The death of Michael Jackson has given his older brother Jermaine Jackson an opportunity to resuscitate his career, which he's trying to do with the help of an unlikely partner -- Larry King's wife, Shawn. But it's not proving to be an easy task.
The two planned a "Happy Birthday Michael Jackson" televised tribute in front of a live audience of 250,000 in Vienna on Aug. 29, but couldn't get it organized in time.
"We wanted to make sure that everyone [who] wanted to be there could be there," Shawn explained the other night on CNN's "Larry King Live."
It's also possible they couldn't line up enough talent, sponsors and broadcasters.
Now the date's been pushed back to Sept. 26. Usher, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston have confirmed they will perform, Shawn's spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, said yesterday. But Houston's spokeswoman, Jill Fritzo, said, "Not that I am aware of."
But some insiders wondered yesterday if the Jacko tribute will ever come off. The original promotional materials, which sought sponsors willing to pay up to $3 million, listed President Obama as "confirmed talent" as well as Al Pacino, Colin Powell and Richard Branson. But a White House source said the president is definitely not planning to attend. World Awards producer Georg Kindel, who's also part of the project, hinted that Madonna would perform. But her spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, said, "It's not true. She's still on tour."
An executive involved in handling Michael Jackson's estate said, "We have nothing to do with it. It's all Jermaine." Another insider said, "It's sleazy."
His greasy mug has been plastered in the media since Michael passed. You are so right in saying he is using it as a chance to revive his career or lack thereof. This wax figure makes me sick. Go away, jerkmaine
ReplyDeleteHe and Latoya have been riding Michael's ghost. The whole family aught to be ashamed of theyselves. He knows he turned against Michael.
ReplyDeleteThis living wax figure comes across as the doting brother of Michael when we all KNOW how he really felt. He was crazy jealous of Michael and is now using Michael's passing to garner some much desired attention. He had his greasy face all in the camera during Michael's trials and now as the spokesperson for the family since Michael passed.
ReplyDeleteI don't trust the greasy one. Not one bit.