Breaking News: Justice Has Been Served!!

Justice at last!…

A jury found Michael Jackson‘s doctor guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2009 death of the King of Pop.

Dr. Conrad Murray appeared stone-faced as the verdict was read Monday in a Los Angeles courtroom. The 58-year-old doctor, who is to be sentenced November 29, is facing up to four years in prison. He could also lose his medical license.

Jackson‘s sister LaToya screamed out upon hearing the verdict, while his crying mother, Katherine, was consoled by her son, Jermaine Jackson.

Murray‘s supporters looked somber over the news, with one shaking her head back and forth, mouthing the word “no.”

Jackson fans who had gathered outside the courtroom burst into applause and cheered as the verdict, “Guilty!,” was announced.

The decision was reached after less than nine hours of deliberation. The prosecution asked for Murray to be remanded into custody immediately. “He is now a convicted felon,” prosecutor David Walgren said.

Defense lawyer Ed Chernoff argued that he is not danger to the community before Murray was escorted out of the courtroom by the Sheriff.

Jackson died on June 25, 2009. The complete story of his death finally emerged during the six-week trial. It was the tale of a tormented genius on the brink of what might have been his greatest triumph with one impediment standing in his way — extreme insomnia.

Testimony came from medical experts, household employees and Murray‘s former girlfriends, among others.

The most shocking moments, however, came when prosecutors displayed a large picture of Jackson‘s gaunt, lifeless body on a hospital gurney and played the sound of his drugged, slurred voice, as recorded by Murray just weeks before the singer’s death.

Jackson talked about plans for a fantastic children’s hospital and his hope of cementing a legacy larger than that of Elvis Presley or The Beatles.

“We have to be phenomenal,” he said about his “This Is It” concerts in London. “When people leave this show, when people leave my show, I want them to say, `I’ve never seen nothing like this in my life. Go. Go. I’ve never seen nothing like this. Go. It’s amazing. He’s the greatest entertainer in the world.”‘

Throughout the trial, Jackson family members watched from the spectator gallery, fans gathered outside with signs and T-shirts demanding, “Justice for Michael,” and an international press corps broadcast reports around the world. The trial was televised and streamed on the Internet.

Prosecutors portrayed Murray as an incompetent doctor who used the anesthetic propofol without adequate safeguards and whose neglect left Jackson abandoned as he lay dying.

Murray‘s lawyers sought to show the doctor was a medical angel of mercy with former patients vouching for his skills. Murray told police from the outset that he gave Jackson propofol and other sedatives as the star struggled for sleep to prepare for his shows. But the doctor said he administered only a small dose on the day Jackson died.

Lawyers for Murray and a defense expert blamed Jackson for his own death, saying the singer gave himself the fatal dose of propofol while Murray wasn’t watching. A prosecution expert said that theory was crazy.

Murray said he had formed a close friendship with Jackson, never meant to harm him and couldn’t explain why he died.

The circumstances of Jackson‘s death at the age of 50 were as bizarre as any chapter in the superstar’s sensational life story.

For more on this story click here.

Music News: BET 2010 Awards

Sunday night marked the 2010 BET Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah, and an all-star roster of celebrities presented, performed, and took home top honors.

Between Prince‘s Lifetime achievement award and Queen Latifah running the show, there was plenty of royalty at last night’s 10th anniversary of the BET Awards. But in the midst of the performances of accolades, the stage was also set for a few big names to make their comebacks.

Jermaine Jackson announced the first return of the evening when he introduced the tribute to his late brother, thanking everyone for their love and support over the past year. He added, “There is one tribute performance we have yet to see…here he is.”

Chris Brown was poised behind the curtain, looking like the silhouette of Michael Jackson himself. Once he came out, there was a palpable moment of tension so strong, it could almost be felt through the TV.

Brown crotch-grabbed and moon-walked his way like a pro through the Michael Jackson songs as a supportive audience cheered him on.

But then the opening bars from “Man in the Mirror” began to play, and we all braced for the irony of the words. Brown got through about one line of the song before his voice started to quiver with tears. After a few heartfelt efforts to regain composure, Brown fell to his knees sobbing and completely gave up trying to sing as the backup track took over.

But Brown wasn’t the only one returning to the stage: Kanye West opened the show on top of a mountain – literally – as he performed his latest single, “Power.” T.I gave an upbeat performance that had the whole crowd moving, and El DeBarge was also a surprising treat as he performed a new song from his upcoming album and a medley of his R&B hits.

Queen Latifah kept the show flowing as she changed outfits about 500 times, and Alicia Keys also had a good night. She won Best Female R&B artist, Best Collaboration for her work with Jay-Z in “Empire State of Mind,” and also fit in two performances: a medley set of her own songs early on in the program, and then she joined in the Prince tribute.

But probably the best Prince performance of the night came from the one and only Patti LaBelle, who sang “Purple Rain” like we’ve never heard it before. LaBelle flicked her shoes off into the audience where Prince picked one of them up and gestured in respect to the diva.

LaBelle came back and joined Chaka Khan on stage to formally present Prince with his Lifetime Achievement Award.

Overwhelmed by the amount of praise coming from the audience, Prince asked everyone to sit down and said he was “speechless.” He started by thanking Jehovah, and then remarked on the future of music. “I do believe the future is in good hands, there is so much talent here,” he said.

Then Prince offered some words of wisdom to the young talent in the room. “I was pretty wild in my younger days and you don’t have to do what I did and you don’t have to make the mistakes I made,” he said. “Thank you for a wonderful night tonight, I’ll never forget it as long I live.”

Trey Songz took home Best Male R&B Artist and Drake won Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Nicki Minaj received the award for Best Female Hip Hop Artist and thanked the female rappers who paved the way for her.

Rihanna received the coveted Viewer’s Choice Award for “Hard,” but was not there to accept it. Also not there to accept Awards were Beyonce’ and Lady Gaga, who won Video of the Year for their collaboration in “Video Phone,” and Jay-Z was absent from the show as well.

Chris Brown had the last word, at least for the night. After his Jackson tribute, he was announced as the surprise winner of BET’s Fandemonium award, a prize determined by fan votes, beating out apparent favorites like Justin Bieber, Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj.

Stepping to the stage to receive his trophy, Brown gave a quick acceptance speech. “I let you all down before, but I won’t do it again,” he said. “I promise you.”

Here’s a breakdown of all the winners…

Winners included:

Viewers’ Choice: Rihanna (not at awards ceremony)

Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys

Best Male R&B Artist: Trey Songz

Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Drake

Best New Artist: Nicki Minaj

Best Group: Young Money

Video of the Year: Beyonce and Lady Gaga for “Video Phone” (not at awards ceremony)

Best Actress: Mo’Nique

Best Actor: Idris Elba

Best Movie: Precious

Sportsman of the Year: Lebron James

Sportswoman of the Year: Serena Williams

Prince also won a Lifetime achievement award and John  Legend won a humanitarian award.

The show’s top performances were given by Chris Brown, who paid tribute to Michael Jackson and ended sobbing on stage during “Man In The Mirror,” and Patti LaBelle’s cover of “Purple Rain” in honor of Prince.

Below is a video from Chris Brown’s Michael Jackson Tribute:

Alicia Keys Tribute to Prince:

Source: CNN, BET, YOUTUBE

~ “Alicia Keys’ performance had me at the edge of my seat when she climbed on top of her piano. I was so nervous that she wouldn’t fall, even Prince looked nervous. As for Chris Brown, I was so excited to see him perform, and hear how the crowd cheered him on. It was one of the best performances I saw. He really knows how to break down Michael Jackson’s moves. Welcome back Chris Brown.”

Just In: Jackson Family Visit Michael’s Grave

[The Jackson Family visit Micheal Jackson grave on the 1st Anniversary of his death at Forest Lawn Memorial Park at Glendale, California.]

On the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, Janet, Randy, Tito and Jermaine Jackson gathered at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, Calif. to pay their respects.

The group — all dressed in black — arrived around 11 a.m. PT and entered through a back entrance of the mausoleum in which Michael is interned. About 500 fans also quietly gathered, many wearing sequined jackets or white gloves, according to a witness.

Michael‘s children Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8, were not in attendance. They were last publicly spotted in Hawaii Thursday with their grandmother (and legal guardian), Katherine Jackson.

“Sorry Big Bro, for not getting ur children there on the anniversary of ur last day. I tried,” Twittered Randy.

Katherine traveled to Michael‘s hometown of Gary, Ind. Friday afternoon, where she unveiled a marble memorial of her son. A cell-phone vigil was also held in broad daylight outside Michael‘s childhood home.

Joe Jackson filed a wrongful death suit against Michael‘s doctor, Conrad Murray, Friday at the federal court in downtown Los Angeles, TMZ.com reported. Joe claims Dr. Murray withheld information from doctors and EMTs that could have saved Michael‘s life, and he’s suing the doctor for unspecified damages as a result. (A federal court clerk told the site there was a “mistake” in the paperwork, though, so the lawsuit will have to be refiled.)

Source: OMG!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson, you will forever be missed.

Wire Talk: La Toya Jackson to Dress Michael Jackson for Burial

In addition to making “the most incredible outfit” for Michael’s burial, the songstress reportedly has called her longtime stylist to help her styling her late brother.

Playing good and caring sister, La Toya Jackson reportedly will dress late brother Michael Jackson for his burial. Per Access Hollywood as being informed by a source close to the Jacksons, La Toya will have the King of Pop being laid to rest with his single signature white glove. “La Toya had Michael’s rhinestone glove laid in the casket,” confirms the source. “Michael wore a black leather glove on each hand [in the casket].”

As for Michael‘s final attire, La Toya will take care all the details. “She wanted him to look incredible. She called in his longtime stylist and had the most incredible outfit made for him,” says the source. “He looked wonderful – like an angel.”

On top of all, La Toya is said to have also been “extremely instrumental in every aspect and every detail” of the funeral arrangements, as well as watching after Michael‘s three children since he passed away last month. Besides, she has been “heavily involved” in the investigation conducted by authorities to determine the cause of Michael‘s death, which isn’t something new for her as she herself is a trained law enforcement official. “She’s still working around the clock with detectives until this case is resolved,” the source adds.

Despite the report, there has been no official word from Michael‘s family regarding plans of burial. In the meantime, there have been reports saying that he won’t be laid to rest until authorities finish examining his brain and before they can come to final conclusion on the cause of his death.

According to the NY Post, Michael Jackson is stored in LA Crypt as family squabbles.

Over his dead body!

Michael Jackson‘s family is bitterly divided over how best to profit off the King of Pop‘s remains — so his body has been stashed in Motown maestro Berry Gordy‘s crypt until the clan stops bickering, The Post has learned.

Jackson‘s gold-plated casket was last seen at his public memorial service, and its whereabouts have been shrouded in mystery — until now.

His remains were brought back to the white marble, above-ground crypt the Motown record-label founder bought for his family in the Court of Remembrance section of the sprawling, celeb-filled Forest Lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills.

Jackson‘s body is still missing his brain, which coroners are temporarily keeping for testing.

Aside from Jackson, the simple mausoleum is empty and marked only with a distinctive swooping letter “G.”

For the time being, Jackson lies with a who’s who of Hollywood heavyweights. Next door is the final resting place of American sweetheart actress Sandra Dee, who died in 2005.

And nearby are ornate crypts for iconic actress Bette Davis, flamboyant pianist Liberace and ’70s “Chico and the Man” star Freddie Prinze.

Gordy — who discovered the Jackson 5 — offered the family use of the crypt until they sort out what to do with the superstar’s remains, sources said.

On one side are Jackson‘s brother Jermaine and father, Joseph, who are insistent the Gloved One be buried at Neverland Ranch so the family can profit off a proposed Graceland-style museum there — a process that could take years.

On the other are Jackson‘s mother, Katherine, and most of the rest of the siblings, who want his body laid to rest elsewhere out of respect for his wish, following his acquittal on child-molestation charges, to never return to Neverland.

“Jermaine is the one that wants him at Neverland — he and Joseph — because of the whole Elvis thing and the money potential,” a family source said. “They are seeing dollar signs.”

Her son’s physical purgatory has left Katherine shaken.

“She is still upset that Michael isn’t buried and he is at Gordy’s spot in Forest Lawn, the source said. “This fighting has to stop. We can never unite, and that’s an injustice.”

The fight had become so contentious that Jermaine rode in a separate Rolls-Royce limousine to Jacko‘s public memorial at Los Angeles’ Staples Center, even though his mother had wanted all the brothers to ride together, the source said.

But the fight hasn’t stopped the family from agreeing on other ways to turn Jackson’s death into a financial boon.

Most of the kids and Katherine are onboard with a proposed documentary about the family that could bring in $20 million, the source said.

“They’re doing this documentary because with the kids, they will get $20 million,” the source said, adding Katherine is pushing all her children to be a part of it.

But if Jermaine and Joseph Jackson prevail, it would be a long legal road — permits would be needed — before a Graceland-like museum could be built at Jackson‘s one-time fantasyland home north of Santa Barbara.

Meanwhile, LAPD Chief William Bratton told CNN last night that detectives are looking at Jacko’s prescription-drug history and trying to talk with his numerous former doctors.

The coroner will determine the cause of death — whether it’s homicide or an accidental overdose.

The coroner’s office has subpoenaed “any and all” medical records pertaining to Jacko’s care, the LA Times reported.

Bratton said the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the state Attorney General’s Office, which keeps a database of prescription drugs, are assisting investigators.

Source: aceshowbiz

Just In: Will Michael Jackson Be Buried At Neverland?

Michael Jackson‘s mother feels Neverland Ranch is too tainted to become a burial site for her son. Katherine Jackson is said to have had heated discussions with Michael‘s brother, Jermaine, who wants the singer to be buried at the ranch where he lived from 1988 to 2003.

Charges of child molestation made against the singer and police raids are believed to have caused him to leave. Katherine believes that Michael would not wish to be laid to rest there for the same reasons that he did not want to live there. A source close to Katherine said: “Michael left Neverland for good, never to return. He felt violated by law enforcement after his molestation trial. He felt this place he had built had been tainted.” Jermaine said: “This is his home, he created this. Why wouldn’t he be here? I feel his presence. And I love that. I want my mother to come back here and feel what I feel. He built this place with love and you can see it and feel it.”

»Source: Splash News

Wire Talk: Jermaine Jackson To Make A Comeback as a Soloist

Rumor has it that we may be expecting a possible music career comeback for Jermaine Jackson whose rendition of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile” brought a tear to every dry eye.

“This could definitely be a catalyst for Jermaine to resume his career,” says Stacy Brown. “He was the only other brother to make his mark as a solo act and this could now be the right time for him to come back.”

A rep for Jermaine was not immediately available for comment.

Source: Via Fox News

Just In: Jackson’s Kids in Better Spirits at Post-Memorial Reception

After Tuesday’s somber memorial for their father, Michael Jackson‘s three children seemed to be in better sprits at a reception immediately following the service.

Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, all sat in the “VIP” area at a kid’s table that included all the Jackson cousins and relatives in The Grand Ballroom at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

There were around 15 kids at the table, with ages ranging from 7-17. (Blanket was probably the youngest in the group.)

Jackson‘s children seemed very close with their cousins, as they all were playing and goofing around.

At one point, Prince Michael pulled out his cell phone. It looked like he was playing a game on it; he then passed it along to one of his cousins.

Blanket – who appeared overwhelmed at the memorial – was in a much better mood. He looked like he was having so much fun chasing around his cousins. The boy – whose hair is almost down to his waist and whose front tooth is missing – appeared playful at the reception, tickling his cousins and tapping others on the shoulder and then running away.

Paris also seemed to be in a better mood. She hugged her cousins and chatted with guests.

At one point, someone brought over the program from the memorial and all three of the kids — including some of the cousins — gathered around to look at the pictures.

Jackson‘s children seemed really poised and polite as they shook guests’ hands and chatted with them. People were coming up and shaking Prince Michael‘s hand a lot. The kids interacted extremely naturally with each other.

Grace Rwaramba, Jackson‘s former nanny, was overheard saying: “The kids are holding up really well. It’s good for them to be around the other kids.”

The reception featured a classical music quartet that played softly onstage. (Food included mini cheeseburgers, spanakopita, mini crab cakes, vegetable plates, cheese plates and fruit.)

Todd Bridges, Corey Feldman, Chris Tucker, Brooke Shields, Wesley Snipes, Rev. Al Sharpton, Kim Porter, Mariah Carey, Jesse Jackson, Spike Lee and Anil Kapoor from Slumdog Millionaire were among the guests.

Usher pretty much kept to himself and still looked sad.

As for Jackson‘s siblings, Latoya made the rounds at the reception, greeting guests. Janet did not really interact with her family, only to chat with sister Latoya momentarily. (Both ladies kept their sunglasses on the entire time.) Janet also carried around Blanket‘s Michael Jackson doll for him. (Her beau Jermaine Dupri did not attend.)

Joe and Katherine Jackson briefly chatted up Brooke Shields, who was smiling but still mourning as her eyes were red.

Jermaine Jackson talked to family members and hugged a lot of the guests.

At the end of the evening, a few guests took photos with Wesley Snipes, Usher and even Joe Jackson.

Feldman, still dressed in his bizarre Michael Jackson outfit, gave Joe Jackson a hug and a handshake on the way out.

Michael‘s three kids left with Katherine Jackson, who remains their temporary guardian until a July 13 court hearing.

Source: US Weekly

Just In: Michael Jackson Memorial Photos

The Michael Jackson Memorial Photos: The Coffin, The Brochure, The Kids, The Hearse & More…

It’s over. The funeral and the memorial service for the King of Pop have occurred and the Jackson family had their own private luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

It was beautiful, moving, well coordinated and produced. Wonderful performances and eloquent speeches echoed the sentiments of most of the world. Somber but still warm and loving, it was a respectable and fitting tribute.

You’ll be able to see broadcasts and videos of Mariah Carey, Trey, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, John Mayer and the other performers and speakers, along with his daughter’s heartbreaking comments, played over and over again online, on YouTube, on tv, etc.

But let’s face it, what you really want to see is that coffin, his kids, the brochure and other little incidentals. I’ve got those here for you, thanks to the AP and Getty images.

The Tickets:

The Memorial Brochure Cover:

The back of the memorial brochure:

A sad, Joe Jackson leaving his Encino home, heading for Forest Lawn Cemetery early yesterday morning:

The Motorcade consisted of black Cadillac Escalades, black Ford Explorers and black Rolls Royces:

The Hearse:

The motorcade leaving Forest Lawn cemetery on their way to the Staples Center:

On the freeway:

A good look at that gold-plated Casket (Coffin):

Above and below: The Promethean velvet-lined model by the Batesville Casket Company. Rumor has it that, Michael Jackson ordered it for himself, after seeing that James Brown was buried in the same years ago. It’s a $25,000, solid bronze, 14-karat gold-plated, custom casket.

The pallbearers, those of whom were the Jackson Brothers, each wore a single white sequined glove:

Above: From left: Randy, Tito, Marlon, Jackie and Jermaine

Above: a tender moment as brother Jermaine tosses a rose onto Michael’s casket while singing “Smile”.

The Children: Paris, Prince and Blanket:

Above: Michael Jackson’s children, Paris Michael Katherine, Prince Michael II (aka Blanket) and Michael Joseph Jr. (aka Prince Michael).

Above: Janet (L) and La Toya (R) with Prince Michael Jackson II (Blanket) and Paris Jackson

Above: the heartbreaking and unexpected speech from Paris Jackson

Rev. Al Sharpton (nice eulogy, by the way):

Yes, it’s true, Corey Feldman donned his “Michael Jackson” costume:

Above: A Michael Jackson mural with fan’s signatures stands in front of the Staples Center.

Above: A Michael Jackson impersonator poses outside at the public memorial service at the Staples Center.

See a video of the memorial in its entirety here.

Dear Diary: My Thoughts on the Michael Jackson Memorial

Wow, what can I say about this day. Michael Jackson‘s memorial was amazing. I really liked the way Mariah Carey sang. It gave me the chills, seeing her sing her heart out to “I’ll Be There”. I was still in shock of the whole thing until I saw them bring out Michael’s casket. It was so heart breaking for me to see his brothers bring it out with their heads down. I could just imagine how it felt.

I loved it when, Brooke Shields talked about how her and Michael acted like little kids when they were alone. It showed so much character in her. I loved the way she said that to everyone else he was this and that, but to her he was just being a human being enjoying life and smiling his way to the top. I cried so much.

Queen Latifah‘s speech from Maya Angelou, and John Mayer‘s performance was amazing. Reverand Al Sharpton, told everyone how it is. I never really paid any attention to what he had to say. Today’s speech made me see him as a total different person, he was real and loved the way he told Michael’s kids, that he was not what everyone else made him out to be.

Usher, Jermaine Jackson and Shaheen Jafargholi‘s performances were a hair raising moment for me. Usher made me cry so much when he sang the song, “Gone Too Soon” when he went down to touch the casket. Jermaine, sang “Smile. OMG! was I crying for that. It was sad to see him have the strength to even finsh the whole song. I really thought the whole Jackson 5 would perform, but hey I don’t know if they all really had the strength.

My heart-breaking moment was hearing Paris speak about her dad. Rumors had it that his son was going to sing or speak, but I never expected to see his daughter talk about her dad in such a loving way. She really let everyone know that he was the best dad, and person in the world. He was someone who cared about everyone and people just thought the worst in him.

People tend to forget that everyone is human and that everyone makes mistakes, not saying that he is guilty of those past allegations that were made against him. I never believed that any of that was true, but even if they were, he was never given the chance to bounce back from it.

This last tour that he was going to do called, “This Is It” tour, was going to be one of the best of many tours he has ever had. I was hoping to get a chance to see him in concert if it were given the opportunity to see him here in concert in the United States. I think he looked amazing in the videos they had of his practice performance he made at the Staples Center the night before he passed away. I was really sad at the thought that I will never get the chance to see him perform ever again, whether it be in concert or on TV.

Michael Jackson, I just want you to know that you are forever missed and I will never forget the true legend and icon you were and always will be. Love you always.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson
1958-2009.

Just In: Jermaine Jackson Speaks Out!

Jermaine Jackson: `I wish it was me’…

Jermaine Jackson says he would like to see Neverland Ranch as his brother Michael‘s final resting place.

In an interview broadcast Thursday on NBC‘s “Today” show, Jermaine Jackson also said he wishes he had died instead of his younger brother, and that Michael was “a gift from Allah.”

“He went too soon. I don’t know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me,” Jermaine Jackson said.

When asked why he felt that way, Jermaine Jackson said he always felt that he was Michael‘s “backbone.”

“I wanted to be there for him. I was there and he was sort of like molded. Things he couldn’t say, I would say them. During the trials, during everything …”

Jermaine Jackson said that when he rushed to UCLA Medical Center last Thursday, where the 50-year-old pop singer was pronounced dead, “I wanted to see Michael, and I wanted to see my brother, and see him there lifeless and breathless was very emotional for me, but I held myself together, because I know he’s very much alive.”

“His spirit is, and that was just a shell, but I kissed him on his forehead and I hugged him, and I touched him and I said, `Michael, I’ll never leave you. You’ll never leave me.'”

On Wednesday, Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said a public memorial was in the works but it wouldn’t be held at Neverland.

A person familiar with the situation told the AP that permits for a burial at the sprawling Santa Barbara, Calif., estate could not be arranged in time. The person was not authorized to speak for the family and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Jackson said Neverland was Michael‘s home.

“He created this. Why wouldn’t he be here? I feel his presence.”