Appearances from the usually private and well hidden children of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, during a tribute concert in his honor this past weekend in Cardiff, Wales were met with cheers and controversy.
Although Paris, Michael Joseph Jr., and Prince Jackson were joined by their grandmother Katherine, uncles Marlon, Tito and Jackie, as well as aunt Latoya; Janet and other prominent members of the Jackson family declined the invitation claiming the timing was in poor taste as it coincided with the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who is accused of contributing to Michael’s death.
According to Seattlepi.com, when Marlon was asked prior to the show about his feelings concerning the fact that the entire family did not approve of the tribute, he stated that although he respected his siblings’ decision, he felt his late brother Michael would have approved.
“Each one of us grieves differently. We want to celebrate the positive side of his life, the positive things that he did.”
Some fan groups also criticized the show claiming ticket prices, which started at about $100, were far too expensive and the location was centered in a spot many felt was far to difficult to locate.
Wesley Noorhoff, president of a Dutch Michael Jackson fan club following with this statement;
“I believe it should wait, not only because of the Murray trial. If you do a tribute to Michael, it has to be the best there is, just like Michael.
Michael Forever, which took place in Cardiff, Wales, did receive positive reviews for its star studded performances. Artists including Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, and Ne-Yo all performed hits from some of Michaels most popular albums.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Ne-Yo began the concert by performing Billie Jean. Jackson’s brothers Marlon, Tito, and Jackie continued by singing The Jackson 5 duet Blame It On the Boogie with British boy band JLS while Beyonce performed I Wanna Be Where You Are via satellite. The Jackson children returned to the stage to perform Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough.
However, not all of the star studded performances were met with positive feedback. Christina Aguilera appeared bloated and disheveled during her rendition of Michael’s song Dirty Diana and Smile. The pop songstress appeared on stage in an unflattering, dominatrix style leotard with hair that looked as though it was greatly in need of a good combing. Later, it appeared she got the message as she returned in a slightly more conservative, navy dress toward the end of the concert.
All and all the tribute appeared to be a success – at least for the organizers. Hopefully the Jackson Family will find a way to further mend their differences so Michael Jackson’s legacy will continue to be protected for many years to come.
Christina performing Dirty Diana:
