Madonna pays tribute to Michael Jackson during her “Sticky and Sweet” concert tour held at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday (July 4).
It’s the same venue where Michael was to stage his comeback. During the concert, an impersonator doing Michael’s moonwalk hit the stage.
Madonna told the crowd, “Let’s give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known.” And the crowd went wild!
30+ pictures inside of Madonna’s tribute to Michael Jackson… More Here! »
The Jackson family said in a statement Friday morning that a public memorial service for Michael Jackson will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. About 11,000 free-of-charge tickets will be available via internet but officials are expecting to draw over 100,000 fans at the service.
Before suffering cardiac arrest on June 25, the King of Pop was seen rehearsing at the Staples Center two days before he died.
Plans for the legendary entertainer’s funeral are still underway, but will most likely be a private event after Tuesday’s ceremony.
Fans wishing to attend must register at staplescenter.com where names will be later chosen at random. Another 6,500 tickets will be available at a nearby theater.
Here is the video of Michael Jackson having a run-through during his final concert rehearsal at the Staples Center on Tuesday (June 23) in Los Angeles.
AEG, promoter of Michael’s planned London shows, released the video of the 50-year-old entertainer rehearsing. After going into cardiac arrest on June 25, Michael later died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center.
Pictures from the final rehearsal are here.
The Jackson family has released a statement regarding the rumors about potential services for Michael Jackson at his Neverland Ranch, north of Santa Barbara, Calif.
The family rep tells JustJared.com, “Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland. Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly.”
Stay tuned!
Michael Jackson’s will states that he will leave his entire estate to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
The papers also names his mother Katherine Jackson as the beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Michael’s three children, ages 7 to 12. Singer Diana Ross is named as a successor trustee if Katherine is unable or unwilling to care for them.
The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated Michael’s wealth to be more than $500,000,000.
Here’s just one of the four separate tribute covers available this week from Entertainment Weekly. The covers feature Michael Jackson singing at home in 1972; on the set of the “Thriller” video in 1983 (pictured here); a portrait taken in 1983; and performing in New York City on Sept. 10, 2001.
EW columnist Stephen King writes, “It’s worth noting that he was never convicted of anything in criminal court, and when I asked Mick—who hung out with Michael occasionally— he was emphatic in his belief that Michael Jackson was indeed innocent of the abuse allegations. In the court of public opinion, however, he was found guilty of Weirdness in the First Degree, and ended up secluded in one haunted castle after another. Finally, he died in one. Strange man. Lost man. And not unique in his passing. Like James Dean, Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger, and a dozen others we could name, he just left the building far too soon. Because, man oh man, that guy could dance.”
A public service for Michael Jackson will be held this Friday (July 3) at his Neverland Ranch, north of Santa Barbara, Calif.
A private service for family and close friends will be held on Sunday (July 5).
Michael’s hometown of Gary, Indiana, is hoping to be burial site. Gary will host a memorial service July 10.
Michael’s body will return to his Neverland on Thursday via a 30-car motorcade.
Two days before suffering a cardiac arrest, Michael Jackson goes through a run-through during his final concert rehearsal at the Staples Center on Tuesday (June 23) in Los Angeles.
The 50-year-old entertainer was rehearsing for his planned shows in London. After going into cardiac arrest on June 25, Michael later died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center.
This concert looks like it would have been amazing. We’ll miss you, Michael!
On Sunday night, Michael’s younger sister Janet Jackson paid tribute to the King of Pop at the 2009 BET Awards.
