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Archive for June, 2009
Plans to move Michael Jackson’s body back to Neverland hit legal hitch
Posted in Michael Jackson on the June 30, 2009
The Jackson family plans to move Michael Jackson’s body to Neverland may be in jeopardy.
The family needs a special events permit if they want to hold an open public viewing at the ranch this coming Friday.
They would also need a different permit to bury the pop star’s body in the grounds of Neverland, if they push ahead for a Graceland-style shrine that fans can visit.
But Santa Barbara County officials have confirmed that they have not been approached by Jacko’s family with any request to bury the late singer at his Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos.
Third District Superviser Doreen Farr added: “If… Mr Jackson’s family request assistance, we will help them… We would have to co-ordinate with public safety and public works to ensure nothing happens if they had a public memorial.”
Neverland comprises 2,800 acres of land that is zoned for agriculture and is under an agriculture preserve contract.
Changing the zoning to accommodate a Graceland-type attraction would require a lengthy application process involving a public review, plus a final decision made by the Board of Supervisers.
Residents were approached a long time ago about the ‘Graceland’ idea and rejected it.
Source: Splash News
Michael Jackson’s body on display
Posted in Michael Jackson on the June 30, 2009
It seems that the late pop singer’s family is discussing the idea of having Michael Jackson’s earthly remains put in a glass coffin so that his fans will be able to say their last farewells. However, it seems that this idea has split the family in two. A source related the following about this bold new move: “The idea is causing internal stress within the family. The glass casket idea would create so much public interest it would take time to organize. People would make the pilgrimage from the other side of the world. The question that keeps coming back is, ‘What would Michael have wanted?’” Considering Michael Jackson’s love for his fans, he would’ve probably been ok with the idea, but a new problem arises: given his condition at the time of his death, do they really want everybody to see Michael Jackson like that?
Danny Gokey promoting his home state
Posted in American Idol, Danny Gookey on the June 30, 2009
The former American Idol contestant has recently produced a video in which he is promoting his home state of Milwaukee. After describing the cultural diversity of the state and all the wonderfully attractive tourist attractions, Danny Gokey ends his video with the earth-shattering words “You will not be disappointed.” Most likely not, just like the folks in Milwaukee weren’t disappointed with Danny Gokey’s performance on American Idol. But hey, at least it seems to be getting them some positive publicity and who knows, it might all actually turn up a big tourist number soon. Danny Gokey’s popularity is most likely going to be on the rise after this. Is it sheer coincidence that a new American Idol tour is coming up, a tour at which he will be participating?
Musicians Grieve for Michael Jackson
Posted in Beyonce Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Michael Jackson on the June 30, 2009
Some of the greatest musicians have released statements via their reps regarding the death of pop music icon Michael Jackson. Everyone from Madonna to Donny Osmond to Justin Timberlake to Beyonce have something to say about the death of the singer. Madonna seems to have been greatly affected saying “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.” Justin moved me with his words by saying “I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Michael Jackson fans offered souvenir tickets
Posted in Concert, Michael Jackson on the June 30, 2009
Fans who bought tickets for Michael Jackson’s concerts are being offered souvenirs instead of their money back.
Promoters for the 50 London concert dates have promised a full refund for tickets.
But they have also given people another option – to get a special souvenir ticket instead of the cash.
Fans forked out around £75 per ticket.
Jacko fan Ava Zadkhorvash, who was second in the queue to get tickets for his concerts bought six of them.
She said: “Of course, like, I want to have the memory because he designed it himself, I’d love to have one but because I’ve got six I don’t think I’ll be keeping all six tickets, I’d like to get one and get my money back on the others.
“But right now we’re not really thinking about the tickets and the money back. We just want any memory.”
Source: Splash News
2009 BET Awards Winners
Posted in Beyonce Knowles, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo on the June 30, 2009
Full winners list of 2009 BET Awards:
* Video of the Year: Beyonce Knowles - “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”
* Best Male R&B Artist: Ne-Yo
* Best Female R&B Artist: Beyonce Knowles
* Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Lil Wayne
* Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: M.I.A.
* Best Group: DAY26
* Best New Artist: Keri Hilson
* Viewer’s Choice: T.I. feat. Rihanna - “Live Your Life”
* Best Collaboration: Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain - “Blame It”
* Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom
* Centric Award: Jazmine Sullivan
* Best Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
* Best Actor: Will Smith
* Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
* Best Male Athlete: LeBron James
* Best Female Athlete: Serena Williams
* Humanitarian Award: Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean
* Lifetime Achievement Award: The O’Jays
Michael Jackson’s personal doctor quizzed for three hours in a Los Angeles police station
Posted in Michael Jackson on the June 29, 2009
Michael Jackson’s personal doctor spent three hours in a Los Angeles police station last night being quizzed by cops.
Dr Conrad Murray – who was with the King Of Pop when he died – spent Saturday afternoon being interviewed in a Los Angeles police station about the circumstances surrounding the pop star’s death.
He was accompanied by his lawyer Ed Chernoff.
Murray’s lawyers have insisted their client is a witness and is not considered a suspect in the Jackson’s death.
A spokesman for Murray’s lawyers, Texas-based firm Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, said last night: “Dr Conrad Murray and Mr Ed Chernoff, of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, have met with the LAPD for the second time and have answered every and all questions asked by LAPD in an attempt to help piece together the mysteries surrounding the death of Michael Jackson.
“The meeting in Los Angeles today with police investigators lasted three hours.
“During the meeting Dr Murray helped identify the circumstances around the death of the pop icon and clarified some inconsistencies.”
According to reports police, in Los Angeles had struggled to get in touch with the doctor after Jackson died.
His lawyers denied that was the case.
“Dr Murray has been in Los Angeles since the death of Mr Jackson. He rode in the ambulance to the hospital and stayed at the hospital for hours comforting and consoling the Jackson family.
“Investigators say the doctor is in no way a suspect and remains a witness to this tragedy.
“Dr Murray will continue to co-operate fully with the authorities and asks that all keep the Jackson family in their prayers.
“Dr Murray was hired by Michael Jackson to accompany him on his concert tour in May of 2009. Dr Murray has offices in Las Vegas and Houston, Texas. Dr Murray will remain in Los Angeles until investigators no longer need his assistance with the investigation.”
Director of Jacko’s comeback tour reveals singer was ‘beaming with gladness’ the night before he died
Posted in Concert, Michael Jackson on the June 29, 2009
The director of Michael Jackson’s planned comeback tour has revealed the pop star was ‘beaming with gladness’ the night before he died.
Kenny Ortega, a choreographer and movie director whose career highlights include High School Musical, Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour and Dirty Dancing, was with Jacko as he rehearsed at the Staples Centre on Wednesday night.
Ortega, who began working with the singer on the intricate staging four months ago, said he was ‘bursting with enthusiasm’ and personally invested in the production’s most minute details.
He said Jacko did a full run-through of his planned comeback concert with his company - dancers, musicians, singers, aerial performers, choreographers and costumers - who planned to fly to England early next week for final dress rehearsals at London’s O2 Arena, ready for the 50-night sold-out run.
Ortega said: “There were a couple of times when Michael stood at my side and we looked at the stage together and were just beaming with gladness that we had arrived at this place.
“And he was happy. We all felt that and shared that. We were four or five days from finishing in Los Angeles and heading to London and feeling in really good shape.”
Ortega said he had no knowledge of the singer taking any drugs or medication.
He also denied that the slender performer had physically overextended himself by working out four hours a day, six days a week in preparation for the physically taxing concerts.
Randy Phillips, chief executive of AEG Live, the concert promoter that will forfeit the more than $20 million it put into staging Jackson’s comeback, was also among those at Staples Center on Wednesday.
He recalled Jackson being in great spirits, adding: “It was fantastic, he was so great. I got goose bumps.
“It made me realize why I got into this business.
“I take great solace in the pride and confidence he exhibited during production rehearsals on Wednesday night.
“That is the memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Source: Splash News
Joe Jonas Rags on Taylor Swift
Posted in Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift on the June 29, 2009
For someone who doesn’t want to have his private affairs out in the open, Joe Jonas just can’t leave well enough alone. At the Jonas Brothers concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma last week, the singer made some impromptu changes to the song ‘Much Better’. Instead of singing the lyrics “now I’m done with super stars,” Joe sang “now I’m done with country stars’. It’s an obvious reference to his ex-girlfriend, country singing cutie Taylor Swift. Nick’s look of utter surprise to the lyrics change made the whole situation funnier. Real mature Joe. I wonder what your current girlfriend Camilla Belle thinks of you rehashing the past.
Adam Lambert Album to be Released This Summer
Posted in Adam Lambert, Album Release, American Idol, Debut Album, album on the June 29, 2009
Adam Lambert has a new single out from his upcoming debut album called ‘On With the Show’ which is expected to be released later this summer. The song is called ‘Want’. It’s a mid-tempo song and is more pop than it is rock. Something is sketchy though as some reports say that this album will be released this summer, which is pretty quick. However, the songs on it were recorded in 2007 and 2008, before Adam was on American Idol. It is also being released by a label other than the one the singer signed on to after coming in 2nd on the show.
Cheryl Cole is reportedly set to take Simon Cowell’s place on the X Factor when he quits, it has been claimed
Posted in Simon Cowell, X Factor on the June 26, 2009
Cheryl Cole is reportedly set to take Simon Cowell’s place on the X Factor when he quits, it has been claimed.
Cheryl, 25, is currently filming her second series of the show after joining the line-up last year. Her act, Alexandra Burke, went on to win the show and Cheryl became the favourite judge with the public.
It is claimed Simon, 49, has made it clear that Cheryl will be the main face of the show when he steps down to set up a global TV empire with Topshop boss Sir Philip Green.
Cheryl and Simon are judges on the hit British talent show along with Aussie singer Dannii Minogue, 37, and Irish music mogul Louis Walsh, 56.
A pal of Cowell’s said: “He has found X Factor increasingly draining and it leaves him little time for serious business. Now he’s decided this will be his last series and he’s moving on.
“In future, he will have a more overseeing role.”
Beyonce: Michael Jackson was ‘incomparable’
Posted in Beyonce Knowles, Michael Jackson on the June 26, 2009
Singer Beyonce said Michael Jackson was “incomparable” and his death is a “tragic loss”.
The 27-year-old singer revealed her grief at the death of the King of Pop, who passed away in LA aged 50 after reportedly suffering a heart attack.
She told Entertainment Tonight: “This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music.”
She added: “He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the king of of pop. Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away.
“For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honoured to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”
Source: Splash News
Black Eyed Peas’ working requests
Posted in Glastonbury, Music Festivals on the June 26, 2009
The band who will be performing at the famous Glastonbury festival has apparently requested that they be provided with a recording studio on their tour bus while at the festival so that they will be able to continue making their musical genius available to the world. A source said the following about the Black Eyed Peas’ requests: “The band are so excited about performing at Glastonbury. They love to be able to remix and make new tracks wherever they go so they have demanded they have a mini studio on their bus to capture the moment.” This is all probably because will.i.am is expecting inspiration to kick in regarding the small talks he and their manager had with Perez Hilton. And this is how new singles are born it seems.
Michael Jackson’s painkiller use had become life threatening, says family lawyer
Posted in Michael Jackson, Music, Music People on the June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson’s family lawyer says the performer’s reliance on painkillers had become “life threatening”.
Brian Oxman fears the medication may have contributed to the 50-year-old’s death from a suspected heart attack.
The lawyer said: “I don’t know if they are the cause here. I will reserve my conclusions until the toxicology reports and the coroner has made his report before I make any accusations. But I can tell you that if it is as I fear I will not be silent.
“I have been very, very critical of the use of pain medications. I have told people in no uncertain terms that if Michael one day woke up and he was dead I would not be silent, I would not permit this to go unchallenged.
“Michael had fallen from a stage several years ago. He cracked a vertebrae in his back. He also broke his leg and it’s caused him a lot of pain. The result of that is he has taken a lot of pain medications. They’ve been to treat actual pains he’s had, but the use of these medications I felt had become life threatening.”
Source: Splash News
Michael Jackson - Thriller
Posted in Michael Jackson, Video on the June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson - Thriller
Paramedics confirm Michael Jackson wasn’t breathing
Posted in Michael Jackson, Singer on the June 26, 2009
Paramedics have confirmed that pop star Michael Jackson was not breathing when they responded to a 911 call from his house.
Captain Steve Ruda said paramedics responded to a call at Jackson’s home around 12:26pm on Thursday lunchtime.
Ruda said: “He was not breathing when they arrived, so the paradmedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center.”
The paramedics were called to a home on the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard. Jackson rents the Bel Air home for US$100,000 a month and it is described as a French chateau estate built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theatre.
The home is about two minutes away from UCLA Medical Center.
The news comes as Jackson, 50, was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably concerning his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges.
Beth Ditto’s relationship suffers because of fame
Posted in Music, Music People on the June 24, 2009
The singer recently admitted that her relationship with Freddie has been suffering greatly due to her current lifestyle. Beth Ditto relates: “We’re still together. But you know, life is not the same any more, and it makes things really hard. Me and Freddie talk about this a lot. He says, ‘You chose this life’ and I’m like, ‘Did I?’ I feel like it chose me, like fate just swooped in and I’ve chosen not to say no. This doesn’t last forever. But it’s a debate – am I choosing this? And am I choosing it over him? Meanwhile, Freddie is a house cleaner, and that’s my reality, the life I go home to.” Yeah, it’s definitely fate that chose Beth Ditto to do what it does. Actually, it’s quite a big responsibility on her shoulders to be famous… and one she will inevitably have to bear alone for the rest of her days just like all the great martyrs of the world.
Nas Talks Fatherhood
Posted in Kelis, Nas on the June 24, 2009
Nas recently blogged about the importance of protecting family and “our woman”. He wrote “Right now I’m shouting out to real dads. Some are great role models with real academic achievements. Some are not … We deserve the love!!! We put up with everything, standing true to what’s real and letting life take its course protecting our household, our woman, our children, our family … Biggest Shout To My Son On The Way!!” it’s kind of ironic coming from the rapper who is trying to stonewall his pregnant estranged wife, singer Kelis, from collecting spousal support, child support and money to cover numerous other pregnancy-related expenses.
Sexy Katy Perry Twitters about her obsession with fast food
Posted in Katy Perry, Twitter on the June 24, 2009
Sexy Katy Perry Twitters about her obsession with fast food – and shows fans how she’d look if she piled on the pounds.
The I Kissed A Girl singer raved to her 570,000 followers about how much she loves fatty snacks like pizza, double burgers and Chinese chicken.
She claimed she hadn’t eaten for three days and said she was so hungry that food was “luring her with sexual seduction”.
Katy then posted a picture of a super-sized version of herself, with the caption: “Future me.”
Another saucy snap showed her naked in the bath eating a huge pizza, with the caption: “I have no self control”.
Source: Splash News
Wino’s Parents Want Her to Stop Drinking
Posted in Amy Winehouse on the June 23, 2009
Amy Winehouse’s parents, Mitch and Janis, claim that their daughter has given up the drugs but cannot seem to get rid of her addiction to alcohol. The singer’s dad said “I need my daughter to be a whole person again. I’ve tried it all. I said: ‘Amy you’ve got to do this, you’ve got to go to this doctor, you’ve got to do this, you’ve got to do that, you’re killing me, you’re killing your mum.’” Considering that Wino is still boozing it up in St. Lucia, it didn’t work. Her mom said “The need to rescue her is enormous. I just want her to be OK and I would do whatever it took to make that right.”