird? A little. Cyclical? Definitely. Appropriately mythology-building? As if you would expect anything less from the Jacksons.

A source close to the Jackson family confirmed to E! News that Michael Jackson will be finally be laid to rest in Los Angeles' Forest Lawn Cemetery on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m., more than two months after his death and on what would have been his 51st birthday.

Never one to go small, the source added that Jackson's burial will indeed be fit for a king, as rather than a traditional burial, his body will instead be interred in a specially-built mausoleum on the cemetery's grounds.

(So much for an unmarked grave—announcing the exact date, time and location of his burial, to say nothing of what will no doubt be a less than humble tomb, more or less renders any privacy concerns moot.)

All the Jackson family members are expected to be in attendance for the service, which will precede yet another posthumous honor for the King of Pop.

After the service, both Joe Jackson and La Toya Jackson will be heading to Las Vegas, where Joe has already retaken to his life, to accept a star from the Brenden Theatre at the Palms Resort and Casino in Michael's honor.

After the presentation, a tribute concert is scheduled to take place.

"Usher, Donny and Marie, and Wayne Newton are some of the celebrities that are coming to perform at the concert," a source told E! News.

Other celebrities—presumably some who have nothing to do with Dancing With the Stars—are also expected to attend, and will be announced tomorrow.

As it happens, the star and concert may only be the start of Sin City-based Jackson tributes.

The proposal being worked on between Jackson's estate, concert promoters AEG and Colony Capital to move Neverland to Vegas as a Graceland-style attraction is still on the table, sources tell E! News.

While unofficial (and often unsought) family spokesman Papa Joe this morning denied to the New York Daily News that Neverland would be making the trek to Nevada, he doesn't actually have a say in the matter—that privilege lies with the estate, and the estate alone.

Meanwhile, as for matters slightly more within his purview, Jackson also spoke out, somewhat surprisingly, in support of Dr. Conrad Murray, for whom things continue to look, well, not good.

Jackson said he supports the Los Angeles Police Department's cross-state investigation into his son's death, but worries that Murray may turn into "the fall guy for a whole lot of people."

As for Katherine Jackson, whom Joe told the NYDN was taking her son's death hard and frequently bursts into tears over the loss of Michael, her attorneys will be back in court this morning to hash out more plans for his estate.

The judge is expected to rule today on merchandising that could potentially be generated by the estate, and may sign off on several pending million-dollar deals to license and merchandise products connected to the King of Pop.

Michael Jackson body 'moved to freezer'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:55:00 +0000

The body of Michael Jackson has been moved to a freezer locker, it has been claimed.

According to the New York Post, the late singer's body was moved to the basement of the Freedom Mausoleum at the Forest Lawn Cemetery after officials warned that its security could be at risk.

The decision was reportedly made by Michael's mother Katherine, who feared that the body could be stolen or desecrated if it was buried in an unmarked grave.

Katherine is said to regularly visit the fibreglass container, which is kept in a bare brick room at low temperatures.

A family source said: "She cries and says she's sorry and that she loves him."

It was previously reported that all of Jackson's remains had been interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park after toxicology tests on his body were completed, but Katherine is said to have called off the burial.