Michael Jackson's family claims that the late singer's film This is It features stand-ins, not the real star.
The documentary's promo posters boast MJ "like you've never seen him before".
However, the late King of Pop's father Joe and sister La Toya accuse Sony Pictures of "fooling" fans by using his impersonators.
Joe, who has seen 12 minutes of This is It, said, "This movie features body doubles, no doubt about it. I think people will tear this movie apart."
And La Toya's business partner Jeffre Phillips told News of The World, "I see all these great movements in the trailers but I don't believe most of those shots were Michael. He wasn't well enough. I've seen clips where I even thought, 'That's not Michael's voice.'" It's very upsetting for La Toya."
US concert promoter Terry Harvey said, "From what I can see, Michael wasn't even singing live in a full segment. He was struggling. I was told he had his vocals sequenced on stage so if he didn't want to sing live, they just switched on the tape."
Essex Jacko impersonator Navi Parasram, 36, turned down an invite to appear in the film.
He said: "They asked me to do long shots, visuals, placements."
Showing posts with label Michael Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Jackson. Show all posts
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Janet Jackson eyes personal tell-all book
Janet Jackson is reportedly planning to write a personal tell-all book, in order to help herself cope with the grief of her brother Michael's death.
The songbird will purportedly also detail her own battle with issues like self-esteem and weight, along with the family's struggle to come to terms with the loss of the King of Pop.
"She is going to talk about Michael's death and how it's affected her and his children and the rest of the family... A lot of it will focus on her battle with self-esteem and weight," Contactmusic quoted a source as having told In Touch Weekly.
"She's a huge success. But that's not always what she has seen when she looks in the mirror, so the book will talk about how she has coped, and about her family relationships. She wants to help other young women out there," the source added.
The songbird will purportedly also detail her own battle with issues like self-esteem and weight, along with the family's struggle to come to terms with the loss of the King of Pop.
"She is going to talk about Michael's death and how it's affected her and his children and the rest of the family... A lot of it will focus on her battle with self-esteem and weight," Contactmusic quoted a source as having told In Touch Weekly.
"She's a huge success. But that's not always what she has seen when she looks in the mirror, so the book will talk about how she has coped, and about her family relationships. She wants to help other young women out there," the source added.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Jacko soundalike sought for stage
Producers of a West End show based on pop singer Michael Jackson are to hold open auditions to find a young actor to play the musical legend on stage.
The wannabe star, aged between 11 and 15, will take the lead role in Thriller Live when it opens in January.
Producers want a black or mixed race boy with "an excellent unbroken pop/rock voice with a high range".
Singers will be required to perform Ben, I Want You Back, or I'll Be There at the auditions on 23 November.
Tribute
The casting session will take place the Lyric Theatre, which is where the production will be staged next year.
The show has already been seen in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia and travelled on three UK tours.
It is billed as a tribute to the hits and career of pop star Jackson and The Jackson 5.
The star himself is not involved in the musical, but Sony, which owns his back catalogue, is supporting the show.
There has been speculation that The Jackson 5, who last performed together in 2001, will be reuniting next year with the former King of Pop among them.
However, the 50-year-old star, best known for hits such as Bad and Smooth Criminal, has denied the rumours.
Last month he issued a statement, that said he "no plans to record or tour" with his siblings.
Thriller - Live opens on 2 January, and features hits such as Can You Feel It, Rock With You, Beat It, ABC and Billie Jean.
The wannabe star, aged between 11 and 15, will take the lead role in Thriller Live when it opens in January.
Producers want a black or mixed race boy with "an excellent unbroken pop/rock voice with a high range".
Singers will be required to perform Ben, I Want You Back, or I'll Be There at the auditions on 23 November.
Tribute
The casting session will take place the Lyric Theatre, which is where the production will be staged next year.
The show has already been seen in Germany, Holland and Scandinavia and travelled on three UK tours.
It is billed as a tribute to the hits and career of pop star Jackson and The Jackson 5.
The star himself is not involved in the musical, but Sony, which owns his back catalogue, is supporting the show.
There has been speculation that The Jackson 5, who last performed together in 2001, will be reuniting next year with the former King of Pop among them.
However, the 50-year-old star, best known for hits such as Bad and Smooth Criminal, has denied the rumours.
Last month he issued a statement, that said he "no plans to record or tour" with his siblings.
Thriller - Live opens on 2 January, and features hits such as Can You Feel It, Rock With You, Beat It, ABC and Billie Jean.
Boys' joy at playing idol Jackson
Three teenagers who are to play Michael Jackson in the new West End show Thriller Live have spoken of their excitement at portraying their idol.
Layton Williams from Bury, Sterling Williams from London and Kieran Alleyne from Leicester - all aged 13 - will play the pop superstar in rotation.
They appeared at the Lyric Theatre dressed in 1970s clothes and performed Jackson 5 hit I Want You Back.
"It's quite scary that we have to be him as he was so amazing," said Layton.
'Overwhelmed'
Layton, the most experienced performer of the three, was the first black Billy Elliot.
"I'm just going to have to do my best," he added.
"I really like just getting on stage and, when I finish, for the audience to appreciate it and applaud you. It's a really good buzz.
"Working on stage is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Sterling, who has played Simba in Lion King in the West End, said: "I love singing his [Jackson's] songs, so this is the perfect role for me."
The less-experienced Kieran beat 60 other hopefuls in open auditions to become one of the Michael Jacksons.
"I've always looked up to Michael Jackson. He has always been an idol to me and I've always been trying to follow in his footsteps and to get into a singing career.
"I'm really overwhelmed to be performing in a show which is a tribute to him," he said.
The opening performance of the show, which celebrates Jackson's career and features his hits, will take place on 2 January.
The singer is not involved in the production.
Layton Williams from Bury, Sterling Williams from London and Kieran Alleyne from Leicester - all aged 13 - will play the pop superstar in rotation.
They appeared at the Lyric Theatre dressed in 1970s clothes and performed Jackson 5 hit I Want You Back.
"It's quite scary that we have to be him as he was so amazing," said Layton.
'Overwhelmed'
Layton, the most experienced performer of the three, was the first black Billy Elliot.
"I'm just going to have to do my best," he added.
"I really like just getting on stage and, when I finish, for the audience to appreciate it and applaud you. It's a really good buzz.
"Working on stage is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Sterling, who has played Simba in Lion King in the West End, said: "I love singing his [Jackson's] songs, so this is the perfect role for me."
The less-experienced Kieran beat 60 other hopefuls in open auditions to become one of the Michael Jacksons.
"I've always looked up to Michael Jackson. He has always been an idol to me and I've always been trying to follow in his footsteps and to get into a singing career.
"I'm really overwhelmed to be performing in a show which is a tribute to him," he said.
The opening performance of the show, which celebrates Jackson's career and features his hits, will take place on 2 January.
The singer is not involved in the production.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pop superstars turn 50 - Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, one of pop music's biggest stars, celebrates his 50th birthday today.
Use our interactive timeline to find out more about the ups and downs of his career.
Full name: Michael Joseph Jackson
Born: August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, US
Also known as: The King of Pop, The Peter Pan of Pop, Wacko Jacko, The Gloved One.
Biggest hits: I Want You Back, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Earth Song.
Quote: "When he's 90 years old and moonwalking at one mile per hour, the world will be there to watch." (Pharell Williams)
1969 – RECORD DEAL
Michael, the seventh of nine children, joins his brothers' pop group in 1964 - initially playing tambourine and bongos. He quickly becomes the centre of attention and takes on lead vocal duties as the band build up a reputation on the live circuit.
Motown acts Gladys Knight and Bobby Taylor recommend the Jackson Five to their boss Berry Gordy. The groups' first release on the legendary Detroit label, I Want You Back, goes straight to number one in 1969 - when Michael is just 11 years old.
Over the next six years, the band churns out a string of hits including ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There.
1975 - QUITS MOTOWN
The Jacksons decide to leave Motown for a more lucrative deal at CBS Records. Motown sues the band for $20 million (£10 million).
1978 – OFF THE WALL
Jackson meets music producer Quincy Jones on the set of The Wiz - an urban retelling of The Wizard of Oz in which the singer plays the scarecrow.
He asks Jones to produce his new solo record - and the result is disco classic Off The Wall.
It sells 10 million copies, and contains hit singles Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock With You.
1982 - THRILLER
Jackson unleashes his pop masterpiece, Thriller, which re-writes the rule book on how pop is marketed, not least because of its ground-breaking video clips.
The record is frequently named the biggest-selling album of all time , shifting 65 million copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
As the album spawns hit after hit - seven of its nine tracks make the charts - Jackson appears unstoppable. He causes jaws to drop around the world when he debuts the Moonwalk at a Motown television special in 1983.
Then, against the advice of his managers and record label, he convinces director John Landis to transform him into a zombie and a werecat in the 14-minute video for Thriller - at a cost of $500,000 (£250,000). The scale and ambition of the clip have often been copied, but never bettered.
1984 – BURNING HAIR AND TABLOID RUMOURS
As he films a Pepsi commercial in front of an audience in Los Angeles, Michael’s hair is set on fire by a pyrotechnic explosion. He is carried out of the building on a stretcher, and sales of Thriller jump by 150,000 week on week.
As Jacko-mania reaches fever pitch, tabloid stories about the secretive star begin to circulate. It is claimed that he sleeps in an oxygen tent and wants to buy the remains of Elephant Man Joseph Merrick.
The "Wacko Jacko" name is coined soon after, and the star retreats into his newly-purchased Neverland ranch, complete with zoo and fun fair.
Meanwhile, Jackson continues to prove his business acumen, securing the publishing rights to the Beatles' back catalogue for $47.5 million and beating a bid from his old friend Paul McCartney.
1987 – BAD
Martin Scorcese’s video for Bad sees Michael with distinctly lighter skin, leading to rumours of plastic surgery and skin bleaching. But the press coverage does nothing to hurt the megastar's popularity and the Bad album sells more than 30 million copies.
The success of the album kick-starts Jackson's first solo tour. The critically-acclaimed Bad concerts feature magic tricks, lasers, and a section where the star "flies" above the audience on a crane. Prince Charles and Princess Diana attend one of the seven sell-out shows in Wembley.
As the tour draws to a close, Jackson pens his autobiography, revealing: "I'm one of the loneliest people in the world'' and releases the Moonwalker film – a mixed bag of music videos and child-like fantasy sequences.
1991 – DANGEROUS
With hip-hop in the ascendancy, Jackson employs urban producer Teddy Riley to give a rougher edge to his new album, Dangerous. Fans and critics alike are put off by the harsh rhythms and sparse arrangements, but it contains several hits - including Black and White, Remember The Time and the tabloid-baiting In The Closet.
While promoting the album, Jackson invites Oprah Winfrey to his Neverland Ranch for a special edition of her TV show. Beamed live around the world, the star addresses several of the stories about his private life.
He reveals that he was bullied by his father, had plastic surgery twice, and that his changing skin tones were the result of a "disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin".
1993 – CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
The family of 11-year-old Jordy Chandler accuse Jackson of molesting their son. The star categorically denies the charges, but Los Angeles police raid his home while he is on tour in the Far East.
He later comes to an out-of-court settlement with the family for an estimated $20m.
The following year, Michael marries Lisa Marie Presley in what many assume is an attempt to repair his tarnished public image. The couple divorce 19 months later.
1995 – STATUE STUNT
His crown having slipped somewhat, the King of Pop positions several giant statues of himself around Europe to promote a new album, HIStory, which combines a CD of greatest hits with a disc of new material, much of which is a vitriolic response to the star's recent woes.
The following year, he appears at the Brit Awards to perform number one single Earth Song. The show sees Jackson surrounded by children, adopting a messianic pose which prompts Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker to storm the stage.
Jackson declares himself "sickened, saddened, shocked, upset, cheated and angry" by the incident.
1997 – FATHERHOOD
In 1997, Jackson is inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, in a surprise move, marries nurse Debbie Rowe, who is pregnant with his child, Prince Michael.
The couple have a daughter, Paris Michael Katherine, the following year before divorcing in 1999. The singer retains custody of the children.
2001 – INVINCIBLE
Six years in the making, Jackson’s next album, Invincible, barely lasts six weeks on the charts.
Only one single, Rock My World, gets a full global release. Jackson blames the lack of promotion on the fact he had decided not to renew his contract with Sony – and launches an attack on label boss Tommy Mottola, calling him "devilish" and accusing him of racism.
Meanwhile, the singer's personal life continues to cause controversy. He draws scathing criticism when he dangles the 11-month-old Prince Michael II (or Blanket) from the window of a German hotel.
On a TV documentary he admits sharing his bed with children. "Why can't you share your bed?” he protests. "That's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone."
2003 – ARREST, TRIAL AND THE FUTURE
Police raid Jackson's Neverland ranch and, shortly afterwards, a warrant is issued for his arrest on charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy, Gavin Arvizo.
The star surrenders himself to police and is arrested and handcuffed. A five-month trial in 2005 ends with Jackson found not guilty on all charges.
Following the trial and amid rumours of bankruptcy, the elusive pop star moves to Dubai. Sporadic public appearances and rumours of new material have surfaced periodically ever since, but there is still no sign of Jackson's comeback.
Use our interactive timeline to find out more about the ups and downs of his career.
Full name: Michael Joseph Jackson
Born: August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, US
Also known as: The King of Pop, The Peter Pan of Pop, Wacko Jacko, The Gloved One.
Biggest hits: I Want You Back, Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Earth Song.
Quote: "When he's 90 years old and moonwalking at one mile per hour, the world will be there to watch." (Pharell Williams)
1969 – RECORD DEAL
Michael, the seventh of nine children, joins his brothers' pop group in 1964 - initially playing tambourine and bongos. He quickly becomes the centre of attention and takes on lead vocal duties as the band build up a reputation on the live circuit.
Motown acts Gladys Knight and Bobby Taylor recommend the Jackson Five to their boss Berry Gordy. The groups' first release on the legendary Detroit label, I Want You Back, goes straight to number one in 1969 - when Michael is just 11 years old.
Over the next six years, the band churns out a string of hits including ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There.
1975 - QUITS MOTOWN
The Jacksons decide to leave Motown for a more lucrative deal at CBS Records. Motown sues the band for $20 million (£10 million).
1978 – OFF THE WALL
Jackson meets music producer Quincy Jones on the set of The Wiz - an urban retelling of The Wizard of Oz in which the singer plays the scarecrow.
He asks Jones to produce his new solo record - and the result is disco classic Off The Wall.
It sells 10 million copies, and contains hit singles Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough and Rock With You.
1982 - THRILLER
Jackson unleashes his pop masterpiece, Thriller, which re-writes the rule book on how pop is marketed, not least because of its ground-breaking video clips.
The record is frequently named the biggest-selling album of all time , shifting 65 million copies, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
As the album spawns hit after hit - seven of its nine tracks make the charts - Jackson appears unstoppable. He causes jaws to drop around the world when he debuts the Moonwalk at a Motown television special in 1983.
Then, against the advice of his managers and record label, he convinces director John Landis to transform him into a zombie and a werecat in the 14-minute video for Thriller - at a cost of $500,000 (£250,000). The scale and ambition of the clip have often been copied, but never bettered.
1984 – BURNING HAIR AND TABLOID RUMOURS
As he films a Pepsi commercial in front of an audience in Los Angeles, Michael’s hair is set on fire by a pyrotechnic explosion. He is carried out of the building on a stretcher, and sales of Thriller jump by 150,000 week on week.
As Jacko-mania reaches fever pitch, tabloid stories about the secretive star begin to circulate. It is claimed that he sleeps in an oxygen tent and wants to buy the remains of Elephant Man Joseph Merrick.
The "Wacko Jacko" name is coined soon after, and the star retreats into his newly-purchased Neverland ranch, complete with zoo and fun fair.
Meanwhile, Jackson continues to prove his business acumen, securing the publishing rights to the Beatles' back catalogue for $47.5 million and beating a bid from his old friend Paul McCartney.
1987 – BAD
Martin Scorcese’s video for Bad sees Michael with distinctly lighter skin, leading to rumours of plastic surgery and skin bleaching. But the press coverage does nothing to hurt the megastar's popularity and the Bad album sells more than 30 million copies.
The success of the album kick-starts Jackson's first solo tour. The critically-acclaimed Bad concerts feature magic tricks, lasers, and a section where the star "flies" above the audience on a crane. Prince Charles and Princess Diana attend one of the seven sell-out shows in Wembley.
As the tour draws to a close, Jackson pens his autobiography, revealing: "I'm one of the loneliest people in the world'' and releases the Moonwalker film – a mixed bag of music videos and child-like fantasy sequences.
1991 – DANGEROUS
With hip-hop in the ascendancy, Jackson employs urban producer Teddy Riley to give a rougher edge to his new album, Dangerous. Fans and critics alike are put off by the harsh rhythms and sparse arrangements, but it contains several hits - including Black and White, Remember The Time and the tabloid-baiting In The Closet.
While promoting the album, Jackson invites Oprah Winfrey to his Neverland Ranch for a special edition of her TV show. Beamed live around the world, the star addresses several of the stories about his private life.
He reveals that he was bullied by his father, had plastic surgery twice, and that his changing skin tones were the result of a "disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin".
1993 – CHILD ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
The family of 11-year-old Jordy Chandler accuse Jackson of molesting their son. The star categorically denies the charges, but Los Angeles police raid his home while he is on tour in the Far East.
He later comes to an out-of-court settlement with the family for an estimated $20m.
The following year, Michael marries Lisa Marie Presley in what many assume is an attempt to repair his tarnished public image. The couple divorce 19 months later.
1995 – STATUE STUNT
His crown having slipped somewhat, the King of Pop positions several giant statues of himself around Europe to promote a new album, HIStory, which combines a CD of greatest hits with a disc of new material, much of which is a vitriolic response to the star's recent woes.
The following year, he appears at the Brit Awards to perform number one single Earth Song. The show sees Jackson surrounded by children, adopting a messianic pose which prompts Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker to storm the stage.
Jackson declares himself "sickened, saddened, shocked, upset, cheated and angry" by the incident.
1997 – FATHERHOOD
In 1997, Jackson is inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, in a surprise move, marries nurse Debbie Rowe, who is pregnant with his child, Prince Michael.
The couple have a daughter, Paris Michael Katherine, the following year before divorcing in 1999. The singer retains custody of the children.
2001 – INVINCIBLE
Six years in the making, Jackson’s next album, Invincible, barely lasts six weeks on the charts.
Only one single, Rock My World, gets a full global release. Jackson blames the lack of promotion on the fact he had decided not to renew his contract with Sony – and launches an attack on label boss Tommy Mottola, calling him "devilish" and accusing him of racism.
Meanwhile, the singer's personal life continues to cause controversy. He draws scathing criticism when he dangles the 11-month-old Prince Michael II (or Blanket) from the window of a German hotel.
On a TV documentary he admits sharing his bed with children. "Why can't you share your bed?” he protests. "That's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone."
2003 – ARREST, TRIAL AND THE FUTURE
Police raid Jackson's Neverland ranch and, shortly afterwards, a warrant is issued for his arrest on charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy, Gavin Arvizo.
The star surrenders himself to police and is arrested and handcuffed. A five-month trial in 2005 ends with Jackson found not guilty on all charges.
Following the trial and amid rumours of bankruptcy, the elusive pop star moves to Dubai. Sporadic public appearances and rumours of new material have surfaced periodically ever since, but there is still no sign of Jackson's comeback.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Michael Jackson ignored giraffes: PETA
Pop singer Michael Jackson has supposedly ignored his giraffes as claimed by the animal rights group PETA.
According to tmz.com, Jackson's ranch was dismantled a year ago and his giraffes were sold to a US couple who planned to start an animal sanctuary. But PETA claims that the animals are being kept in cages that are too small. They have written to Jackson asking him to pressure the owners to do something more humane.
The couple that owns the animals say they have moved them into bigger cages. There is even a bigger space being prepared for the animals in the form of a 185 acre sanctuary.
According to tmz.com, Jackson's ranch was dismantled a year ago and his giraffes were sold to a US couple who planned to start an animal sanctuary. But PETA claims that the animals are being kept in cages that are too small. They have written to Jackson asking him to pressure the owners to do something more humane.
The couple that owns the animals say they have moved them into bigger cages. There is even a bigger space being prepared for the animals in the form of a 185 acre sanctuary.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
