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Archive for the ‘Michael Jackson’ Category
Jacko’s This Is It guitarist reveals working with music legend was
Posted in Michael Jackson, Music on the November 3, 2009
The female guitarist, who was chosen by Michael Jackson to play in his This Is It band, has spoken about the moment she heard he had died.
Orianthi Panagaris - a 24-year-old, blonde rocker from Adelaide - had been working with the music legend less than 24-hours before his sudden death.
On the day that he died - 25 June - she said that she had been getting ready for another evening of rehearsals.
She said: “I was actually getting ready for rehearsals.
“I was on Skype with my parents and… they said he had passed and I just started crying.
“I was like: ‘Is this serious?’ And my heart just sank. And it was like… How can he have passed when he was actually fine?’ There were no hints.”
She added: “It was very difficult. It was a life-changing experience to work with someone like Michael Jackson.”
Panagaris features heavily in Jacko’s box-office smash documentary This Is It, taken from hours of rehearsals for the star’s O2 shows. She also played at the late star’s memorial concert this summer.
She said: “He was very personable, very friendly and such a perfectionist. He wanted to make sure that everything was right with his band… and put on the ultimate show.”
She added: “I wish he was still with us. It was going to be the biggest show on earth.”
Source: Splash News
Michael Jackson Memorabilia Tour Opens Soon
Posted in Michael Jackson, Singer on the October 29, 2009
Just several yards away from where Michael Jackson was to have his epic ‘This Is It’ performances, the King of Pop will have his personal belongings on display at London’s O2 Bubble. The exhibit will feature some of the late singer’s most prized treasures for fans to enjoy. Among some of the items will be a letter from Ronald Reagan from 1984, wishing Michael a quick recovery after his hair was set on fire, an oil painting of the icon dressed as a king, his trademark jewelled gloves and a pair of shoes with part of the heel cut out used when Michael performed his hit ‘Smooth Criminal’.
Dr Conrad Murray blames Jackos death for missed child support payments
Posted in Michael Jackson on the October 20, 2009
Michael Jackson’s controversial physician Dr Conrad Murray is blaming the King of Pop’s death for his inability to pay child support.
In court papers that he filed objecting to his arrest warrant for not paying child support, Murray lays the blame on the aftermath of Jackson’s death.
And his papers insist that part of the problem was due to the “death threats, to himself and his staff” over the investigation.
He said that this made it impossible for him to be in his office, which meant that he did not receive the notices about the court hearings over child support issues.
“As a result of the media coverage of Michael Jackson’s death, combined with the deleterious effects of the current recession, [Murray] was simply unable to meet his obligations,” his papers claim.
Nenita Malibiran, the mother of his 10-year-old son, obtained a court judgment last month for $13,311.47 for missed child support payments.
Murray is asking the judge to allow him to make “minimal payments” while he looks for a job.
Paul Anka Gets Publishing Rights
Posted in Michael Jackson on the October 15, 2009
Michael Jackson’s estate just got a partner that it wasn’t expecting because it’s just been said that Paul Anka is now a 50% partner for the publishing rights to ‘This is It’. The singer will also get other profits but the publishing rights are usually the biggest ticket and sources say that the King of Pop’s estate has agreed that Paul gets half of it. I bet that Paul wasn’t expecting that when he woke up. Sadly for Sony, they didn’t either. But it’s just fair. Paul did write the song with Michael. They could find themselves in an even bigger mess if they didn’t acknowledge that.
Michael Jackson Glove Sells Big
Posted in Las Vegas, Michael Jackson on the October 14, 2009
Last week, a major piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia sold for a major amount of money. An illuminating glove that the King of Pop wore on his 1984 Victory tour sold for $70,800 at an auction in Los Angeles. Some of the other items up for grabs was a Martin d-28 guitar used by Elvis during his last performance in Las Vegas which sold for $106,200, a bull whip used by Harrison Ford in the ‘Indiana Jones’ movies which sold for $56,050 and a full Velociraptor from ‘Jurassic Park’ which sold for $76,700. Apparently, whoever bought those things haven’t heard of the recession.
2009 American Music Awards Nominees
Posted in American Music Awards, Beyonce, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift on the October 13, 2009
Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson lead the nominations at this year’s American Music Awards
2009 American Music Awards Nominees Are:
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kings of Leon
Taylor Swift
Lady Gaga
Eminem
Michael Jackson
POP/ROCK - Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Michael Jackson
T.I.
POP/ROCK - Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift
POP/ROCK - Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Kings of Leon
Nickelback
POP/ROCK - Favorite Album
Fame - Lady Gaga
Number Ones - Michael Jackson
Fearless - Taylor Swift
COUNTRY - Favorite Male Artist
Jason Aldean
Darius Rucker
Keith Urban
COUNTRY - Favorite Female Artist
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
COUNTRY - Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band
COUNTRY - Favorite Album
Unstoppable - Rascal Flatts
Fearless - Taylor Swift
Foundation - Zac Brown Band
RAP/HIP-HOP - Favorite Male Artist
Eminem
Jay-Z
T.I.
RAP/HIP-HOP - Favorite Album
Relapse - Eminem
Blueprint 3 - Jay-Z
Paper Trail - T.I.
SOUL/R&B - Favorite Male Artist
Jamie Foxx
Michael Jackson
Maxwell
SOUL/R&B - Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
SOUL/R&B - Favorite Band, Duo or Group
The Black Eyed Peas
Day26
Mary Mary
SOUL/R&B - Favorite Album
I Am…Sasha Fierce - Beyonce
The E.N.D. - The Black Eyed Peas
Number Ones - Michael Jackson
SOUNDTRACKS - Favorite Album
Hannah Montana: The Movie
Hannah Montana 3
Twilight Soundtrack
ALTERNATIVE ROCK - Favorite Artist
Green Day
Kings of Leon
Shinedown
ADULT CONTEMPORARY - Favorite Artist
Daughtry
Jason Mraz
Taylor Swift
LATIN - Favorite Artist
Aventura
Luis Fonsi
Wisin Y Yandel
CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL - Favorite Artist
Jeremy Camp
Brandon Heath
Mary Mary
Australian TV presenter says Jackson 5 sketch row is a ’storm in a teacup’
Posted in Michael Jackson on the October 12, 2009
The presenter of an Australian TV show which featured men with black makeup on their faces mimicking the Jackson 5 has called the resulting furore a “storm in a teacup”.
American singer Harry Connick Jnr, who was a guest on the show, demanded presenter Daryl Somers apologise after his Hey Hey It’s Saturday programme aired the sketch.
Somers said: “I think this reflects the difference in cultural diversity between America and Australia. If there were any Australians offended I certainly apologise. But for most of Australia I think it’s a storm in a teacup.”
Asked whether anyone on the show would have raised the alarm if Harry Connick Jnr hadn’t said anything, he added: “No, I don’t think they would.”
A spokesman for the show said: “It was never intended to offend and we regret any offence the act caused.”
Conrad Murray face loss of medical licence
Posted in Michael Jackson on the October 9, 2009
Conrad Murray, personal physician to Michael Jackson, has missed a court hearing in Nevada, putting his case in serious jeopardy.
Murray, already the centre of the multi-agency inquiry into Jackson’s homicide in June, faces loss of his medical licence, the Las Vegas district attorney said on Thursday.
The court hearing concerned child support payments he is alleged to have missed. Clark County district attorney David Roger said a district judge could approve within 10 days an arrest warrant for Murray on the recommendation of the family court.
He said Murray allegedly owes $13,000 in child support to a California woman.
Roger said he plans to ask the state medical board to suspend Murray’s medical licence, which is in keeping with Nevada state law. “We’re not singling out Dr Murray. This is an option that we frequently use in order to make sure that people pay their obligations,” he said.
Murray would then have 30 days after that to rectify his payments or risk having the licence suspended, he said.
Source: Splash News
Michael Jackson’s Guitar Goddess Orianthi Readies Debut Album
Posted in Debut Album, Michael Jackson, Music, album on the October 2, 2009
Introducing Orianthi, the guitar phenomenon who is featured prominently in the upcoming Michael Jackson concert documentary, This Is It. Already a renowned musician, Orianthi has been playing guitar since the age of eleven and was discovered by legend Carlos Santana. After playing with artists like Carrie Underwood, ZZ Top, and Prince, she received a MySpace message from Michael Jackson’s musical director asking her to audition for his comeback tour. Following a test run with the King of Pop himself, she was selected as his lead guitarist for his O2 arena dates in London - a crowning acheivement for the 24 year old from Adelaide, Australia.
Now Orianthi is preparing to release her solo debut album, Believe, on October 27th. In addition to her talent at guitar, Orianthi has a gorgeous voice and even sang at Michael Jackson’s Staples Center memorial service. Even before starting rehearsals for his tour though, she was hard at work writing and recording the album with her band. Believe is full of anthemic rock tracks with a sound reminiscent of Paramore or Evanescence, but entirely Orianthi thanks to her signature shreds and thunderous hooks. Her first single, “According to You” is a catchy tale of an ungrateful boyfriend, featuring a killer guitar solo.
To hear the story in her own words, watch Orianthi in this segment from Australia’s Today show. Visit Orianthi.com for updates on this rising star, and be sure to check her out in This Is It out on October 28th.
Orianthi Panagaris Interview On Today Show:
Michael Jackson Sells Out
Posted in Michael Jackson on the October 2, 2009
‘This is It’, the documentary featuring footage of Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for what would have been his final performances in London, is doing extremely well in advance ticket sales. Tickets for the limited screening went up for grabs last Sunday and hundreds of showings immediately got sold out in North America via Fandango and MovieTickets. There has been a similar reaction all over the world in cities including London, Sydney, Bangkok and Tokyo. Sony acquired distribution rights for the film for $60 million and with tickets being as hot as they are, there’s going to be major profit from that. ‘This is It’ will be in theaters for only two weeks beginning October 28.
Katherine Jackson wins right to challenge son’s will
Posted in Michael Jackson on the September 21, 2009
Katherine Jackson will be permitted to legally challenge the executors of her son’s estate following the ruling of a Los Angeles judge.
Her son Michael’s will maintains that any benefactor who challenges the will will forfeit their inheritance. Katherine, a major benefactor, wants to challenge the administrators of the star’s estate and will now be able to proceed without putting her 40 per cent stake in jeopardy.
Katherine, 79, wants more control over the way the singer’s $400 million estate is administered.
Michael reportedly left about $400 million in debt when he died of a prescription drug overdose on June 25. Katherine, who already has permanent custody of her son’s three children, is receiving a hefty monthly allowance.
Despite the debt, Jackson’s assets are said to outweigh the amount he owes by a staggering $200 million. Meanwhile, album sales, a slated movie and licensing deals are expected to generate a further $200 million.
Michael Jackson’s Secret Single to Come Out
Posted in Michael Jackson, World Tour on the September 18, 2009
In order to promote the upcoming Michael Jackson documentary, ‘This Is It’, the single that the King of Pop recorded to coincide with his planned summer tour is soon going to be released. The single was put on the shelf after the singer’s death in June but since the remixed vocals and added orchestral accompaniment, LA producers feel that it is ready for the public’s ear. A source said “It sounds awesome. The size and scope of the orchestra hasn’t been seen since Ray Charles recorded Georgia. Everyone expects a huge hit. But they’re worried about it getting out - they’ve hired huge bodyguards to stand by the studio door.”
New Michael Jackson Songs
Posted in Akon, Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo on the September 11, 2009
A multitude of unreleased Michael Jackson songs were found on a computer in the late singer’s rented Holmby Hills mansion and according to the King of Pop’s manager, Frank DiLeo, there were at least 100 songs on the hard drive. Some were recorded during the 1980s. Those were tracks left off of ‘Bad’ and ‘Thriller’. Other songs feature current talent like Ne-Yo and Akon. The Jackson family currently has the computer in their possession, but the estate lawyers will soon recover the contents so it can be logged. I wonder whether they will decide to release a posthumous album. I hope they do.
Janet Jackson VMA Tribute for Michael
Posted in Janet Jackson, MTV VMA, Michael Jackson, Video on the September 10, 2009
Janet Jackson and 20 backup dancers have been working very hard to perform a legendary one-time tribute to her brother, the King of Pop Michael Jackson, at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sunday. The world’s best choreographers, including the likes of Frank Gatson and Travis Payne, have taken part in the 15-hour dance rehearsals to make the singer’s dream tribute performance a finely tuned reality. According to one dancer involved in the show, there won’t be a dry eye in the house by the time that Janet’s done her thing on stage. I can’t wait to see it. Now that is how you work for a tribute.
Christian Audigier buys $30m house Michael Jackson died in
Posted in Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson on the September 4, 2009
French fashion mogul Christian Audigier is buying the house in which the singer died.
Audigier, who was a friend of the star, said he was not able to get permission to turn the house into a museum but would instead open it on every anniversary of Jackson’s death, staging exhibitions and shows.
“I can have the house in one month now. I get the keys two weeks from today,” Audigier said.
Jackson was renting the house, which is located in Holmby Hills and worth more than $30m, at the time of his death.
Jackson had been “in great shape” in the weeks before his death, Audigier said. “He was very skinny but he was a dancer, too. He was very involved with the London concert. What happened was very sad. The guy was very happy to come back on stage,” he added.
Source: Splash News
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Michael Jackson’s Memorabilia Tour
Posted in Concert, Michael Jackson, Movies, Singer on the August 27, 2009
The 3-stop tour featuring Michael Jackson’s memorabilia was recently given the go signal by the court. Even though both the late singer’s brother Randy and his mother Katherine opposed the tour, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge gave the ok, stating that there was “no question in [his] mind that this agreement is in the best interest of the estate.” The tour, which the King of Pop’s children are reportedly in favor of, is projected to earn $6 million. Michael’s exhibition will debut at the O2 Arena in London around the time of the upcoming ‘This is It’ concert film is released and will take up residency at the arena for 4 to 6 months before moving to other yet to be decided cities.
Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray made three phone calls in a panic, newspaper claims
Posted in Michael Jackson on the August 26, 2009
Three phone calls made by Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Conrad Murray, in the critical minutes after he discovered the singer was not breathing were those made to a lawyer, a doctor and a mystery associate, the UK Sun newspaper claims.
The existence of the calls surfaced in leaked court papers but the identity of the parties called remains unconfirmed. Murray, at the center of a manslaughter probe, phoned Arnold Klein, Jackson’s longtime dermatologist in a panic, asking him what to do, the paper claims.
The three calls were made in a 47-minute time-frame that falls after Murray’s discovery of the pop star not breathing at 10.52am. Murray has admitted to giving in to Jackson’s demand for propofol and giving him 25 milligrams of the drug with lidocaine.
He said he left Jackson at 10.50 for two minutes to go to the bathroom and came back to find he was not breathing. He started CPR, but an emergency call was not made until about 12.22 by a security guard.
Legal row erupts over rights to sell Michael Jackson wigs
Posted in Michael Jackson on the August 24, 2009
A legal row has erupted between two companies who claim they have exclusive rights to sell Michael Jackson wigs.
A company that makes powdered wigs for solicitors and barristers in England is suing a costume company for claiming that it has the sole rights to market the King of Pop hairpieces.
R.H. Smith & Sons, which has been making the courtroom wigs for more than a century, has filed the lawsuit in federal court in New York.
It says Rubie’s Costume Company has been sending out emails claiming it has exclusive worldwide rights to market Jacko wigs, costumes and accessories.
R.H. Smith & Sons insists it is under licence from MJ Licensing LLC to market Jackson wigs.
The company says Rubie’s claims to exclusivity has damaged its business.
It wants an injunction stopping Rubie’s promoting the products, and damages.
R.H. Smith & Sons is also demanding Rubie’s contact all clients it has been in touch with to set the record straight.
Source: Splash News
Mark Lester insists he may be biological father all of Michael Jackson’s children
Posted in Michael Jackson on the August 21, 2009
Former child star Mark Lester has appeared on U.S. TV to claim he could be the father of ALL of Michael Jackson’s children.
Oliver! star Lester took his daughter Harriet to the Today Show to show off her likeness to Jackson’s daughter, Paris.
But he insisted it is possible his sperm was used to father all three of Jackson’s children - Paris, 12-year-old Prince and Blanket, seven.
“There’s a possibility that one, or all - very unlikely all - but one of those kids may be mine,” he stated. “It’s just something that happened.”
Asked if he actually knew for a fact if he was Paris’s father, Lester insisted: “No. No idea. And even if I was, it would make absolutely no difference to the status quo of the family anyway.”
But, noting the likeness to his own daughters, Lester spoke highly of the possibility Paris, especially, could have been fathered with his sperm donation.
“She is absolutely beautiful and I would be honoured if that came from me,” he said of Paris.
“She’s a beautiful child, she’s a highly intelligent kid - as all of the Jackson kids are.”
Lester insisted his donation started as a joke between himself and the superstar after confidential chats in 1996 about Jackson’s fears on having sex.
“We had conversations on the telephone and Michael was very shy when it came to women. He confided in me that he had found it very difficult to actually do the sexual act,” Lester said.
Source: Splash News
Michael Jackson By the Numbers
Posted in Concert, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson on the August 18, 2009
We all know what Michael Jackson was worth when he died but some people are curious as to what the other members of the family are worth. Paperwork about a possible tour involving the Jackson siblings just gave us the answer to that. The new group, called the Jackson 8, was formed through a New Jersey promoter called AllGood Entertainment and the company is hoping to put the family out on a10-city US tour. The rest of the siblings are having issues with the money though as younger sister and proposed lead singer, Janet Jackson, is making 4 times as much money as the rest of the family. Janet will be paid $4 million while Jermaine, Jackie, Randy, Marlon and Tito will get $1.5 million each. La Toya and Rebbie will be given $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.