Just In: Joe Jackson Says Michael’s Kids Have Bright Futures

The elder Jackson praises Michael‘s daughter Paris, saying that he believes the young girl wants to do something in Hollywood show business.

On Friday, July 10, Joe Jackson had an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” during when he expressed his strong belief that Michael Jackson‘s children could have bright futures should they try their hands in showbiz. The elder Jackson especially made a reference to Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, who delivered a touching eulogy during Michael‘s memorial service earlier this week.

“I don’t know – I keep watching Paris,” he said in a statement, before then adding, “She … wants to do something.” Joe, moreover, also has his eyes on Prince Michael Jackson II a.k.a. Blanket, revealing “As far as I can see, well, they say Blanket, he can really dance. That’s what they’re saying. He can really dance.” Joe, however, made no mention of Michael‘s eldest son, Prince Michael Jackson Jr.

On the same interview, Joe was asked about whom he thinks should get the custody of Michael‘s children, and his response was, “The grandmother, Katherine, and I. There’s no one else to do what we can do for them. We should keep them all together and make them happy. And feed them like they’re supposed to be fed. And let them get rest … and grow up to be strong Jacksons.”

Since Michael‘s sudden death on June 25, his mother Katherine Jackson remains the children’s temporary legal guardian. Custody of Prince Michael Jackson Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince Michael Jackson II will be determined on a court hearing scheduled for July 20.

Source: AceShowbiz.com

Music News: Judith Hill Singer From Michael Jackson’s Memorial

When the all-star Michael Jackson memorial ceremony in Los Angeles came to an end today, millions of fans watching the event became curious about the woman who sang lead on Jackson’s “Heal the World.” The mystery singer was Judith Hill, a Pasadena, California-based vocalist who was recruited to be one of the backup singers for Jackson’s This Is It! concerts at London’s O2 Arena. Hill wowed the crowd and the millions watching around the world with her rendition of the Dangerous song, but her identity had most viewers baffled — the “We Are the World” and “Heal the World” performers weren’t identified in the handouts at the Staples Center or on any other documents distributed to the press.

According to the bio on Hill’s official Website, “Judith was born in Los Angeles and raised in a family of musicians. Her mother is an immigrant from Japan who met her father in a funk band in the 1970s.” Hill is described as discovering her love of music at an early age while growing up in a deeply religious household, which led her to attend the Christian university Biola University in Southern California. Hill’s bio says the singer next headed to France after graduation to perform with French singer Michel Polnareff.

“France is where I collected my stories,” Hill writes. “It was everything from finding true love, to sitting on the curb with gypsies, to running away from thugs (don’t ask), to just taking in the beauty of such an amazing country. I came back rich.” From there, Hill returned to the States, begin work on her own album (three songs are currently streaming on Hill’s MySpace page) and ultimately became a crew member on what’s described as the biggest production in concert history, Michael Jackson’s This Is It! concerts.

On June 8th, Hill announced on her official Website that she would be joining the cast of Jackson’s run at London’s O2 Arena. “Judith will be touring with Michael Jackson in a few weeks. You can catch her on stage in London at the 02 Arena,” reads a post. Sadly, the This Is It! run was canceled, but Hill and her fellow crew members played an important role at Tuesday’s memorial service, and Hill will likely feature in the tribute concert AEG Live is reportedly planning using the This Is It! production. Rolling Stone has reached out to Hill for comment, but she has not yet responded to our request for an interview.

Check out the video below

Source: Rolling Stone/YouTube

Music News: Jennifer Hudson Sang Her Heart Out!

Jennifer Hudson hasn’t officially come forward and announced that she’s carrying a bun in the oven, but the glowing songstress pretty much confirmed the speculative story with her moving rendition of “Will You Be There” during Michael Jackson’s Memorial Concert.

Hudson’s bump was pretty prominent even thru her loose-fitting white dress and off-stage we couldn’t help but notice that the 27-year-old cautiously touched her tummy several times as she moved up and down from her seat throughout the show. We don’t know exactly when Hudson is expected to give birth, but an inside source close to the Oscar-winner said she could be as far along as eight months.

And while Hudson’s emotive performance was undoubtedly in honor of the late King of Pop, a very close friend told Tarts after the show that the experience was very therapeutic in helping her move forward from her own family tragedy last year in which her mother, brother and nephew were killed in a homicide.

“Being up there and doing this was the best thing for her,” said our source. “She wasn’t just paying tribute to Michael, she was paying tribute to her own family members that she lost.” R.I.P

Hudson joined other notables on the Staples floor including Usher, Brooke Shields, Stevie Wonder and John Mayer.

Source: Fox News

Celebrity News: Diddy Twitters Memorial Amongst Others

Celebrities took to Twitter to relive their experiences of Michael Jackson’s memorial – with some stars even tweeting from inside the event, which was held at the Staples Center venue in LA. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs tweeted from inside the ceremony: “I’m at the memorial. RIP Michael Jackson.” He later added: “Just left funeral. Very sad! RIP MJ!”

Mariah Carey’s husband, Nick Cannon, also wrote his tweet from inside, saying: “A day of mourning. Here in the Staples Center, God is absolutely present.”

From one famous family to another, Kim Kardashian, her sisters Khloe and Kourtney and their mother Kris attended the memorial service for Michael Jackson Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Afterward, Kim shared her thoughts on her Twitter page:

“Kourtney, Khloe, my mom and I just left the Memorial. Everyone had such amazing memories of MJ. We all cried & laughed & remembered!” “Michael’s children were so brave … 2 stand there on stage & speak to the world about their father” “I spoke at

my dad’s funeral & it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I was shaking & crying & what Paris did was sooo soooo brave!”

Kim, who once dated one of Jackson’s nephews when she was a teenager.

Other celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Kevin Jonas, and Kelly Osbourne wrote about being moved by the memorial as they watched it on TV. Pamela Anderson said: “I’m starting with the woman in the mirror. Bless you Michael. You made the world a better place. Rest in Peace. P x.”

Source: Splash 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

Celebrity News: Spike Lee Speaks Out About Paris Jackson’s Final Goodbye To Her Father Michael Jackson

Spike Lee, who attended Michael Jackson‘s memorial service Tuesday, says watching the late pop star’s 11-year-old daughter Paris take to the stage and talk about her father was brutal.

“How can you even comprehend a young daughter bemoaning the loss of their dear father, their daddy,” says the celebrated film director, 52, who knew Jackson for more than a decade. “We know Michael the entertainer, but to her, that’s just Daddy.”

In 1996, Lee traveled to Brazil to direct Jackson in his music video, They Don’t Care About Us. Lee says he has never known another entertainer with Jackson‘s global appeal.

“I’m not trying to disrespect anybody, Elvis or Frank Sinatra, but what Michael did globally – there wasn’t anybody in the world who did not love Michael Jackson,” says Lee.

At the tribute, Jennifer Hudson might have sung and Smokey Robinson might have praised Jackson‘s talents, but it was Paris‘s tearful moment that held everyone riveted.

“That was raw. Raw emotion,” lauds Lee. “Nobody had a dry eye. That was a killer.”

Source: PEOPLE

Wire Talk: Paris Jackson’s Memorial Comments Wasn’t Planned, It Came From The Heart

As the star-studded tribute to the King of Pop concluded, Michael Jackson’s own children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7, took the stage during a group performance of “Heal the World.”

The climactic moment of Tuesday’s Michael Jackson memorial service came when after the song, 11-year-old Paris Jackson gave an impromptu speech from the stage surrounded by the Jackson family. Paris stepped to the mic and spoke through tears: “Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine,” she said. “And I just want to say that I love him so much.”

Her aunt Janet Jackson then took her into her arms for a hug before the entire Jackson family left the stage, closing the service that lasted more than two hours. The moving tribute was especially startling because it marked one of the first times Michael’s daughter has ever been heard publicly.

Ken Erlich, the producer of the memorial, has told EW that the moment was in no way planned. “A lot of the show was not scripted,” he says. “A lot of the speakers spoke from their heart. We told them we’d be happy to work with them, but a lot of them — the Smokeys, the Berry Gordys, the people who knew Michael all his life — wanted to speak from the heart, on their own. When [the Paris moment] happened, I had asked the family to come up if they wanted to and say something. I thought, frankly, that we were going to get the brothers and the sisters. This went way beyond that, obviously.”

Erlich also reports that the moment when Usher left the stage to sing “Gone Too Soon” next to Jackson‘s casket was similarly impromptu. “He did that on his own and it was wonderful,” says the producer. “All we had time to do with this show is create the sense of it. The rest of it happened because we allowed it to happen. We didn’t want to get in the way.”

More photos of the kids below…

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Singing to “We Are The World”Above: You notice that Blanket dresses like Michael used to dress, with the high-water pants, white tube socks and penny loafer shoes. Check out the photo I put below to compare.

Prince Michael:

Paris:

Blanket:

Music In Ya Ear!: Usher “Gone Too Soon”

Michael Jackson Memorial: Usher sings “Gone Too Soon” 07.07.09

Usher was one of the most visibly moved performers as he delivered a chilling rendition of Michael‘s “Gone Too Soon.” Usher frequently sang directly to Michael‘s mother, Katherine Jackson, and knelt before her when he finished.

Source: YouTube

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: Celebrities Participate in Michael Jackson’s Memorial

Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson & More To Participate In Michael Jackson Memorial…

Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson, Smokey Robinson and John Mayer are among the superstar guests set to participate in Tuesday’s public Michael Jackson Memorial, the Jackson family announced in a statement to Access Hollywood.

Michael‘s former girlfriend, actress Brooke Shields, will appear at the event, as will R&B star Usher, legend Stevie Wonder, Motown’s Berry Gordy and Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Around 17,500 fans have been given tickets to the late King of Pop‘s memorial, which will take place at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.

More than 1.6 million fans registered to try and obtain tickets to the event.

Lionel Richie, “Britain’s Got Talent” finalist Shaheen Jafargholi, Martin Luther King III, Bernice A. King, the Andrae Crouch Choir, the Reverend Al Sharpton and family friend Pastor Lucious Smith are also scheduled to participate at the memorial, according to the family’s statement.

Source: Yahoo!