News: April 18

[MJLOVERSVK]

Michael Jackson Starts O2 Rehearsals




Michael Jackson has started rehearsals for his upcoming gigs at London’s O2 Arena amid concerns over his voice, health and mental state.

The 50-year-old singer has had the O2 stage recreated in a aircraft hangar at a top secret location somewhere in Los Angeles.

Jacko — who wants to put together a show which is rumored to feature elephants, monkeys and parrots and his eldest son Prince — is said to be working with choreographer Kenny Ortega, who was mentored by Gene Kelly and has since worked with Madonna and Cher.

Jackson kicks off his London gigs on July 8.

However, the Daily Mail reports that Michael’s family is worried about the star’s well being.

“Michael wants to put up a hell of a big show, but we are all holding our breath,” a family friend told tabloid. “He is going all out, and when you do that it comes with risks. Everyone is concerned about the number of dates.”

[MJLOVERSVK]

Michael Jackson Gets to Keep His Stuff



Those of you who were chomping at the bit, hoping to buy some of Michael Jackson's used goodies...there's bad news. You're a weirdo. And then there's other bad news. Jackson's stuff is no longer up for auction. This is bad news for fans, but good news for Michael, who never authorized their sale in the first place.

Jackson has successfully stopped an auction that would have put almost 1,400 pieces of clothing, furniture and other things up for grabs. Amongst the items that will no longer be up for sale? The glove he wore in the "Billie Jean" video and a carousel horse signed by Elizabeth Taylor. We have to admit that that last thing would have been pretty cool to own...but not because it has anything to do with Michael Jackson, just because it would be cool to own a carousel horse.

Instead of being auctioned off, Jackson's possessions are on display in Beverly Hills, and those who'd like to take a peep, can do so for 20 bucks until April 25th.

A statement was released by Jackson's camp and Julien's Auction House, which reads, "There was so much interest from so many of Jackson's fans that instead of putting the items in the hands of private collectors, Dr. Tohme and Julien's Auction House have made arrangements that will allow the collection to be shared with and enjoyed by Jackson's fans for many years to come."

Proceeds from the auction had been expected to be split between Michael Jackson and a charity, but Jackson sued in March to stop the auction and has now officially succeeded. So it looks as if Jackson's items will remain on public display, but still belong to him. So everybody wins. Except for the guy out there who had already committed to spending his entire fortune on that "Billie Jean" glove

[Braňo]

What a Thriller! Rihanna copies Michael Jackson's military style for some retail therapy


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... erapy.html
Michael Jackson is a global superstar with legions of fans - including, it seems, RnB singer Rihanna.
The chart-topping Umbrella star was spotted wearing a ***** *****-inspired jacket while she hit the shops in Beverly Hills.
Rihanna, 21, wore a military-style braided denim jacket, almost an exact copy of Michael's signature 'look'.

The RnB singer spent some time inside cult streetwear store BAPE on Melrose Avenue.
Other celebrity fans of the clothing label include Kanye West, Jay-Z and, er, comic Robin Williams...
Although Rihanna hid behind dark sunglasses, onlookers said she 'appeared in good spirits'.

[MJLOVERSVK]

Michael Jackson told by doctors to Eat It

Wacko Jacko may be treating us to a rendition of Smoothie Criminal this summer - after docs told him to drink calorie-laden protein shakes to help him beef up.

The star has been told he is "too fragile" and his BMI is below healthy levels.

Earlier this year, the frail- looking singer, right, feared he would not be fit enough for his 50-date London comeback tour and had tests.

A source said: "Docs are worried he won'the strength to He's been told to drink protein drinks called Metric to beef up." Michael, 50, hasn't set foot on stage since his acquittal of child sex abuse charges in 2005.

But having been forced to close his Neverland Ranch, he is now desperate to clear his reported £100million debt.

And with nothing now standing in the way of preparations for his This Is It gigs, which start on July 8, hopefully a beefed-up Jacko will have added shake in his performance..