On April 16, 2001 news broke that Michael will perform live in New York! The King of Pop is celebrating his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with a regal concert. Among the celebrities slated to appear are Jill Scott, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, 'NSync, Marc Anthony and Shaggy, said Cheri Fine, Jackson's spokeswoman. The concert will also mark a reunion between Jackson and his brothers, the first time all of them have performed together since the 1980s. In a statement, Jackson, 42, said: "I am very excited to celebrate my 30th anniversary as a solo artist with such a distinguished array of talent, friends and fans. I look forward to performing live and reuniting with my brothers on this special night."

It is anticipated that Jackson will duet with both Houston and Spears, as well as performing material from his long-awaited solo album, tentatively due for release later in the year. With the Jackson 5, it is anticipated the group will perform a medley of their greatest hits. The event will reunite Jackson and his brothers for the first time since the '80s, with the Jacksons teaming with 'NSync on at least one song, according to Jackson's publicists. According to a press release from Jackson's publicists, the show's lavish production will include a 300-member gospel choir, a 200-member children's choir, a 48-piece orchestra, 40 dancers and 12 background singers. The show will climax with "40 Pop, R&B and Country legends singing together" in tribute to Jackson, the press release said. The concert will be taped for broadcast on television, Fine [Jackson's publicist] said.

On June 06, 2001 news hit the world that Michael has completed recording of new album!
Twelve days later, on June 14, 2001 WKTU Radio in New York let the cat out of the bag when it announced the title of Michael's new album: "Invincible".

One day before, June 13, 2001 producer David Gest confirms that "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" is a go! The all-star salute to the King of Pop is confirmed for two concerts at Madison Square Garden, will feature more than 200 stars and take place in New York on September 7, 2001 and September 10, 2001. CBS announced they will broadcast the mega event in fall as a two-hour special on CBS.

On June 15, 2001 Sony Music and Michael Jackson confirmed the final release date for "Invincible" for September 25, 2001, later it will be postponed to October 29, 2001.

On June 19, 2001 news broke that Michael Jackson had chosen "You Rock My World" to be the first single to be released from the forthcoming album.

June 28, 2001 Jay-Z, the headliner at Thursday's "Hot 97 Summer Jam 2001", shocked the sold-out crowd at Long Island's Nassau Coliseum when he brought Michael Jackson onstage during a break in his performance. Although Michael didn't perform, just his presence was enough to elicit the loudest pop of the night from a crowd that had already seen performances by Ja Rule, Destiny's Child, R. Kelly, Ludacris, Eve, Nelly and Outkast.

Jackson's only words to the crowd were "I love you all" before he exited the stage, but Jay-Z fans can expect to hear more from him. According to Roc-a-Fella Records, Jackson will make a guest appearance on Jay's next album, and although Jay attempted to return the favor, his contributions are not currently scheduled to appear on Jackson's long-awaited new LP.

On July 11, 2001 it was announced that "You Rock My World", the King of Pop's first single off "Invincible" will not be commercially released in the U.S.A.

On July 31, 2001 tickets went on sale for "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" - and had virtually sold out the two concert dates set for Friday, September 7, 2001 and Monday, September 10, 2001 at Madison Square Garden in less than five hours, with ticket prices ranging from US$ 45.-- to US$ 2'500.--!!

On August 01, 2001 Michael launched his official website with own domain, www.michaeljackson.com.

On August 17, 2001 Michael's long-awaited first single off "Invincible", titled "You Rock My World" premièred on the US radio station "Jammin 105.1". An unidentified source leaked the song to the radio without authorization from Sony Music or Michael Jackson.

At the end of the month, on August 30, 2001 Michael Jackson, opened up the Nasdaq stock market.
Shortly after he pushed the opening button, the singer, who celebrated his 43rd birthday on Wednesday, was presented with a huge birthday cake and a vintage poster of Shirley Temple. "I'm deeply moved at this very special moment for me," said Jackson. "Thank you David and Wick and Nasdaq. Thank you so much. I love you and all the fans. Thank you." Michael was also presented with an award by Nasdaq Chief Executive Hardwick Simmons.

Thursday, September 06, Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York where the MTV Video Music Awards were being held. The King of Pop appeared on stage as part of 'NSync's performance of the song "Pop". Michael Jackson surprised the crowd with a short but dazzling dance number. His cameo made headlines all over the world and was considered by observers and critics as the highlight of the show.

Michael Jackson played two amazing shows at Madison Square Garden on September 07 and 10.
Read what New York Daily News' Sept. 8th edition had to say about the first show [Sept. 07]:

His U.S. concert return packs Garden
[By Isaac Guzman and Leo Standora]

Michael Jackson took the stage at Madison Square Garden last night to show the world he still counts himself the King of Pop. Seeking to recapture the magic that put "Thriller" and "Bad" among the best-selling albums ever, he performed with a galaxy of stars in his first U.S. concert in 11 years.
Reuniting with his brothers for a medley of hits recorded when they were the Jackson 5, and heating up the auditorium with a steamy version of "They Way You Make Me Feel" with a miniskirted Britney Spears, Jackson once again rocked his fans' world.
When Jackson donned his trademark sequined jacket, single sequined glove and black fedora, then launched into an electric version of "Billie Jean", the crowd went ballistic.
"He's still to it", announced one fan, as Jackson danced up a storm with his moonwalk, pop and lock, the robot and a series of eye-popping spins.

The bash began at 08.40 p.m. - a full hour late - amid earsplitting cheers, applause and squeals of delight as Whitney Houston, Usher and Mya belted out "Wanna Be Starting Something" while 24 dancers in caveman outfits hotstepped it across the stage.

The 43-year-old Jackson watched the opening number in a kind of off-stage royal reviewing box with his father, Joe Jackson; Elizabeth Taylor, draped in a purple boa, and actor Macauley Culkin.

Boy band 'Nsync, icon Liza Minelli and Latin crooner Marc Anthony did their thing onstage for the lavish tribute to Jackson's 30 years as a solo artist.

Among others who attended or performed were Jill Scott, Destiny's Child, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Tucker and Gladys Knight.

Nearly 1'000 fans waited on the steps of the post office across from the Garden when Michael's brothers - Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon and Tito, of the 70's-era Jackson 5 - arrived early for the show.

The high point of the show came when Taylor brought Jackson onstage with his brothers. Going back to their moves and dance steps from the Jackson 5 days, the brothers stopped the show with a medley of hits including "I Want You Back", "ABC", "Rockin' Robin" and "I'll Be There".

The concert ended at 12.25 a.m. with an ensemble rendition of "We Are The World".

The second show will be taped for broadcast on CBS TV in November.

 

On September 20, 2001 "You Rock My World" hit the US Billboard Charts at # 10 - a huge accomplishment for a single that is not available commercially and is based on airplay points alone.

Some of America's biggest popstars, led by Michael Jackson, are to record a single - "What More Can I Give" - to raise money for the victims families and survivors of last week's terrorist attacks in New York, a press release stated on September 20, 2001. The list of participants so far includes Jackson [who will produce the track], Britney Spears, Destiny's Child, N Sync's Justin Timberlake and Backstreet Boy Nick Carter.

"I believe in my heart that the music community will come together as one and rally to the aid of thousands of innocent victims," said Jackson. "There is a tremendous need for relief dollars right now and through this effort each one of us can play an immediate role in helping comfort so many people. We have demonstrated time and again that music can touch our souls. It is time we used that power to help us begin the process of healing immediately."

Michael Jackson's statement to Rolling Stone magazine on last week's terrorist attacks in the US: "I'm not one to sit back and point the finger and say, 'Oh, I feel bad for what happened to them'. I want to do something, to give to help those who lost their parents, who lost their mothers and their fathers. Those are our people. Those are our children. Those are our parents. I want the whole world to sing [What More Can I Give], to bring us together as a world, because a song is a mantra, something you repeat over and over. And we need peace, we need giving, we need love, we need unity."

On Friday, September 21, 2001 Michael Jackson's new, fantastic short film premièred throughout the world [with the exception of the U.S.A.]. On September 26, 2001 the clip premièred on TRL in the U.S.A.

The short film, directed by Paul Hunter, is showing the "King of Video" in a new look. The story was written by both Michael Jackson and Paul Hunter. The video clip is starring Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, Kishaya Dudley, Marlon Brando, Michael Madsen and Billy Drago. Responsible for the choreography of the simply amazing dance routines were Michael Jackson, Anthony "Tone" Talauega and Richmond Talauega.

On Monday, October 08, 2001 Michael Jackson's first single off "Invincible", titled "You Rock My World" hit the stores. Two days later, on October 10, 2001 www.cc.com confirmed that Michael will perform on Sunday, October 21, at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC at "United We Stand - What More Can I Give". A star-studded music spectacular to raise money in support of the recovery efforts from the September 11th attack on America.

On Monday, October 15, 2001 all four re-issues ["Off The Wall", "Thriller", "Bad", "Dangerous"] containing previously unreleased material plus a new booklet with new photos, were officially released.

ABC sealed a deal with event producer Clear Channel Entertainment to air the "United We Stand" special on November 01, 2001.

On Sunday, October 21, 2001, Michael took over the stage again, performing "Man In The Mirror" and "What More Can I Give".

"United We Stand: What More Can I Give?" raised about $ 2 million through the sale of more than 46'000 tickets. It was one of three benefit concerts over the weekend. Under a spray of red, white and blue confetti, Jackson - joined onstage by the other artists - sang his new song written for the attack victims, "What More Can I Give?". To the families of the victims, Jackson said, "You are not alone. You are in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our prayers."

On Monday, October 29, 2001, Michael Jackson's first studio album in six years, "Invincible" had officially been released [US release date: October 30]. The absolutely amazing album is available in five different colors [cover] - for a limited time - and features over 77 minutes of new, groundbreaking and truly invincible music! Without a shadow of a doubt the best album of the last six years!!!

"Invincible", the most recent release from Epic Records Group superstar Michael Jackson, had claimed the #1 spot on charts in countries around the world including The U.S., The U.K., Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

Mega event on November 08, 2001 at New York's Tme Square:
Thousands of Jackson fans gathered in the streets surrounding the Virgin Megastore, where the King of Pop emerged on a small stage covered with red carpet. After greeting the crowd, Jackson signed autographs within the store for a select few, as he promotes current album and worldwide chart-topper "Invincible".

On Monday, November 12, 2001 "Greatest Hits: HIStory Volume I" had been released [US release date: November 13].The disc feat. 15 remastered greatest hits and 72 minutes of music that made history.

On November 14, 2001 again invincible news: In one of the most competitive nights so far this year on American television, the King of Pop proved invincible in preliminary ratings released this morning. "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration" had trumbled the competition, including ABC's "NYPD Blue" - garnering an 18 percent share of the TV audience. Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary concert special draw a record 25.7 million American viewers this Tuesday, November 13th, on CBS.

On November 11, 2001 figures revealed: as of then, "Invincible" had sold an astonishing 4.4 million copies worldwide - in just 2 weeks!!!

On December 03, 2001 "Cry", the second single release off "Invincible" had been commercially released. The release feat. the previously unreleased track "Shout". Sadly, it would prove to be the last single release off "Invincible". The single was not commercially released in the U.S.A., instead "Butterflies" should have been commercially released but it was canceled later.

Good news followed two days later, on December 05, 2001 radio station KIIS-FM announced that the King of Pop will make a special appearance at "KIIS-FM's Jingle Ball", taking place on December 19, 2001 at Staples Center, Los Angeles. Also on that day, news broke that Michael will be Best Man at Liza Minnelli's and David Gest's wedding in March next year. Plus, also on December 05, 2001 the NAACP Image Awards announced six nominations for Michael Jackson's new album and the "30th Anniversary" for next year's NAACP Image Awards.

On December 21, 2001 Michael Jackson made a special appearance at "KIIS-FM's "Jingle Ball" in Los Angeles, receiving the "Lifetime Achievement Award". With the words "I love you very much" and "Merry Christmas" Michael left the stage.

At the end of the year, on December 30, 2001 it was announced that Michael will attend the "American Music Awards" next year, and be awarded with the "Artist of the Century Award".

A great start into the new year for Michael Jackson: On January 10, 2002 the King of Pop made a special appearance at the "29th Annual American Music Awards" and was presented with the "Artist of the Century" Award. As Jackson took the stage to a standing ovation, he thanked a long list of people, including actor Marlon Brando - "my other father" - and then split. Acts who perform on the earlier show generally do not get invited to the more prestigious Grammy Awards in February, putting Jackson in a fix.

He had initially backed out of the American Music Awards altogether, prompting show producer Dick Clark to file a $ 10 million lawsuit against Grammys boss Michael Greene for unfair competition.

On January 17, 2002 it was announced that Michael's vocals are used on "It's Not Worth It" - a brand new song off Brandy's new album titled "Full Moon", due in stores March 05, 2002.

On February 09, 2002 Michael Jackson made a brief appearance alongside Elizabeth Taylor at the "Art for AIDS" fund-raiser held at Laguna Art Museum in Laguna Beach, California. At the beginning of the event commemorative t-shirts signed by various stars including Michael, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Ringo Starr, Sharon Stone, Halle Berry and others were auctioned. Michael's, which was signed twice, went for an amazing $ 700, well above the average. Michael and Elizabeth arrived late, to the strains of "Elizabeth, I Love You". Both stars appeared later briefly at a private $ 2'500 per plate dinner, also in support of the fund-raiser.

On February 11, 2002 the "16th Annual Soul Train Music Awards" announced that Michael Jackson is nominated in the category Best R&B/Soul Album, Male for "Invincible".

Great news two days later, on February 13, 2002 it was announced that Michael Jackson, Sting, Barry Manilow and Randy Newman are amongst the latest names to be inducted into the "Songwriters Hall of Fame". The songwriters will be honored during the "33rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame" induction ceremony and dinner in June, at Manhattan's Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. A songwriter must have been a "professional" for over 20 years and penned a significant canon of music to be included in the coveted list.

On February 23, 2002 Michael won three awards [out of six nominations] at the "33rd Annual NAACP Image Awards" which took place at the Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA. Michael won for Best Variety Special: "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration", Best Performance in a Variety Special: "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration" and Best Music Video: "You Rock My World". However, Michael did not attend the ceremony.

Three days later, on February 26, 2002 another public appearance: Michael Jackson's Neverland Entertainment invested $ 15 million - $ 20 million in Mark Damon's production and distribution company MDP Worldwide, making Michael and his new producing partner Raju Patel major shareholders in the company. Michael Jackson showed up along with longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor and "Rush Hour" helmer Brett Ratner to tout the deal. Until his arrival, it was not clear whether Michael Jackson would show up at the event, but suddenly he appeared from a nearby dining room and entered the dinner tent to a standing ovation, arm in arm with Elizabeth Taylor.

After making it to their thronelike chairs onstage, Michael Jackson took to the microphone and explained his decision to invest in MDP and enter the independant film business. "I dream great dreams," Michael Jackson said. "Everything I've achieved started with a dream, and of all the dreams, this is the one I am most passionate about. The painter paints, the sculptor sculpts, but they just capture a glimpse of life - of the subject. And film, this medium, you live with the protagonist, you suffer with the protagonist, you laugh with the protagonist, you despair with the protagonist. It's the most artistic, influential medium of all. I am very proud of what we're doing, and I promise you wonderful and fantastical things to come."

After his onstage appearance, the notoriously shy King of Pop elaborated in an interview about his plans for Neverland Pictures. He said he will be involved in all aspects of the company, such as reading scripts, plucking talent and directing. "I have a lot to express in film," Michael Jackson said, revealing that his favorite movie is "To Kill a Mockingbird." "I'll be doing the whole thing, behind and in front [of the camera]. I love it."

Mega wedding in New York: on March 16, 2002 Michael arrived with Elizabeth Taylor for Liza Minnelli's and David Gest's wedding. Elizabeth Taylor and actress Marisa Berenson stood as maids of honor and Jackson and his brother, Tito, childhood friends of Gest, were the best men. The ceremony, at the 147-year-old Marble Collegiate Church on New York's Fifth Avenue, was the first for Gest, 48, who orchestrated Michael Jackson's tribute concert at Madison Square Garden in September. For Liza Minnelli, it was her fourth time.Guests included Diana Ross, Patricia Neal, Luther Vandross, Lauren Bacall and Carol Channing. Others on the list of more than 200 invited guests included music icon Sir Elton John and Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, actors Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Anthony Hopkins, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and property tycoon Donald Trump.

On March 29, 2002 it was announced that Michael Jackson will make a special live performance at the "American Bandstand 50th Anniversary" TV special. The 2-hour special will commemorate the 50th anniversary of famous TV show American Bandstand. It will air on ABC on May 3rd.

Shortly after, on April 11, 2002 another performance was announced: Michael's participation to the Democratic National Committee's "Every Vote Counts" event that will take place in New York City on April 24 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

On Saturday April 21, 2002 Michael Jackson performed "Dangerous" at the "American Bandstand 50th Anniversary" TV special in Pasadena, California. He did his "Dangerous" performance twice.
The show will be aired on May 05th on the ABC network. On his way into the taping, Michael stopped to greet adoring fans who had gathered to support the King of Pop.

On April 24, 2002 Michael Jackson rocked the US Vote: Michael had given a rare performance to launch a campaign aimed at persuading United States citizens to register to vote. Jackson was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York, performing "Dangerous", "Black Or White" and "Heal The World". The iconic venue saw Jackson perform there in his youth, as well as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Stevie Wonder. The pop superstar shared the stage with former president Bill Clinton and singers Tony Bennett and kd lang at a concert that raised almost $3m for the Democratic National Committee.

The money would be used for the new "Every Vote Counts" campaign, the committee said.The 1'400 audience members paid up to $ 5'000 each to see the array of stars, which also included comedian Chris Tucker and actress Cicely Tyson.Mr Clinton introduced Jackson as "one of the most remarkable performers in American history" - but he did not accompany him on the saxophone, as some had hoped.

Shortly after news changed: Michael breaks his silence in his feud with Sony's boss Mottola about the lack of promotion for this new album "Invincible" - read below a report published in The Mirror:
Michael Jackson and his record company boss Tommy Mottola are at war over the music legend's fading career. The self-styled King of Pop has sold more than 120 million albums in a 24-year solo career with the giant Sony corporation but in an astonishing attack, Jackson, 42, accused the company's chief Tommy Mottola of:

SABOTAGING his career by refusing to release any singles from his latest album "Invincible", which would have helped world-wide sales of the struggling record.

FAILING to advertise and promote the album during a record-breaking US television special about the superstar and

WRECKING possible plans to sign a lucrative record contract with another label.

Troubled Jackson has told close friends that he is disgusted with the treatment he has received.
A pal said: "Michael wants out of Sony, and he believes that some of the highest people in that company are hoping to make him pay the price for his disloyalty. The company has have stopped all promotion on the "Invincible" album, prevented him from releasing singles and basically sabotaged his career. Jackson is furious at Mottola and any working relationship they had is now over. They are the two most powerful men in music going head to head in an all out war."

Poor sales of "Invincible", the star's seventh for Sony-owned Epic Records, has sparked the bitter row which has been kept a secret until now. Michael believes the feud has been triggered by his shrewd business ventures which will entitle him to 50 per cent of Sony's revenue even if he leaves the record label.

In 1995 Jackson merged his music publishing catalogue, which contains more than 1'000 songs including 251 Beatles titles, with Sony's publishing catalogue. Sony and Jackson share the cash in a 50-50 split of the catalogue earnings, which DOESN'T include his own albums.

Jackson fulfiled his contractual obligation to Sony by releasing "Invincible" - and a future greatest hits album - and wants to leave the company while still making a huge profit from them.
The source said: "Tommy Mottola is angered by all this to say the least. Michael believes that Tommy wants to make sure that all the time and money invested over the three-year "Invincible" project will be lost.
Michael sees it as a punishment for him outsmarting the corporate minds of a record company that is already in financial difficulty."

He staged two Jackson Five reunion concerts at New York's Madison Square Garden to mark his comeback. Both concerts sold out in FIVE hours grossing more than $ 12 million. The shows were then televised by CBS last November netting a record-breaking 26 million viewers - the most watched TV speciality programme in that network's history.

But sources claim that despite requests from the star his record company failed to place a television advert publicising his new album during the broadcast. The insider said: "It was crazy. It was the perfect platform to sell the album to a massive TV audience. Sony claimed CBS had no airspace for the advert. Jackson again put in the request for a repeat airing of the show in January but they said there was no air space - this is bizarre when the show on TV is a Michael Jackson concert."

Then Jackson recorded an all-star tribute to the Victims of September 11 which included stars such as Ricky Martin, Destiny's Child, Shakira, Celine Dion and Gloria Estefan. But despite the commercial power of such a line up Sony did not release the song, much to Jackson's bewilderment. The source added: "This song was to raise money for charity and there's no doubt that it had so many stars involved that it could have been a success. "

Jackson offered to create a Sony Playstation game which would have attracted considerable interest. "He also offered to participate in film ventures for Sony Pictures for no fee as a part of his own promotional effort." Neither offer was accepted, said the source. Jackson's sudden loss of popularity has baffled the music industry and fans alike.

His last major album, "HIStory", released in 1995, was the biggest selling double album of all time. He toured and sold out arenas around the world including the RDS in Dublin and Wembley Stadium for three nights. Then in 1997 he released "Blood On The Dance Floor" as a remix album. Despite critics in the media branding it a failure, it was the biggest selling re-mix album of all time.

Yet by the end of March Sony had deleted "Invincible" from their international priority list of projects. As a comparison, his last album "HIStory" didn't cease to be an international priority until more than TWO years after its release. A source said: "Even if Michael walks out of Sony today he gets half the revenue that many of their artists are bringing in. That's a bitter pill to swallow for bosses at the company who probably feel that Michael has outwitted them. In retaliation they are making it as difficult as possible for Michael to be appealing to any record company. Poor album sales, a lack of promotion and the frustration this will cause amongst fans will really hinder Michael's ambitions. Lots of the fans have started to think that Michael is not interested in music any more and has given up. But this couldn't be further from the truth.

Even when he launched "Invincible" late last year he was working around the clock to make it a success. He even staged a record signing in New York where thousands of fans got to meet him - he had never done that before. What has happened can not be put down to simple indifference. Only five years ago Michael was still on top of the pop world and selling millions of records. He is still regarded by people in the music industry as the most talented and gifted artist in the world. Record companies would still fall over themselves to sign him up and he has already received a number of high profile offers It's only a matter of time before Michael signs up with a new company. Despite the rumours that have been created around him he is still determined to keep a high profile in the music business. Michael believes he is still a big player in the music business but because the album has dropped away so quickly many are presuming that Jackson has lost the old magic. It just doesn't make sense that his new album has disappeared without trace."

On June 15, 2002 Michael made his first appearance regarding the Sony affair at a demonstration against Sony in London, U.K. The unprecedented event took place in front of the European offices of Sony Music, in Great Marlborough Street, central London. Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at the demonstration, standing on the top deck of an open-top sightseeing bus.

Later that day, he appeared at the party of U.K. based fanclub, "MJNI" where he openly talked about Sony. Read below what Michael had the say: "I want to thank all the great, incredible talents. As long as you play the music, I want to dance! [referring to Ernest Valentino] I want to thank this guy for a wonderful performance. I thought Bryton McClure was amazing, too. He's a great singer as well. Anyway, I first wanted to say, I really don't like to talk that much. I really don't. I prefer performing than talking. I really want you to know what I say. The tradition of great performers: from Sammy Davis Junior, James Brown, to Jackie Wilson, to Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly. The story is usually the same, though. These guys worked really hard, and they're crabbed, for the story ends the same. They are usually broken, torn and usually just sad, because the companies take advantage of them, they really do.

And being the artist that I am, at Sony I've generated several billion dollars for Sony, several billion. They really thought that my mind is always on music and dancing. It usually is, but they never thought that this performer -myself- would out think them.

So, we can't let them get away with what they're trying to do, because now I'm a free agent. I just owe Sony one more album. It's just a box set, really, with two new songs which I've written ages ago. Because for every album that I record, I write -literally, I'm telling you the truth- I write at least 120 songs every album I do. So I can do the box set, just giving them any two songs. So I'm leaving Sony, a free agent, owning half of Sony. I own half of Sony's Publishing. I'm leaving them, and they're very angry at me, because I just did good business, you know. So the way they get revenge is to try and destroy my album. But I've always said, you know, art -good art- never dies.

And Tommy Mottola is a devil! I'm not supposed to say what I'm going to say right now, but I have to let you know this. [Points to crowd.] Please don't videotape what I am going to say, ok? Turn it off, please. [Pausing, then changing his mind] Do it, do it, I don't mind! Tape it!

Mariah Carey, after divorcing Tommy, came to me crying. Crying. She was crying so badly I had to hold her. She said to me, 'This is an evil man, and Michael, this man follows me'. He taps her phones, and he's very, very evil. She doesn't trust him.

We have to continue our drive until he is terminated. We can't allow him to do this to great artists, we just can't. I just wanted to let you know, I appreciate everything you've done, you've been amazing. "You're so loyal! [Scanning the audience]. Diana, everybody, Waldo, all the people here! I love you all. You've been amazing, I love you! But still, but still, I promise you, the best is yet to come!"

On July 03, 2002 "MIIB - Men In Black II" premièred in the movie theatres and surprised its viewers with a cameo appearance by Michael Jackson as "Agent M". Both critics and the public praised Michael's performance.

Three days later, on July 06, 2002 Michael Jackson protested with some 150 people in front of Sony Music Headquarters in New York. Earlier that day, in front of a crowd of 350 people inside Sharpton's National Action Network headquarters in Harlem, Jackson said of Mottola: "He's a racist, and he's very, very, very devilish." Following the demonstration, Jackson attended a fan event where he was awarded with the "30th Anniversary Fan Award".

Music artists, producers and executives, including Michael Jackson, demanded Tuesday [July 09] better treatment for blacks from major record companies. Jackson addressed panelists at the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network headquarters in Harlem, but ducked into a stretch limousine before he could be asked about his attack on Tommy Mottola, head of Sony Music Entertainment.

It's official: On August 23, 2002 People Magazine reported that Michael became daddy again!! People magazine reported that the "King of Pop" has a 6-month-old boy, whom he calls Prince Michael II. The identity of Prince Michael's II mother was kept a secret.

On August 29, 2002 news broke that Michael is singing back-up on Monica's new album [same titled first single] "All Eyez On Me". Also on August 29, 2002, Michael's birthday, the King of Pop was named the "Artist Of The Millennium," on MTV's Video Music Awards in New York City. The award was presented to him by Britney Spears. "When I was a little boy growing up in Indiana if someone told me I'd be getting the artist of the millennium award, I'd never believed it," Jackson said from the stage.

On September 08, 2002 Michael Jackson recorded a video message to the German people to express his concern and condolences following the devasting floods that have afflicted the country. Michael's message was as follows: "To the people of Germany, I send my deepest concern, my deepest and most heart-felt condolences. You are NOT alone. I am here in spirit with you and you are in my prayers. Remember God is with you, and have faith in the fact that this too shall pass. All my love and caring, I love you forever. Thank you." Michael invited one German family with four children to Las Vegas to meet him and spend the weekend with him. The family is one of the many victims that lost everything in the floods. And even more, he donated some items, personally signed in Las Vegas, to be auctioned in support of the victims.

On November 02, 2002 Michael was awarded with the "World Art Award" by Michael Gorbatshov.
However he did not personally attend the event. Michaels video-taped message:
"Dear guest of honor, dear Mr. Gorbatshov. It is a great honor for me to be selected by Mr. Gorbatshov and the jury to receive the World Arts Award 2002. This year the motto of the World Awards, peace and tolerance; these values are especially dear to me. In my own heart and mind I stand united with you for peace, love and tolerance for the world. I would like to thank Mr. Guenter Stampf, Mr. Georg Kindel and I thank President Michel Gorbatshov. I love you very much. Thank you so much. Thank you."

On November 13, 2002 Michael took the witness stand in Santa Maria, California, in a $ 21 million lawsuit by his longtime promoter that accuses the singer of backing out of two millennium concerts. The German-based promoter alleges he was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses after Jackson dropped out of the performances, which were to take place Dec. 31, 1999, on both sides of the international date line in Honolulu and Sydney, Australia.

About 100 cheering fans greeted the performer outside Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Some held signs reading "Free Michael." About 30 people watched inside the courtroom after winning a lottery for seats. Jackson's attorney, Zia Modabber, said in his opening remarks Tuesday that it was Avram who postponed the concerts when he met with Jackson's representatives in October 1999. Modabber said Avram, who had agreed to pay Jackson $ 15 million, realized the shows would not be as profitable as he had hoped.

On November 14, 2002 Michael appeared for the second time in court. At one point, Miller questioned Jackson's contention that he had worked toward the concerts by practicing dance moves and making plans to include magic in the act. "Magic?," Miller said. "Yes, magic, as in abracadabra," Jackson answered, drawing appreciative laughs from spectators. One day later, on November 15, 2002 Michael took the witness stand in Santa Maria, California for the third time. Jackson maintains that it was Avram, not he, who canceled the shows over concerns they would not be profitable. In testimony Friday, Jackson said he could not recall numerous meetings and discussions about the shows.

On November 21, 2002 Michael received the "Pop Artist Of The Millennium" award at the "Annual Bambi Awards" in Berlin, Germany.

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you very much.
[towards Boris Becker] How are you? [Becker: I'm well].Thank you so much for the nice words.
Oh boy. [Michael takes reading glasses out of his pocket] I'm sorry, I have to wear these reading glasses. Oh Jesus...here we go.
Dear Dr. Burda, dear Dr. Turnhofer, ladies and gentlemen.
I have wonderful memories of my visits to Germany. Coming back to Berlin...Berlin, a city so full of energy - it's very special to me.
Berlin, ich liebe dich! [German for: Berlin, I love you!]
September 11 has changed our world. Not long ago the Berlin wall came down. But recently new walls have been built. In 1989, people in Germany said: "Wir sind ein Volk." [German for: We are one nation.]
We are Germans. We are Armenians. French, Italian, Russian, American, Asian, African... many other nationalities. We are Christians, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu. We are black, we are white. We are a community of some many differences, so complex and yet so simple. We do not need to have war!!!
And to the children of Germany I want to say this: We need you! The world needs you! Please go for your dreams. Whatever your ideals...you can become whatever you want to become. Become an astronaut or famous scientist, famous doctors. And of course become an artist...[he grins] ... and maybe you get a Bambi award like me.
I want you to know that I love Germany and that you have a very special place in my heart. I love you so much ... really!
Always appreciate the gift of life. Be happy and have fun.
I love you."

Back in the U.S.A., on December 04 and 05, 2002 Michael appeared for the fourth and fifth time in court.
Michael was again greeted by hundreds of fans outside the courtroom.

Five days later, on December 09, 2002 the "Annual Billboard Awards" awarded Michael with a special Billboard award for his 1982 album "Thriller" [Epic], which spent more weeks at No. 1 [37] than any other.
Actor/comedian Chris Tucker was on hand at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch to present the King of Pop with his award. "I'm very honored, very happy," Jackson said. "I thank my fans around the world. I couldn't be me without you."

On January 10, 2003 the L.A. Times reported that Sony boss Mottola is out!! Sony's Japanese brass informed Tommy Mottola that the company was unwilling to renew the extraordinarily lucrative financial provisions in his contract when it ran out in August 2004, those sources said.

On January 15, 2003 Michael attended Bee Gee Maurice Gibb's funeral in Miami Beach. Gibb's private funeral was held at Riverside Funeral Chapel at noon.

Five days later, on January 20, 2003, a mega announcement: Michael Jackson is to be the subject of a fly-on-the-wall documentary after Martin Bashir was granted permission to follow the singer for eight months.
Granada say Bashir was given "unprecedented and exclusive access" to Jackson for the 90-minute profile, which will be shown on ITV1 on Feb. 03, 2003 as a Tonight with Trevor McDonald special.

Bashir's previous high profile subjects have included Princess Diana and Michael Barrymore
Tonight editor, James Goldston, said: "The film is an extraordinary insight into the life of one of the most famous and controversial figures in the world. "We have been filming with Michael Jackson throughout one of the most turbulent periods in his life. The results are utterly compelling - viewers will not believe what they are seeing."

On February 03, 2003 "Living With Michael Jackson" aired on U.K.'s ITV1. The interview will air later all around the world... and a storm began. Michael spoke openly about money, plastic surgery, his childhood, Prince Michael II and much more. But instead of portraying Michael in a fair way, Bashir tried all he could to twist things in the wrong way. However, most of the viewers did not fall for Bashir... after the interview viewers all around the world expressed their support for Michael.

Three days later, on February 06, 2003 Michael released a press statement: "Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before, that someone who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair program," Jackson said in a statement released in London. "Everyone who knows me will know the truth, which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child."

Debbie Rowe, Michael's ex-wife and mother of two of his children, was quoted as supporting him.
"It breaks my heart that anyone could truly believe that Michael would do anything to harm or endanger our children: they are the most important thing in his life," she said, according to the statement, released by a London public relations firm.

Figures released Wednesday showed a television documentary on Jackson attracted 10 times as many viewers as an exclusive interview with the Iraqi leader -- despite the threat of imminent war.
The controversial interview, conducted by Labor politician Tony Benn and broadcast Tuesday, boosted the audience figures for Channel 4 news by 500'000 to 1.5 million, a spokesman for the program said.
But while ratings for the interview peaked at 1.7 million, the Jackson show broadcast on rival channel ITV Monday drew an audience of 15 million. In the U.S.A. the interview attracted nearly 27 million viewers on ABC.

Michael strikes back!!! On February 20, 2003 Fox aired outtakes from the controversial interview with Martin Bashir titled "Michael Jackson, Take Two: The Interview They Wouldn't Show You." The outtakes, coming from Michael's private camera man, will later be shown all around the world and showing closely how things really were and how much Martin Bashir commented Michael on his abilities as a father, Neverland etc... opposite to what was shown during his interview. "The film shows extraordinary scenes of Martin Bashir praising the way Michael treats children and commenting on how good a father he is," a statement said.
"The Jackson footage clearly shows that Bashir was actually continuing to praise Michael's abilities as a father and [shows] Bashir making statements about how he feels it is a pity that the world is so quick to criticize Michael."
"On the face of it, either Martin Bashir was lying to Michael or was misleading his audience on the voiceovers on the film," a statement said, adding that Bashir had been aware he was being filmed during his interviews.

On February 28, 2003 Michael Jackson won an early skirmish Friday in his legal fight to ban a British television company screening unseen footage from a controversial behind-the-scenes documentary about him. The American singer had asked the High Court in London to grant an injunction preventing Granada Media Group showing any more footage from its hugely popular "Living with Michael Jackson" show but lawyers for both parties said they had managed to reach a private agreement.

Granada's lawyer, Geoffrey Hobbs, told the court that his client had agreed not to exploit copies of the program or any out-takes until a full hearing of the case after March 31.

On March 14, 2003 the Superior Court jury in Santa Maria decided in the case Avram vs. Jackson: Entertainer Michael Jackson reneged on a contract with Marcel Avram and will have to pay the concert promoter $ 5.3 million for failing to perform at two millennium concerts. Both sides claimed victory following announcement of the jury's verdict, which came after a week of deliberations.

Jackson's attorneys said the $ 5.3 million ruling was a success considering the amount that Avram sought in the lawsuit. "Facing the realities as they are, it was a victory," said Zia Modabber.
Steve Cochran, Jackson's lead attorney, would not discuss his client's financial status, but did call the ruling a "financial success." "Mr. Avram wanted to take off [Jackson's] head for $ 34 million," he said. "It was in his interest to fight."

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Jackson 5 Era
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