On a stage shaped like a giant glove, participants performed songs from across Jackson's career - from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like "Thriller" and "Bad." Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and planning glitches that marked preparations for the show in Wales, and to revel in the celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.
"It's not about the controversy," said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the show with a rendition of "Billie Jean," complete with some passable moonwalking. "It's not about the trial. It's not about his death. It's about celebrating his life. It's about celebrating his music."
The crowd at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring with approval as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie -- three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 -- took the stage to perform "Blame It On the Boogie" with British boyband JLS.
"Can you feel his spirit in the house tonight?" asked Marlon. Judging by the cheers, the fedora hats and the sequined gloves in the audience, many could.
The lineup for the "Michael Forever" show included Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Leona Lewis, Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green -- and, via video, Beyoncé.
The concert has divided the King of Pop's family and followers. The three brothers and sister La Toya were performing, while Michael Jackson's mother Katherine was in the audience and his children Prince, 14, Paris, 13, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket, briefly took the stage to thank fans for coming.
"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said Paris, who like her older brother smiled and appeared confident, while Blanket stood stoic and shy.
While 13 Jackson family members attended -- including vocal group 3T, composed of Tito's three sons -- Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away, saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray.
Before the show, Marlon Jackson said he respected his siblings' decision. "Each one of us grieves differently," he said. "We want to celebrate the positive side of his life, the positive things that he did."
Jackson died in June 2009, at age 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London. His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the trial of Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion on June 25, 2009.
Some fans have said it's inappropriate to hold the tribute show during the trial, but those who came to Cardiff said it was a fitting antidote to the grim courtroom spectacle. "There's a lot of negativity in that courtroom," said Ronnie Lee, a 32-year-old truck driver from Pembroke, Wales, sporting a "Thriller" T-shirt. "This is a chance to say, 'Thank you Michael' and celebrate the music."
Fans from across Europe gathered outside the stadium, where vendors did a brisk trade in King of Pop T-shirts and hats like those once worn by Jackson. "Whatever happens in that court, we'll never get Michael back," said Karin Kiewiet, 40, a local government worker from Emmen, Netherlands. "This is a good opportunity for us to begin grieving."
The show has suffered teething problems, with producers struggling to line up top-name acts for the tribute, hosted by actor Jamie Foxx and British TV host Fearne Cotton. The Black Eyed Peas pulled out of the lineup this week, citing "unavoidable circumstances" amid reports the chart-topping band is splitting up.
Organizer Chris Hunt said that despite the last-minute loss, fans could expect "a very, very spectacular show." "Everything we've done has been governed by one criterion -- would Michael have done it this way, would he approve, would he like it?" said Hunt, chief executive of Global Live Events. "We're trying to do something worthy of one of the greatest showmen of modern times."
Several fan groups around the world have criticized the event, not just for its timing, but for ticket prices that started at about $100 and for what some regard as an out-of-the-way location in Cardiff, 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of London. Organizers also outraged many fans by inviting the rock band Kiss, whose bassist Gene Simmons told a magazine last year that there was "no doubt in my mind" that Jackson, who was acquitted of molestation charges in 2005, had abused children. The invitation was hastily rescinded, but many fans remained angry.
"The fans are not happy that the Jackson estate is not involved," said Wesley Noorhoff, president of a Dutch Michael Jackson fan club. "It seemed like they wanted to build a concert soon, to get money. 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."
Hunt insisted the show would be a success. He said more than 40,000 tickets had been sold by Friday, and he was confident of reaching the venue's 50,000 capacity. Some of the proceeds will go to the AIDS Project Los Angeles and Prince's Trust charities, and a portion will be placed in a trust fund for Jackson's children, though organizers did not give an exact breakdown.
Marlon Jackson, 54, said he wanted dissenters to know that Michael would have approved of the show. "I want the world to understand that my brother was more than just an entertainer," he said. "There was a human side to him as well."
Christina Aguilera in an unflattering costume at Michael Jackson tribute concert
- Jennifer Hudson pulls out at 11th hour due to 'major production issues'
The 30-year-old singer performed at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, today as part of the controversial show.
Her blonde hair, which was filled out with long extensions, was mattered mess and her skimpy corset and fishenets did little to flatter her very curvy figure.
Low note: Christina Aguilera looked a mess as she took to the stage to perform at the Michael Forever concert in Cardiff, United Kingdom
Bad hair day? The singer's blonde mane looked mattered and unkempt
She later changed into a more demure navy dress, with military detailing favoured by Jackson, which was more forgiving on her frame.
The lead up to the Michael Forever concert plagued by controversy and largely overshadowed by the Los Angeles manslaughter trial of Jackson's doctor.
It was marred by fan criticism, sluggish ticket sales and dissension within the Jackson family.
What was she thinking? The star's skimpy costume did little to flatter her curvy figure
And Jennifer Hudson all cancelled at the 11th hour, and she didn't hide her frustration at the show's organisers.
She tweeted earlier today: 'To my uk fans that were coming to the mj show in wales. I will no longer be attentding due to major production issues.
'I would have thought they would have informed you all by now , so since they did not , I am. Thank u for your support.'
Still, the show went on with a lineup that also included Cee Lo Green, Jamie Foxx, Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson, and British stars Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, JLS and Diversity.
Costume change: Christina swapped into a more demure dress which featured military detailing
'We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father,' said 13-year-old Paris, who made a brief onstage appearance alongside brothers Prince, 14, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket.
The children wore outfits evoking their father's famous styles - Paris most strikingly, in a red and black Thriller-style jacket. Blanket stood stoic and shy, but the older children smiled and appeared confident in the spotlight.
On a stage shaped like a giant glove, the musicians performed songs from across Jackson's career - from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like Thriller and Bad.
Honouring their father: Prince Michael, Blanket and Paris took to the stage in iconic clothing at the Michael Forever Tribute Concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff
'It's not about the controversy,' said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the show with a rendition of Billie Jean, complete with some passable moonwalking.
'It's not about the trial. It's not about his death. It's about celebrating his life. It's about celebrating his music.'
The 50,000-strong crowd at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring with approval as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie - three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 - took the stage to perform Blame It On the Boogie with British boyband JLS.
Returning to the spotlight: La Toya Jackson honoured her brother
American friends: Cee Lo Green and Ne-Yo crossed the Atlantic and descended on Wales to take part
Jackson died in June 2009, at age 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London.
His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion on June 25, 2009.
'This is a great counter-act to that,' said Motown great Smokey Robinson, who gave a soulful rendition of 'She's Out of My Life.' 'And it gives people something happy to do, rather than thinking about what's going on in the trial.'
Voice of an angel: Leona Lewis performed at the Michael Forever concert with a host of ballerinas joining her
The show mined a rich trove of Jackson hits. Leona Lewis crooned I'll Be There, Beyonce delivered the early single I Wanna Be Where You Are and Jamie Foxx performed Rock With You.'Tonight is a history lesson,' Foxx told the crowd. 'We're going to cover five decades of greatness.'
The concert has divided the King of Pop's family and followers. The three brothers, sister La Toya and vocal group 3T - composed of three of Michael's nephews - all performed, while 81-year-old matriarch Katherine was in the audience.
But Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away, saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as Murray's trial.
Fix up, look sharp: Jamie Foxx scrubbed up well in a white jacket and black bow tie as he presented the show with radio presenter Fearne Cotton
Michael Jackson's children appear at tribute show
By JILL LAWLESS , 10.09.11, 08:45 AM EDT
CARDIFF, Wales --
Chart-toppers, soul singers and three generations of Michael Jackson's family - including his children - celebrated the King of Pop at an energetic tribute concert Saturday, urging fans to focus on the late star's music rather than his death.
The run-up to the "Michael Forever" concert was overshadowed by the Los Angeles manslaughter trial of Jackson's doctor, and marred by fan criticism, sluggish ticket sales and dissension within the Jackson family. But once the four-hour show started, Jackson's musical genius, and the warm tributes of friends and family, carried the night.
"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said Jackson's 13-year-old daughter Paris, who made a brief onstage appearance alongside brothers Prince, 14, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket.
The children wore outfits evoking their father's famous styles - Paris most strikingly, in a red and black "Thriller"-style jacket. Blanket stood stoic and shy, but the older children smiled and appeared confident in the spotlight.
On a stage shaped like a giant glove, musicians including Christina Aguilera, Gladys Knight and Cee Lo Green performed songs from across Jackson's career - from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like "Thriller" and "Bad."
The Black Eyed Peas, probably the biggest act on the bill, pulled out of the lineup this week, citing "unavoidable circumstances."
Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and controversy, and to revel in the celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.
"It's not about the controversy," said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the show with a rendition of "Billie Jean," complete with some passable moonwalking. "It's not about the trial. It's not about his death. It's about celebrating his life. It's about celebrating his music."
The 50,000-strong crowd at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring with approval as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie - three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 - took the stage to perform "Blame It On the Boogie" with British boyband JLS.
"Can you feel his spirit in the house tonight?" asked Marlon. Judging by the cheers, the fedora hats and the sequined gloves in the audience, many could.
Jackson died in June 2009, at age 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London.
His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion on June 25, 2009.
"This is a great counter-act to that," said Motown great Smokey Robinson, who gave a soulful rendition of "She's Out of My Life." "And it gives people something happy to do, rather than thinking about what's going on in the trial."
The show mined a rich trove of Jackson hits. Leona Lewis crooned "I'll Be There," Beyonce delivered the early single "I Wanna Be Where You Are" and Jamie Foxx performed "Rock With You." Aguilera sang Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" - one of Jackson's favorite songs.
"Tonight is a history lesson," Foxx told the crowd. "We're going to cover five decades of greatness."
The show reached a climax with Knight performing the poignant "Gone Too Soon" before a rousing finale that brought most of the performers - and the Jackson children - back onstage for the exuberant "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough."
The concert has divided the King of Pop's family and followers. The three brothers, sister La Toya and vocal group 3T - composed of three of Michael's nephews - all performed, while 81-year-old matriarch Katherine was in the audience.
But Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away, saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as Murray's trial.
Before the show, Marlon Jackson said he respected his siblings' decision, but said he was sure Michael would have approved.
"Each one of us grieves differently," he said. "We want to celebrate the positive side of his life, the positive things that he did."
Some fan groups around also criticized the show for ticket prices that started at about $100 and for what some regard as an out-of-the-way location in Cardiff, 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of London.
"I believe it should wait, not only because of the Murray trial," said Wesley Noorhoff, president of a Dutch Michael Jackson fan club. "If you do a tribute to Michael, it has to be the best there is, just like Michael."
But those who came to Cardiff said it was a fitting antidote to the grim courtroom spectacle in Los Angeles.
"There's a lot of negativity in that courtroom," said Ronnie Lee, a 32-year-old truck driver from Pembroke, Wales, sporting a "Thriller" T-shirt. "This is a chance to say, 'Thank you Michael' and celebrate the music."
As the crowd poured out of the stadium, opinion was divided.
"Rubbish," said Sophie Stockdale, 23. "If you wanted to watch Beyonce on video link, you could do it on YouTube."
But Sophie Morris, also 23, said she'd loved it.
"It was amazing," she said. "I actually cried three or four times."
October 08, 2011 3:45 EDT