Posts Tagged ‘Michael Jackson’

Those who missed the theatrical release of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” a few months back should fret no more. The documentary film featuring the final footage of Jackson will be released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on January 26, 2010 in time for the the Grammy Awards on January 31, Variety.com has reported.

The DVD, which retails for $28.96, will feature an additional hour of footages while the Blu-ray version for $39.95 will have an hour and a half, which include the new “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller” music videos that were scheduled to be screened at the London concerts.

The “Making of Smooth Criminal” is also included in the DVD and Blu-ray version.

So far “This Is It” has generated $71 million at the box office nationwide and $200 million internationally.

The movie culls footage from Jackson’s rehearsals for the planned 50 concerts. The King of Pop died on June 25, 2009.

The biggest names in the American music industry attended the 2009 American Music Awards last November 22, 2009 at the Nokia Theatre LA Live in Los Angeles, California. Some of the singers spotted were Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Adam Lambert, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, and Whitney Houston.

Enjoy the rest of our photo coverage!

(November 21, 2009 – Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America)

MTV turned New York City inside out for the “2009 Video Music Awards” as the network celebrated a legend and brought together the biggest names in music, TV, film and sports. Live from Radio City Music Hall, VMA icon Madonna opened the show and introduced the emotional and heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. Janet Jackson was joined onstage by the most renowned choreographers in the world and Michael’s tour dancers, all of whom were influenced by the “King of Pop,” for a memorable and high energy performance. To honor her brother and his illustrious career, the dancers recreated some of his most memorable music videos including “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Scream.” The celebration received a standing ovation and set the tone for the most important evening in music and pop culture.

Getty Images North America

More information on the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

JANET JACKSON & MADONNA CELEBRATE MICHAEL JACKSON Taylor Swift Wins “Best Female Video” While Eminem Grabs “Best Hip Hop Video”

MTV turned New York City inside out for the “2009 Video Music Awards” as the network celebrated a legend and brought together the biggest names in music, TV, film and sports. Live from Radio City Music Hall, VMA icon Madonna opened the show and introduced the emotional and heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. Janet Jackson was joined onstage by the most renowned choreographers in the world and Michael’s tour dancers, all of whom were influenced by the “King of Pop,” for a memorable and high energy performance. To honor her brother and his illustrious career, the dancers recreated some of his most memorable music videos including “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Scream.” The celebration received a standing ovation and set the tone for the most important evening in music and pop culture.

Always controversial, British comedian Russell Brand pushed the envelope as he had fun with a slew of new stars and charmed the ladies. Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and popstar Katy Perry helped Russell kick-off his hosting duties in a big way with a light infused performance of the classic rock anthem by Queen, “We Will Rock You.”
Young country-pop superstar Taylor Swift earned “Best Female Video” for “You Belong With Me” in one of the most competitive categories of the evening, causing Kanye West to storm the stage in protest of Beyonce not winning. In a gracious act, Beyonce later called Taylor back on stage to rightfully accept her award. Beyonce did win an outstanding three moonmen including the coveted “Video of the Year” award for her viral video sensation “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).” Also landing three statues was Lady Gaga including “Best New Artist” for her hit single “Poker Face.” Green Day made a triumphant return to the VMAs by claiming three awards including “Best Rock Video” for “21 Guns.” Eminem walked away victorious in an extremely heated race for “Best Hip Hop Video” with “We Made You.”

Adding to her collection of moonmen and accepting her award via satellite while on tour, Britney Spears won “Best Pop Video” for “Womanizer.” After officially premiering at last year’s show, T.I. and Rihanna won “Best Male Video” for their multi-platinum song “Live Your Life.”

Eminem once again showcased his comedic chops teaming up with Tracy Morgan and featuring a cameo by Cyndi Lauper to present the “Best New Artist” nominees throughout the show.

Drawing on the musical energy and passion of New York City, MTV used the city as a backdrop to showcase the unprecedented and groundbreaking performances from today’s most popular artists. Making her first VMA performance a standout, Taylor Swift sang a never-before-heard version of her single “You Belong With Me.” Taylor fully incorporated all NYC has to offer by transitioning from a subway car to 6th Avenue surrounded by fans and ending her performance on top of a taxi cab.

Known for her over the top live performances and fashion forward style, Lady Gaga turned a childhood dream into a reality as she made her grand entrance into VMA history. During her unforgettable performance of “Paparazzi,” the international superstar gives her own interpretation on the price of fame which culminates with her levitating into the air.

Surrounded by pyro and using every corner of the VMA stage, fan favorite Green Day made an explosive return to the VMA stage by giving a high energy rock performance of their single “East Jesus Nowhere.”

Beyonce had all of Radio City dancing to “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” with her call and response to the audience as she translated her music video phenomenon to the live stage. The pop diva was backed by an army of dancers as they displayed their incomparable dance moves during her performance.

Already a household name across the pond, British rockers Muse gave a breakthrough performance expanding their fan base worldwide. The band performed their latest single “Uprising” from a live remote at the Walter Kerr Theater in the Broadway district of Manhattan in front of hundreds of screaming fans.

Determined to top herself and once again raise the bar for live performances, P!nk mastered a jaw-dropping aerial act 30 feet above the stage while performing her single “Sober.” And yes, she sang every single word of it.

Bringing the show to a climactic end, JAY-Z and Alicia Keys honored their hometown of New York as they gave a powerful performance of “Empire State of Mind.”

As the official VMA house band, hip-hop’s newest challenger Wale and the legendary go go band UCB hyped up the audience as they put their own unique spin on some of the biggest songs of the year, his own material and a few classic covers. They collaborated with a number of artists including Kid Cudi with “Day And Night,” The All-American Rejects with “Gives You Hell,” Pitbull with “You Know You Want Me” and 3OH!3 with “Don’t Trust Me”. Kid Cudi honored DJ AM during his performance of “Make Her Say.”

The star studded show also included appearances by Megan Fox, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Kristin Cavallari, Pete Wentz, Gerard Butler, Diddy, Tracy Morgan, Adam Brody, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Alexa Chung, Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship and Justin Bieber, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester, Miranda Cosgrove and Serena Williams.

The MTV audience was treated to exclusive first looks at fall’s most anticipated films and soundtracks including Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT and The Twilight Saga: New Moon trailers during the show. Viewers were also given a sneak peek at the latest trailer from the upcoming movie Fame during MTV News’ “2009 VMA Preshow.”

2009 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

GENERAL CATEGORIES:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyonce
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM. . .SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter

BEST NEW ARTIST
Lady Gaga
Title: Poker Face
Album: The Fame
Director: Ray Kay
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Rockhard Films
Producer: Jil Hardin/ Nicole Ehrich

BEST MALE VIDEO
T.I. featuring Rihanna
Title: Live Your Life
Album: Paper Trail
Director: Anthony Mandler
Label: Atlantic Records
Production Company: Les Enfants Terribles
Producer: Gina Leonard

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Taylor Swift
Title: You Belong With Me
Album: Fearless
Director: Roman White
Label: Big Machine Records
Production Company: Revolution Pictures
Producer: Randy Brewer

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Eminem
Title: We Made You
Album: Relapse
Director: Joseph Kahn
Label: Aftermath/Interscope
Production Company: HSI Productions
Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo

BEST POP VIDEO
Britney Spears
Title: Womanizer
Album: Circus
Director: Joseph Kahn
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Production Company: HSI Productions
Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES:

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyonce
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM. . .SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
Choreographer: Jaquel Knight & Frank Gatson Jr.

BEST DIRECTION
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos

BEST EDITING
Beyonce
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM. . .SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
Editor: Jarrett Fijal

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Lady Gaga
Title: Paparazzi
Album: The Fame
Director: Jonas Akerlund
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Factory Films Ltd.
Producer: Steven Johnson/Nicole Ehrich

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos
Cinematographer: Jonathan Sela

BEST ART DIRECTION
Lady Gaga
Title: Paparazzi
Album: The Fame
Director: Jonas Akerlund
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Factory Features
Producer: Steven Johnson/Nicole Ehrich
Art Director: Jason Hamilton

ONLINE CATEGORIES:

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO
Matt & Kim
Title: Lessons Learned
Album: Grand
Director: Taylor Cohen & Otto Arsenault
Label: Fader
Production Company: FVNMO
Producer: Taylor Cohen, Otto Arsenault

BEST VIDEO (THAT SHOULD HAVE WON A MOONMAN)
Beastie Boys
Title: Sabotage
Album: III Communication
Director: Spike Jonze
Label: Grand Royal/Capitol Records

After weeks of speculations, false reports, and delays, the “King of Pop” was finally laid to rest at the Glendale Forest Lawn Cemetery, Los Angeles on Thursday, September 3, 2009, around 10 weeks after his death. The memorial, which was only reserved to close friends and family members of the late singer, began after a two-hour delay.

Elizabeth Taylor, Macaulay Culkin, and Quincy Jones were among the 200 invited guests. On the other hand, Jackson’s relatives also delivered memorial speeches, which unfortunately, were not broadcasted by any media outlets.

Michael Jackson’s gold-plated coffin was decorated with white and yellow flowers. Michael Jackson’s daughter, Paris, honored her father by placing a bejeweled crown atop her father’s coffin.

After the memorial service, the coffin was then laid to rest in the Great Mausoleum, where Hollywood stars Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, and Clark Gable are also buried.

The King of Pop died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest and going into coma. Officials have already announced that it was a drug-induced death. The memorial was originally scheduled on August 29, the King of Pop’s birthday, but was postponed after several family members objected to the idea.

Meanwhile, the Jackson family released a statement shortly after the memorial, expressing their dismay on the media coverage of Michael Jackson’s “private memorial.”

“As a family, we are all aware of how Michael’s life, and his death, touched so many around the world,” Randy said. “It is why we held a public memorial in my brother’s honor. And it is the reason we chose to release a small amount of footage leading up to yesterday’s ceremony at Forest Lawn.

“I was dismayed last night and again today at the coverage I saw on television of our ceremony for Michael. We had asked the media to respect the privacy and the sanctity of this event; to give us one moment of privacy to mourn as a family out of the public spotlight.

“Unfortunately, despite a no-fly zone around Forest Lawn, many media organizations decided to ignore our wishes. They employed helicopters that not only surreptitiously recorded our private family ceremony, but also severely disrupted it.”

“I therefore ask today that media organizations airing helicopter footage of the ceremony we held for my brother immediately pull that footage from their air and refrain from airing it in the future,” Randy concluded.

The burial of the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson has been delayed again. The “King of Pop” will be buried on September 3, 2009, according to the Jackson family’s publicist.

The pop star’s family had hoped to say their final farewells to Jackson on what would have been his 51st birthday, August 29, 2009, but that date was scrapped to allow them to make better burial plans.

Now, the family’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, has revealed there will be no burial on Michael Jackson’s 51st birthday as previously planned.

Sunshine says, “The date for Michael Jackson’s burial has been changed to Thursday, September 3, 2009, at 7pm PST (Pacific Standard Time).

“The private ceremony – at Holly Terrace in The Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California – will be limited to family and close friends.” Jackson died on June 25, 2009.

TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 27; INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE TO HIT THEATERS WORLDWIDE OCTOBER 28

CULVER CITY, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will be released exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide, with the studio pushing up the debut of the film by two days, to Wednesday, October 28th. Due to the anticipated demand for this film, tickets for the two-week presentation will go on sale in most cities beginning on Sunday, September 27th.

Separately, the producers of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT announced that Kenny Ortega has been set to direct the motion picture. The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the THIS IS IT concert, said, “This film is Michael’s gift to his fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the THIS IS IT collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert. I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates THIS IS IT- inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force–you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers. I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work.”

Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.
“I have never been partners with a more creative, innovative or groundbreaking entertainer than Michael Jackson,” said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG LIVE and producer of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT. “While the concerts would have been the greatest shows in the history of music, our film will provide a historic event for Michael’s fans to see for themselves the genius that he was and the creativity, talent and imagination that the entire cast devoted to create the ‘greatest concert that never happened’.”

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.

Dubbed the Billion Dollar Maestro by Daily Variety, Kenny Ortega has conquered Feature Films, Television, Stage, Concerts and massive Live Events such as The Olympics with equal excellence. As Michael Jackson’s director and creative partner on THIS IS IT as well as the previous Jackson concert tours DANGEROUS and HISTORY, Mr. Ortega has been a friend, trusted colleague and collaborator of Michael Jackson’s for over 20 years.

Kenny will segue from directing the film version of THIS IS IT to directing the Paramount feature film Footloose this fall. The multiple Emmy Award winner famously directed and visualized Disney’s billion-dollar High School Musical franchise of films both for Television and as a Feature Film. Kenny directed the fastest selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring The Jonas Bros. This tour broke numerous records and extended its sell out tour by more than 20 shows. He also directed to tremendous praise the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

A spokesman from the Jackson family have confirmed that Michael Jackson will be buried on what would have been the King of Pop’s 51st birthday, August 29, 2009.

After weeks of rumors, speculations, and erroneous reporting—the King of Pop will finally be buried in a mausoleum at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

The Jackson family spokesman tells Brink Notes Entertainment Daily:

“Michael Jackson will be laid to rest at Holly Terrace in The Great Mausoleum at Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 10:00am, on what would have been his 51st birthday.

“The private ceremony will be limited to family and close friends.

“The Jackson family once again wishes to express its gratitude to Michael’s fans around the world for their support during these difficult times.”

Jackson’s body has reportedly spent the past six weeks at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, where the family staged a private memorial on the morning of a much more public service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles last July.

UPDATE—MICHAEL JACKSON’s father JOE has dismissed reports the superstar was secretly buried in Los Angeles last week, August 6, 2009.

Reports over the weekend from August 8-9, 2009 claimed the Jackson family held a private burial on Thursday, August 6, 2009 and laid the singer to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills.

The news coincided with reports that Jackson’s brain, which was removed as part of the investigation into his death, was returned to the family by coroners.

However, Joe Jackson insists the family has still yet to decide on a resting place for the Thriller icon – seven weeks after his death in June 2009, according to E! Online.

The family has been dogged by rumours of a disagreement over the King of Pop’s remains, with his mother Katherine reportedly asking for her son to be interred at Forest Lawn and his brother Jermaine pushing for a burial at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

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Original news story below:

MICHAEL JACKSON has reportedly been laid to rest.

The King Of Pop is believed to have been interred in a mausoleum owned by his close friend, Motown mogul Berry Gordy, in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills on Thursday, August 6, 2009.

Family members, including Jackson’s dad Joe and sister La Toya, were present at the secret ceremony, reports Britain’s Daily Star.

The final farewell took place just hours after Jackson’s brain was returned to the clan, following the organ’s removal by coroners for testing to determine the cause of death.

A source tells the newspaper, “After Michael’s high-profile funeral, the family were desperate to say goodbye privately and away from the cameras. His mother Katherine in particular was very uncomfortable with his body being in pieces due to the autopsies and wanted him laid to rest as soon as they were allowed.

“Within hours of the brain being returned, Michael was placed in the crypt. There was a casual ceremony with around 20 close friends and family.

“There were no prayers said, no speeches, everyone just reflected silently on their personal memories of Michael.” And former friend of Jackson’s, Uri Geller, has indicated that the reports are true.

He tells British morning show GMTV, “As far as I understand he has (been buried), but rumours are flying constantly non stop.” Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest. His family staged a private ceremony at the Forest Lawn funeral home before celebrating his life at a televised star-studded event at the Staples Center in L.A. last month (July 2009).

MICHAEL JACKSON had a lethal amount of powerful anaesthetic Propofol in his system when he died, according to leaked autopsy results. The Thriller hitmaker suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home on June 25, 2009.

Autopsy results to determine Jackson’s cause of death have still yet to be officially released, but numerous reports suggest the singer died after taking a dangerously high dose of the surgical painkille

According to TMZ.com, the toxicology results confirm the rumours – and reveal Jackson also had traces of anxiety drug Xanax, generically known as alprazolam, in his blood. But it was the presence of Propofol which has drawn attention to authorities.

A law enforcement source tells the website, “(Propofol is) front and center in terms of why (Jackson) died.” Jackson’s death is being investigated by officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), who have confirmed they are considering a charge of manslaughter against the King of Pop’s personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray. The medic is believed to be responsible for supplying Jackson with prescription drugs.