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Michael Jackson "comeback" stalls again

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The ongoing rehabilitation of Michael Jackson's career encountered another setback last night when the troubled singer's much-heralded comeback show at the World Music Awards wasn't so much a Thriller as a damp squib.

The 48-year-old superstar was making his first public performance since he was acquitted of child abuse charges eighteen months ago. Jackson attended the event, at London's Earl's Court, to receive a special "Diamond Award" and to take part in a tribute to his 1982 album Thriller, now recognised as the best selling album of all time. For many, this was interpreted as "Michael Jackson will be performing his mega-hit, Thriller".

However, Jacko fans were devastated when, rather than performing the legendary track, hot new R&B star Chris Brown led a lacklustre "tribute" to the song, complete with dancers kitted out in zombie garb. Jackson was nowhere to be seen. When the singer finally took the stage, he modestly announced. "When I recorded Thriller, I had a dream it would become the biggest selling album ever. And God has answered my prayers."

"There have been so many people who have loved me and stood by me. I love all the fans from the bottom of my heart," he added. However, the hordes of Jackson fans waiting for a full performance from the star, were disappointed when a 50-strong children's choir appeared onstage to sing the chorus to the 1985 charity single We Are The World. Jackson joined in for a few lines (straining to hit the high notes), walked up a catwalk to the centre of the venue, threw his jacket into the crowd and left to much booing from the short-changed audience.

He later claimed that there was a "misunderstanding" that he would be performing Thriller that evening, but this was little comfort to the fans who had been queuing for hours outside the venue for a glimpse of the star, and for those who had reportedly paid up to £1,000 for a ticket to the show.

"It was good to see him looking healthy again after the court case but the half-assed attempt at singing was really, really disappointing," disgruntled Jackson fan Arif Adam told the BBC.

"I'm disappointed in Jackson but, hey, he's a legend," Peter Andre told Radio 1, but his showbiz wife Jordan angrily added, "I don't care, he should have sung. He sounded really out of tune." That's popular music singer Jordan, there.

Following his acquittal from the child abuse charges in June 2005, Michael Jackson moved to Bahrain in the Middle East, where he was reported to be writing and recording new material. A charity single in aid of victims of Hurricane Katrina was announced and due to be released in September 2005. The track, titled I Have This Dream, was to feature Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, and a number of other stars, but, mysteriously, the song has still not surfaced over a year later.

Amid much legal wrangling over back catalogue rights, Jackson has parted company with his label Sony and in April this year was supposed to have signed a deal with English producer Guy Holmes for one album on his label, Two Seas Records. However, by September this year, it was reported that this deal was never “formalised” and that Jackson was to start his own record company ,which would be releasing an album in 2007.

Now relocated to Dublin, Jackson is recording with Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas. "I like what he is doing and thought it would be interesting to collaborate or see how the chemistry worked," Jackson said in a recent interview with Access Hollywood. "I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive, great music.”

However, as Jackson has reportedly “restructured” his finances with Sony to pay off his debts, it would appear that no major record label is willing to release a new album by the King Of Pop and he’s going to have to do it himself. Could Will.I.Am sprinkle enough fairy dust on the new material to put Jackson back at the top? Only time will tell. That is, if we ever get to hear it…

Where next for Michael Jackson? What should be his next step? Should he get back to his R&B roots, or try something different like grime or funky house? Does he need a total image overhaul or can he continue to coast off the reputation of hits like Thriller, which are now 25 years old? Let us know what you think – leave a comment below…

12:08 PM | 16/11/2006

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  • Maybe he should contemplate suicide. Record sales always go up for musicians who die, and with the way he has spent money like toilet paper throughout his life, it will probably be the only way he will ever get out of his mountain of debt. Motown and Sony can take a cue from previous treatments of deceaased recording artists and release outtakes, acoustic, live, and remixed verions of his songs for the next twenty years. Besides, if he did live to a ripe old age, he would eventually need a full face transplant since his current cranial covering is falling apart after being altered too many times.

    Posted by Evergreen Terroi$t at 10:07 PM | 16/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • Its time for michael to settle down. After this album that is supposed to be released in 2007, he should start a business of some sort. He's been in the game for 40yrs and he knows about how the music industry works. Maybe Michael should be like Diddy, and Jay-Z....give up the microphone and sit behind a desk and be the boss.

    Posted by Jamarr at 11:07 PM | 16/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • @ the article "Jackson fans demand ticket refunds"

    This news is probably based on the BBC article
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6155968.stm

    Q daily forgot to mention the statements of the organizers:
    "The organizers of the World Music Awards said that they had 'not been contacted by any of the fans or had one complaint' regarding the event." On the web (youtube, for example) people judge diffently to the press.

    Reuters man Mike Collett-White spread the news all over the world that the performance was "no thriller". Reuters – which editorial policy claims to be unbiased - prejudged before the world could see it when it will be aired on 22nd November. The text included again a quote, wise-a$$ Collett White has already written down in the afternoon BEFORE the show took place. By his article Mike Collet-White „informed“ the world in advance about doubts about the performance.

    In both articles he quoted Gareth Grundy, deputy editor of the Q music magazine, who called Michale Jackson „not an artist“. Hundreds of other sources quoted it – without THINKING. I've learnt: People who sold more than 100 million records with music are no artists but copy and paste is modern art.

    No news about tabloid trash queen Paris, maximum 10% of the copied news about other artists, 90% about Michael Jackson. Why this? ... because - like the Mirror titled - "he's bad"?

    WHO's BAD?

    Posted by Lara at 9:32 PM | 17/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • Who really wants to see a Michael Jackson comeback.No- one wants to see a decrepit old man on stage lose his nose(again)and whats left of his dignity!!!!!!"JUST BEAT IT"

    Posted by Spud monkey at 2:34 AM | 18/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • Its time everyone gave up the hopes of any form of "comeback"

    Jackson is so weak now, physically. You cant really imagine him managing a world tour or anything. Plus hes so out of touch with the universe that I really dont think he can produce any music that can be seen as relevant

    Its the end for Jacksons career. Retirement is the only really option now. At least that way hed maintain some kind of dignity

    Posted by Galvers at 4:37 PM | 18/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • Good. I'm glad he bombed. Karma IS a bitch.

    Posted by Gavin at 2:22 PM | 19/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • By the way, folks, as an addition to my previous posting, I DO NOT seriously wish that Michael Jackson kill himself. It was a flippant suggestion. I am saying this in anticipation of someone eventually posting something along the lines of "Don't be so harsh on MJ; he had a stressful childhood and is a troubled genius and blah blah blah..." Who knows, he just might surprise us all and start touring in an afro wig and a dark brown rubber face mask and call it the "Throwback Jackson Tour" and perform all of his old hits from the early 70s to mid 80s. Now that would be crazy cool!

    Posted by Evergreen Terrori$t at 3:00 PM | 19/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • This is my first and possibly last time posting here at the Q. I have only seen small clips from the WMA and MJ singing to We Are The World. For all of you out there complaining about his performance, this was a World Music AWARD, wasnt it? It wasnt suppose to be a concert. So, I dont understand why people are complaining. The man has put out alot of good music over his lifetime. If he wants to make a comeback he will, if he doesnt he wont. Its that simple. I think his voice sounded really good at the WMA's. If and when he does come out with a new album or tour or whatever it is he prefers, I think he should use the mix tones in his voice to do something different. Use the low normal pitch to sing a complete song with...he's probably already done this and just not released his songs. He is a master at recording. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the full WMA on t.v. and I'm sure my views will remain the same. The botoom line is that this was no concert, and for the people that went to the WMA's and expected a concert well too bad for you. Did your ticket say concert on it anywhere? I'm sure it didnt. I get so sick of reading online about all the complaints people have. So here's my complaints to the complainers.....stop complaining, its annoying.

    Posted by April at 9:53 PM | 19/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • I really don't care what Gareth Grundy thinks of MJ. It seems rather rich coming from Grundy that MJ is a "celbrity" and not an "artist". last time I checked, MJ the artist has won more awards and sold more albums than any other in the history of the world. What a joke that you think he won't make a comeback. He is bigger than any other artist that was at the WMA and yes, his celebrity is bigger than all the others too.

    Posted by Aretz at 11:00 PM | 19/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • MJ is (in my mind) the best superstar entertainer of all time. Althoug I am one of his biggest fans I am a little dissapointed. He has had several personal proublems in his life and am glad he has overcome them. I wish Michacel could see him for what he really is and that a huge super star with great talent. I loved the good old days when I ran to the music store just to get his lates recored or CD. He was always inovative and on top of what is hot in music, Today is a whole different generation and the world has changed. Sadley to say so does Micheal Jackson, if he wants to be remembered as the "King of Pop" which I think he still can. If he plays his cards right. Unfortunatley kids dont think of buble gum and lolypops anymore. Kids are growning up much faster than they used to and MJ has to put that into his music. I Hope he can find a way to make his new music hip, funkey, sexy and cool ,
    In my opinion MJ has to change his apperance. when I see photos of him I dont evern recognize him anymore , yet remember him as the coolest artest from the 80's I think the public needs to see who he was and who he really is one of the biggest stars to have hit the planet. I hope he does it again. Best to you MJ

    Posted by richard at 1:21 AM | 20/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • micheal jackson is a disscusting human being .....period !!!

    Posted by nick at 9:04 PM | 29/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • ....for the dummy who is under the impression that micheal jackson has sold more records than anyone in history, i say you need to wake up and check your facts buddy !!

    Posted by nick at 9:12 PM | 29/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • ....one last thing to all the wacko fans out there, i say let him babysit your little boys and then we'll talk !!!!!

    Posted by nick at 9:16 PM | 29/11/2006 | Report Abuse

  • All you haters saying MJ is finished and cant comeback are in denial....if he was finished you wouldn't even post any comment. But the truth of the matter is the whole world can't wait for his return. MJ was given the gift by God to be the greatest musician of all time, whether you accept it or not. If you haters thought God brought michael through that hell of a trial for nothing, you are about be shocked. And pliz dont kill yourself when he returns bigger than ever before.

    Posted by just at 8:36 AM | 02/12/2006 | Report Abuse

  • Facts: He has sold more records than anyone.He has great musical talents and are a true performer for 42 years. He has been buggered by the press for as long as I can remember. Still he has managed to create more innovative music and entertainment than most pop- musicians. He is now 48 years old. He has been found not guilty by a jury in a trial in the US ( !) for child abuse.
    They spent 3 million dollars to find any evidence against him, in the most media covered case in history. Yes, he is eccentric. Yes, he seems to have bad judgment over a lot of things. Yes, he probably has issues. But try to find anyone else who would get mainly bad press comments for creating hysteria over showing up an singing for a few minutes, and reciving a price for selling 104 million copies. Return to the music, people. Take a look at your own problems. It is easy to criticise. It takes dedication and talent to create and grow. Who do you peole want to be: lazy and negative, or creative and innovative? He seems right now to be the better one, than
    most of us, as we easily swollow what are the medias slander and gossip rather than think for ourself. They give us what they think we want, and its disgusting to hear how lies become thruth when told often enough. RETURN TO THE MUSIC! USE YOUR BRAINS! Give me some hope for humankind.

    Posted by Anette at 9:06 PM | 11/12/2006 | Report Abuse

  • I don't care what ANYONE says! MJ is the greatest singer of all time! God gave him a gift, and he managed a comeback in the Dangerous album, and he can do it again! The label "Michael Jackson" on the album is enough to make the music rock!

    Posted by Torn at 12:32 AM | 13/12/2006 | Report Abuse

  • I think he should go for it!! He does still have fans out there, so all the people who aren't his fans should just "Beat It" i can't wait for him to release his new album. The world should stop listening to what the media says about him. He has had lies and rumors started about him probably more than anyone else in hollywood, but he's still going strong, he's still living and he hasn't turned to drugs or anything along those lines for help. He still believes in God and he still believes in his fans and his music, that's what sets him aside from the rest of Hollywood, that's what makes him my hero, and a hero for alot of my friend and family. I LOVE YOU MICHAEL JACKSON!! he's keeping me going so give him another chance.
    God Bless
    *Carolyn

    Posted by Carolyn Paige Powers at 7:49 PM | 23/01/2007 | Report Abuse

  • I hope and wish this album is going to be a huge sucess and Michael hasn't sung in 7 years and invincible was a great album better than any album he has out i think michael jackson is going to shocked the world with the new single and album which due out November 19, 2007 be sure to go cop that Michael is a suprised person so we will and see

    like Michael said: You ain't seen nothing yet!

    Posted by Quintee at 4:26 PM | 09/05/2007 | Report Abuse

  • i love mj he is still the greastest singer of time in my eyes/heart i love you michael you rock my world

    Posted by teresa at 6:33 PM | 12/05/2007 | Report Abuse

  • i happen to love michael with a passion....if he comes back on top it wont be the first time....he was determind enough when he was younger and came from rags to riches ...and i belive he can do it again ...he is a legend and he will stay one till the end of time!!!!!! i love you michael and by your side i will fight and defend!!!!! your truest biggest fan!!!!!

    Posted by nichole at 2:04 PM | 07/09/2007 | Report Abuse

  • I hope Michael does come back i know he has it in him, and i wish he could surround himself with better people. manager who wont let him relase crappy songs like "Little Susie" or "The lost children" and have him relase songs like "Bad" and "Thriller" and even "PYT" He needs to work with Quincy and Frank Dileo, if you ask me

    So, for all the people who are saying "Wacko Jacko needs to kill himself" You all are so ignorant. Michael Jackson is the ONLY perosn i can think of in the world who has touched so many lives with just his music. We NEED him back, we wancha back, Mike!

    Posted by Kristine at 5:39 PM | 15/09/2007 | Report Abuse

  • I just can wait 2 see mj new song.

    Posted by Ezisi Alfredo at 5:50 AM | 06/11/2007 | Report Abuse

  • What a cruel thing too say about a person what God does a person serve that would find humor in a mistake Micheal Jackson,changing his appearance, haven't you ever tried to change your appearance and it became a mess something you were not satisfied with. the words I hear sound like words of hate and prejudice. Remember judge not and you shall not be judged. Micheal's talent is a .gift from God When he places on a glove the crowd roars. Maybe you should pray for this gift that Micheal has received from God. Micheal gift will stay with him for as long as it's by the will of God. People do mean things for the love of money the truth is not something you can hide from God and if it were so the things Micheal was accused of, believe me he would be punished by the God who contols all things. I feel sorry for you who slander and judge others until it comes to your family or close friend. Give it a rest green eyed monster.

    Posted by Linda Graves at 11:35 PM | 06/01/2008 | Report Abuse

  • michael jackson is a realy go singer but i dont realy like how he looks because he was perfict just the way he was when he sang thriller and biilie jean but he was beter before i wish he would change back

    Posted by jordan brewer at 9:26 PM | 30/03/2008 | Report Abuse

  • Hmm? Quite clearly there are many deluded Wacko's out there.

    Michael Jackson was excellent in his time. Now he is not.

    Posted by smitty11 at 11:32 AM | 22/09/2008 | Report Abuse

  • I usually don't go back over and over again to comment on old posts that I've made; howver, in this case I feel that it's really necessary. I just found out, probably like most other people, that Michael Jackson had been suffering from lupus since the early '80s. Although, I am not an expert on lupus, I don know enough that it is a very painful, inflammatory, auto-immune disease that can cause noticeable facial scarring and vitiligo, which probably further helps to explain the multiple cosmetic surgery procedures and addiction to painkillers. I just wish that during his lifetime that he had been more open about his health issues, and maybe I could have avoided myself the embarrasment of joking about a very physically sick man he chose his own way of dealing with his condition. At least he's no longer hurting now.

    Posted by Evergreen Terrori$t at 12:31 AM | 14/07/2009 | Report Abuse

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