Micheal Jackson to launch thriller comeback

Crocker · 11-10-2006, 08:20 AM

Pop star Michael Jackson will launch his comeback bid with a performance of the hit single Thriller at the World Music Awards in London next week.
It will be the 48-year-old's first stage performance since being cleared of child abuse charges last year.

He will also receive the diamond award for contribution to music at the ceremony on 15 November.

Jarvis Cocker famously invaded the stage the last time Jackson sang at a UK awards ceremony - the 1996 Brits.

"It's his first performance in a long time," said a spokeswoman for the World Music awards. "It's something of a comeback if you like."

Jackson has lived in the Middle East since his trial ended in 2005.

He formed a record company, Two Seas, with a member of Bahrain's Royal Family earlier this year, and spoke of his plans to return to the recording studio.

In September, the pop star announced he had parted company with the label, although he is still thought to be preparing an album for release in 2007.

The World Music Awards gives out prizes based on global record sales.

This year's ceremony will be presented by actress Lindsay Lohan, and feature performances from Beyonce, Katie Melua and Mary J Blige.

Jackson has made only a handful of public appearances in the UK during the last few years.

In March 2001, the singer addressed the Oxford Union to launch his children's charity Heal the Kids.

And in June 2002 he paid a visit to Exeter City Football Club with illusionist David Blaine and former club chairman Uri Geller.

According to press reports, the singer plans to recreate the ground-breaking video for Thriller during his performance at the World Music Awards.

The 14-minute "mini movie", which features a dancing troupe of zombies, was the most expensive video ever made when it was released in 1983 - costing $800,000 (Ã‚Â£420,000).

It set the trend for expensive, filmic music videos and has been parodied by comedian Lenny Henry and, more recently, Dutch dance act Beatfreakz.

PeaceSells · 11-16-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Reclusive superstar Michael Jackson made a musical comeback of sorts on Wednesday, singing the chorus line of his charity single "We Are The World" before the sound cut out as he struggled for the high notes.

The 48-year-old, performing in public for the first time since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in June 2005, had been expected to sing his seminal hit "Thriller"

at the World Music Awards in London.
But to the disappointment of screaming fans that song was performed instead by young U.S. singer Chris Brown.

Jackson looked uncomfortable at times as he was surrounded by excited young members of a gospel chorus on stage with him, and sound hitches knocked him off his stride.

That did not stop supporters desperate to see their idol cheer his every move, especially when he threw his black sequin jacket into the crowd.

The failure by the deposed King of Pop to demonstrate that his voice and confidence are back to anywhere near their best is likely to raise further doubts about his ability to resurrect a career that has been on hold for years.

It was an unhappy return to the London stage for Jackson, who has not performed in Britain for around a decade. In 1996, Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker stormed the stage and mocked Jackson during his rendition of "Earth Song".

Jackson has said he plans to move to Europe in a bid to resurrect his musical career and has indicated he will release a new album in 2007.

MEGA-SALES

Earlier in the evening, Jackson was given the Diamond Award honouring artists who sell more than 100 million records.

Introducing Jackson, U.S. singer Beyonce said: "Tonight we are celebrating 25 years of 'Thriller'," referring to his seminal album. "If it wasn't for Michael Jackson I would never have ever performed. I love you, we all love you."

Jackson, who has been a virtual recluse for the last 17 months, thanked fans and family, singling out his three children who have been with him during his stopover in London.

"I am greatly humbled by this award," said Jackson, who wore his jet black hair long and straight. "It was my dream that 'Thriller' would be the biggest-selling album ever ... and God has answered my prayers."

Jackson's lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, making him the most successful entertainer of all time.

Whether Wednesday's performance helps him on the road to professional recovery remains to be seen.

"I would say there's very little chance of him coming back from where he is," said Gareth Grundy, deputy editor of the Q music magazine, speaking before the show.

"I think people will always be fascinated by the freak show, and that's what's going on," he said. "I would categorise him as a celebrity as opposed to an artist."

Red carpet divas Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were at the show.

Winners on the night included Madonna (world's best pop artist), Nelly Furtado (best pop/rock) and Nickelback (best rock group), Beyonce (best R&B), Kanye West (best rap/hip-hop) and James Blunt (best new artist).

The World Music Awards reflect artists' global sales rather than a public vote or panel decision.

Yea...So this occured last night and was a spectacular failure as MJ didn't even sing Thriller, but instead mumbled his way through "We Are The World". I find it disappointing as I'm a bit of a Jacko fan. When he was at his peak, nobody could touch him and it's sad to see a man have such a demise. And to me this shows there is very little chance of there ever being a successful comeback, in the near future anyway. Overall a huge let-down from Michael.

Though I found it amusing him singing with a children's Gospel choir...However I'm sure you can all make your own jokes up about that.

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