Macao, China — Throngs of fans lined up at Sands Cotai Central Saturday evening, hoping to catch a glimpse of the glittering array of celebrities walking the red carpet on their way to a VIP gala dinner at Sheraton Macao Hotel, part of Sands Cotai Central’s A Night of Stars event.

Celebrities gracing the red carpet, to the delighted screams and cheers of their fans, included Sammo Hung, Carol “Dodo” Cheng, Frances Yip, Chang Chen, Wu Chun, Ekin Cheng, Chilam Cheung,Karena Lam, Grasshopper and Sandrine Pinna, along with Vincent Kok and Sire Ma, who were masters of ceremony at the gala dinner – a celebration for the integrated resort’s VIP customers. Before the dinner, the stars participated in a handprint ceremony, with the resulting handprints to be incorporated into the Cotai Strip development’s own version of an ‘Avenue of Stars’ walkway.

As part of the exciting, movie-themed gala dinner, VIP guests were entertained with performances from Moulin Rouge; a live band playing film theme tunes; headline performer Frances Yip and celebrity look-a-likes dressed as Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, Lady Gaga and others. The evening’s emcees, Sire Ma and Vincent Kok, also gave guests the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in cash prizes through games played on stage.

During the A Night of Stars evening, Sammo Hung joined a handful of lucky guests for a round of cards at Sands Cotai Central’s APEX Club. Hung’s participation in “Win Like a Star” provided an opportunity for Sands Cotai Central to donate HK$250,000 to the Sammo Hung Charity Fund, a non-profit organisation that works to improve the lives of those in need: the poor, the elderly, the disabled, orphans and those impacted by natural disasters (projects include the reconstruction of damaged or destroyed schools).

As a celebration of the star-studded evening, visitors to Sands Cotai Central were each given a commemorative golden star. Visitors lined up to receive the one-of-a-kind mementos which were distributed by Sands Cotai Central ambassadors throughout the ground floor of the property.

A Night of Stars is part of Stars of the Cotai Strip, which has included celebrity events and amazing prize draws at the Sands Cotai Central integrated resort. Parent company Sands China Ltd. aims to make Macao one of the top entertainment hubs in Asia by bringing in a steady stream of talented film, TV, music and sports stars to the city. A Night of Stars and the other dazzling celebrity-led events this month affirm the company’s resolve to see Macao develop into a world centre of tourism and leisure.

Stars of the Cotai Strip, which launched on December 3, will climax in a celebrity-filled New Year’s Eve extravaganza. The year-end event features a special The Voice of China Venetian Macao Rock with Stars Concert, including Paul Wong of the Hong Kong rock band Beyond at the CotaiArena and a countdown to a spectacular fireworks display to ring in the New Year.

To find out more details on the celebrities involved and the exciting events of Stars of the Cotai Strip logon to the Sands Cotai Central Facebook and Weibo pages.

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The Jackson family has exploded in a feud that seems fueled by greed. The problems began in 2009 when Michael Jackson died and left his $1 billion estate to his three children Prince (15), Paris (14), and Blanket (10) and their guardian, his mother, Katherine Jackson. Since MJ’s death in 2009, his three children have been happily living with their 82-year-old grandmother, Katherine. However, Michael’s siblings are unhappy with the will and have officially challenged it, but things may be even more sinister than that below the surface.

During the week of July 16 several siblings of Michael Jackson submitted a letter questioning the authenticity of the will and Katherine Jackson’s advisers. Janet, Jermaine, Randy, Rebbie, and Tito Jackson all claim that the will was “fake, flawed, and fraudulent” in a letter they wrote to John Branca and John McClain, the executors of the will. In the letter they also explain that they believe Katherine is being misled and mistreated by ill-advising managers and lawyers.

Other family issues also include 14-year-old Paris’ acting career. According to E! Online, Janet Jackson was wary as to whether or not Paris should be allowed to try acting at such a young age.

Paris Jackson has played a fairly large part in the chaos surrounding the family feud. She tweeted the same week as the will contestation that her grandmother had had a mini stroke and was sick. A few days later Katherine Jackson left to see some of her sons on a concert tour. She was originally scheduled to take the trip in an RV with her daughter Rebbie, but was advised by a doctor take a plane instead. During her trip to Arizona, Katherine left the children in the care of an adult nephew.

On July 28 the nephew, Trent, filed a missing person report for Katherine Jackson after not hearing from her for nine days. Katherine’s lawyer, Sandra Ribera stated, “Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson have not heard from their grandmother since she left their home nine days ago to attend a series of her sons’ concerts on their Unity Tour. She never made the shows. Despite efforts to interview Katherine Jackson at her current location in Arizona yesterday, LA Co Sheriff’s confirmed that they were denied access to Mrs. Jackson by security for one of her children.”

Ribera added, “I’m concerned that she’s not safe. [Katherine] has never gone 24 hours without talking to her kids. I’m concerned that she would never do this. We have no idea what’s going on with her. No one has talked to her.”

A source told E! that “if Katherine doesn’t surface and make contact with the kids, they will do what they got to do. They are considering every option in the playbook.”

However, the Jackson siblings have released a picture of Katherine sitting with the family in Arizona, playing cards. “LA Co Sheriffs have officially dropped the case that never was, confirming Mother is with family and ending this farcical false alarm,” Jermaine Jackson tweeted. Yet, Paris insists that that there is something wrong because she still has not heard from her grandmother yet.

On Monday, July 23 Randy, Jermaine, and Janet Jackson tried to remove Prince, Paris, and Blanket from their grandmother’s house. Ribera issued a statement claiming “certain Jackson family members ambushed Katherine Jackson’s home after their vehicle tore through the security gates on the tails of the SUV containing Michael Jackson’s children. After exiting their vehicles, Jackson family members ran up to Michael’s children as they yelled and began to aggressively grab at the cell phones in their hands.

Out of concern for the well being of Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, the children were forced to temporarily leave their home and taken to a safe location. An altercation ensued shortly thereafter and law enforcement arrived at the scene.” According to authorities, the ‘altercation’ was physical and is being investigated as a battery case. No charges have been filed. According to Ribera, one of the siblings revealed that this plan has been in the works for three years.

Rebbie Jackson, the sister traveling with Katherine Jackson, is supposedly “part of the problem here” according to an E! source. A source also reported that some of the family members want to resolve things quietly. LaToya Jackson says she is “not talking to anyone in the family” and seems to be the only Jackson not involved in all of the drama.

According to Jermaine Jackson, Katherine is in Arizona for her health. Jermaine tweeted, “I want to reassure everyone (inc all sudden medical experts) that Mother is fine but is resting up in AZ on the orders of a doctor, not us.” However, Paris was quick to point out in another tweet that the doctor was “the same doctor that testified on behalf of dr murray saying my father was a drug addict (a lie) is caring for my grandmother… just saying.”

The doctor, Dr. Allan Metzger, was a defense witness for Dr. Conrad Murray. Metzger was brought to Katherine’s home on July 14 “under false pretenses” and claimed that he was sent by her primary physician. However, Ribera stated, “we came to find out that her doctor has no association with Dr. Metzger.” Metzger is the doctor who advised that Katherine take a plane instead of the RV.

Since Katherine has not been reachable the grandchildren met with a court appointed guardian late on Monday, July 23. Now it looks as though the 34-year-old son of Tito Jackson, Tito Joe Jackson, also known as TJ Jackson, will become the temporary legal guardian for MJ’s kids. Sources claim that all three children agree to having TJ as their guardian since they believe their grandmother has been kidnapped. TJ tweeted to Paris, “I know it’s completely unfair for them to do this to you and your brothers. We will keep trying. I love you.”

Katherine’s children claim that the missing person’s report was “created by the very person and persons we are trying to protect our mother from.” Additionally, Jermaine Jackson has stated that this whole situation is “a conspiracy to deflect attention away from a letter we wrote asking for the resignation of executors.”

Currently Katherine has still not contacted her grandchildren although it is unclear as to whether she is being prevented from doing so or not.

Image Courtesy of  Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

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New York, U.S.A. — Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the September 25 release of the Freddie Mercury DVD and Blu-ray, ‘The Great Pretender.’

Created by the same team behind the widely acclaimed Queen: ‘Days of Our Lives’ BBC documentary, ‘The Great Pretender,’ in similar vein, presents a compelling insight into its subject matter, unearthing previously undiscovered or rarely seen footage and presented for the first time in High Definition.

Produced and directed by Rhys Thomas , life-long Queen fan and expert (to the extent that Rhys famously broke the Mastermind all time record points score with a specialist subject of Queen), Rhys has this time turned his attention to the Freddie archive, going back as early as 1976 in search of vintage gems which reveal more than ever before the inside story of Freddie’s life and career and the solo projects he worked on outside of Queen.

The extensive archive footage is drawn from rare interviews with Freddie, concerts, video shoots and personal material, much of it being seen for the first time, along with newly filmed contributions from fellow Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor , Queen manager Jim Beach , soprano Montserrat Caballe, composers David Arnold and Mike Moran , lyricist Tim Rice , comedian and lifelong fan Matt Lucas and many more.

From it emerges a portrait of a man who was very different to his flamboyant onstage public persona.

Among the treasures to be anticipated, ‘The Great Pretender’ includes for the first time ever Freddie and Rod Stewart singing their demo for “Take Another Piece of My Heart,” an unreleased song from 1984, a snippet of the unreleased Michael Jackson / Freddie Mercury collaboration “There Must Be More To Life Than This,” and Freddie with the Royal Ballet 1979 – never seen in full before.

Rhys, whose extensive scouting for lost material turned up a copy of the band’s first TV appearance among the belongings of late comedian Dick Emery, brings to the light Freddie’s earliest filmed interview from 1976 unearthed in Australia and another unseen interview from 1976 filmed by NBC in the USA.

Rhys also found 10 cans of Freddie’s 39th Black and White birthday party in Mrs. Henderson’s nightclub in Munich in 1985. Originally filmed for the video for “Living On My Own,” and promptly banned by Freddie’s record company because of its cross-dressing theme, there’s much to be enjoyed in watching Freddie and his friends go full out in their efforts to help Freddie celebrate his last birthday before turning 40.

On top of this, The Great Pretender has a feast of outtakes from the video shoots for “I Want To Break Free,” “One Vision,” “Days of Our Lives,” “I Want It All,” “A Kind Of Magic,” “Princes of the Universe,” “Living on My Own,” Born To Love You,” “Great Pretender,” “Made In Heaven,” and “Who Wants to Live Forever.”

As bonus features [that will not make up part of the version to be broadcast by the BBC] the program includes “Freddie Mercury Goes Solo” and an extended interview with Montserrat Caballe.

Coinciding with the release of ‘The Great Pretender’ DVD will come the release of the new “Barcelona: Special Edition” album with Freddie and Montserrat’s original album re-recorded with full 80 piece orchestra [a feature on the making of this album is included on both formats] and a new book, also entitled The Great Pretender with matching artwork, in September. The Savoy Hotel hosts the second “Freddie For A Day” charity event on September 3 in aid of The Mercury Phoenix Trust – Fighting Aids Worldwide and there is a special premiere of The Great Pretender film at BAFTA on September 6.

Freddie Mercury was one of the most charismatic, complex and fascinating characters in British rock music. A generous, caring, thoughtful man with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a genuine passion for music. Freddie Mercury touched the lives of millions through his career both with Queen and as a solo performer and this new program is sure to delight and inform his legions of fans as never before.

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world. Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.

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The most legendary family in music history is returning to the stage this summer with highly-anticipated Unity Tour 2012. A worldwide sensation since the 1970s, the Jacksons unveiled their line-up of U.S. tour dates. Beginning June 18, 2012 and scheduled through July 29, 2012, this extraordinary reunion tour marks the first time siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson have toured together since their groundbreaking Victory Tour in 1984.

Beloved by millions of fans across the globe for their soulful, sunny sound, contagious stage presence, and unforgettable roster of hits, the Jacksons first achieved international superstardom with their late brother Michael — becoming the first group ever to have their first four singles hit #1 on the Billboard Charts.

Throughout their four-decade long career, the group revolutionized music and pop culture, getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. The Unity Tour 2012 will be yet another milestone for the Jacksons, bringing the most famous family in music back together for a historic series of shows.

“This is a dream coming true,” said Jackie Jackson of the tour. “I can’t believe this is finally happening. There’s nothing like having all the brothers on stage at the same time. This will be exciting for our fans around the world– and I know at each concert, MJ’s spirit will be in the house with us.”

Honoring Michael’s memory and bringing the fans all the timeless hits they know and love is also paramount for Jermaine Jackson. “I am so happy and excited to perform again onstage with my brothers,” he said. “I can’t wait to sing all the songs that were so much a part of all of our lives. We are ready and committed to keep the family’s legacy alive and perform once again with the highest level of excellence, creativity, and most of all, integrity.”

A dynasty unlike any other, the Jackson family’s impossibly catchy brand of pop-funk changed music forever. With their record-shattering catalogue of hits, they remain the biggest-selling family in music of all time.

Don’t miss your chance to witness music history firsthand this summer when the world-renown Jacksons reunite for the Unity Tour 2012. Current tour dates are listed below, with additional dates forthcoming. Tickets go on sale in select cities on Friday, April 6th. For more information and tour dates, please go to www.thejacksons.com

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Russian-born pop singer Grace Valerie makes her Las Vegas debut on Sunday, February 19. Her appearance is the young performer’s latest career triumph.

Valerie, age 21, recently signed with Dream Merchant 21, music-industry veteran and American Idol judge Randy Jackson’s record label. Valerie and Jackson collaborated on her first single, ‘When the Lights Go Down.’ This song’s video quickly became an Internet phenomenon, scoring more than 1.5 million YouTube hits. It reached No. 17 on Billboard’s club chart and was a No. 1 ‘Most Popular’ MTV video.

“I am thrilled to be doing my first show in Las Vegas, a city known for its glitter and glamour,” Valerie says. “Some of the biggest names in show business have performed there, and I feel very grateful to be part of that. The audience will be treated to the choreography and my amazing dancers doing their thing.”

While brand-new to Las Vegas, Valerie already has one summer tour under her belt. Audiences embraced her in Chicago, Orlando, and New York City, among other locations.

Grace Valerie was born in Moscow, Russia in 1990. Even as a girl, she dreamed of being a musician. “I sang Michael Jackson’s songs when I was four, madly wanting to know what they meant,” she remembers. “I grew up singing Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears in my bedroom, always imagining and pretending to be an artist… In high school, I started doing concerts and talent shows.”

But Valerie’s parents envisioned her in an international career, though outside the limelight. They sent her to the Russian University of Economics, from which she graduated with honors. “I loved my school years, and I learned a lot,” Valerie says. “But deep down, I knew I would become an artist.”

Valerie moved to Los Angeles in October 2010, met Randy Jackson soon thereafter, and steadily has risen. She has built a following ever since. ”My fan base is everyone: family people, club goers, kids, young girls, gays — truly everybody,” Valerie told PressPassLA.com. “My music is for everybody to enjoy and just have fun with.”

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

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The Estate of Michael Jackson has announced  that Michael Jackson will be immortalized in a hand and foot print ceremony at Hollywood’s legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on January 26, 2012, starting at 11:00am, in a giant celebration of the legacy of the King of Pop and the Los Angeles debut of Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour, the critically acclaimed Cirque du Soleil production and top grossing tour in the United States, according to Pollstar.

The Estate will be joined by Michael Jackson’s three children, Prince, Paris and “Blanket” who will use their father’s sequined glove and shoes to make impressions in the cement in the famous forecourt of the theatre as family, friends and fans celebrate the legacy of the King of Pop.

The event is produced by the executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson, John McClain and John Branca. A special live presentation from the cast of THE IMMORTAL World Tour will be performed, and the event will be M.C.’d by Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live’s anchor Billy Bush.

The entire event will be streamed live via Twitter @michaeljackson with additional photos and live coverage of the event tweeted from Twitter’s music channel @twittermusic.

Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour performs in Los Angeles at Staples Center January 27-29, 2012. The production is a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world. The show literally turns his signature moves upside down, unfolding his artistry before the eyes of the audience.

USA Today called it “A Thriller of a show!” and Rolling Stone raved about ‘the hit-packed King of Pop spectacle.” Commenting on IMMORTAL’s success, Forbes noted “That should come as no surprise, given the extraordinary spectacle that audiences witness with each performance” while Entertainment Weekly said that, “Even the most casual of Jackson followers will be entertained, and Jackson acolytes will revel in every glittering, peculiar moment.”www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson

Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations. “His legend lives on,” wrote US Weekly. The album, IMMORTAL, available on Epic Records, is the soundtrack for Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour.

Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. To date Jackson has sold an estimated 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record in itself, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award.

Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and the classic “Thriller,” which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today’s performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.

At Grauman’s  Michael Jackson’s legacy will be enshrined alongside such entertainment icons as Fred Astaire, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, Sidney Poitier, Clark Gable, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Michael Jackson’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located on the sidewalk in front of the theatre.

The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre forecourt is one of the most photographed tourist sites in the world, annually attracting as many visitors as the Taj Mahal in India and the Prado Museum in Madrid. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre hands and footprints ceremony is rich in tradition and provides the four million plus people a year who visit the site an up close look at the hand and footprints of Hollywood’s most notable talents.

Movie exhibitor Sid Grauman, one of Hollywood’s most creative showmen, opened The Chinese in 1927 and launched the handprints-footprints ceremony a year later. The event is one of the most selective in the world, and very few are chosen to be honored.

Follow the coverage at: Michael Jackson @michaeljackson and Twitter Music @twittermusic

Fans can go to findeventdetails.com/mjlegacy on January 19 for line up information.

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On Saturday, Christina Aguilera headlined the tribute concert to the late Michael Jackson in Cardiff, Wales UK. The popular songstress belted out Michael Jackson’s favorite song ‘Smile’ and also did an original rendition of the classic ‘Dirty Diana’ in front of a crazed audience that roared in Michael’s honor.

But it wasn’t her flawless voice that shocked the public, instead Christina’s costume stole the show and not in the best way. Christina emerged onstage dressed in a skimpy corset that unflatteringly hugged her voluptuous figure, also sporting fishnet stockings and a tiny leather jacket embellished with metallic trappings.

For a second brilliant performance, the singer opted for a more demure ensemble, a navy blue dress accessorized with a few Jackson-esque touches. But it was probably her scruffy hairstyle that left the viewers speechless and wondering if her stylist had bailed on the performer. She let her hair down, a long mane studded with blonde extensions that looked anything but slick.

Not a smart move that only hours after the performance has invaded various internet blogs. Christina Aguilera is no stranger to fashion controversy. Last year she took the stage at the show X-Factor UK to promote her movie ‘Burlesque’ in an attire which was described as too raunchy and not appropriate for a family show.

Her magazine covers and videos always evoke some sensuality only this time there’s more skin to be shown since the ’Ain’t No Other Man’ singer has gained some weight. It is no surprise that the past year hasn’t been exactly a walk in the park for the multi-platinum blonde superstar.

Her latest album ‘Bionic’ was released to mixed reviews and less-than-stellar sales which was followed by a chain of unfortunate events, the most dramatic being her highly-publicized divorce with husband of almost five years Jordan Bratman. The whole world saw Christina Aguilera flub the lyrics to the national anthem at the Super Bowl, something only surpassed by her arrest after a crazy night out with the new beau.

Christina then officially became part of the mug-shot club, a questionable honor that confirmed the singer was battling the dark side of celebrity life. On a happier note, last spring she mentored new talents on the revolutionary TV Show ‘The Voice’, a hit production that raked in weekly rating of more than 11 million people and has been approved for a second season.

Christina Aguilera, who is currently penning and recording new songs for her upcoming album, is expected to release her new material during the second run of ‘The Voice’. According to the critics she has the best voice of her generation, something that has stayed the same regardless of her personal ups and downs.

Prior to the concert, Aguilera, who jetted into London before the big event, made sure they had time to hit her favorite night spot where she allegedly danced the night away with her boyfriend and some friends.

Following an unusual celebrity craze of ditching jets and lavish tour buses to instead travel by train, Christina Aguilera allegedly spent more than $8000 to get from London to Cardiff (Wales) in a private carriage filled with candles and other diva-ish demands. She was accompanied by an entourage of 22 people that included bodyguards, assistants, stylists and her 25-year-old boyfriend.

Once again the popular singer has made quite a scene both on and off stage.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/darraghb/

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The case against Dr. Conrad Murray has entered its final stage as the Los Angeles courtroom began on Tuesday with opening statements on the death of Michael Jackson in 2009 and whether or not his doctor was responsible. Jackson’s family was present alongside dozens of reporters and the proceedings are expected to be televised and broadcast online to a worldwide audience.

Dr. Murray stands accused of administering a killing dosage of sedatives to Michael Jackson in June 2009. The King of Pop was in the middle of rehearsals for a long-anticipated comeback tour when he suffered a heart attack at his rented mansion. The doctor allegedly gave the singer a lethal dosage of surgical anesthetics that was ruled as cause of death.

However, the doctor claims that Jackson administered the medicine himself. According to the BBC, the court listened to a message on an answering machine believed to have been left on the doctor’s phone by the singer shortly before his death. Jackson’s words are badly slurred as he attempts to talk about his tour.

The trial of the doctor is expected to last five weeks and it seems Michael Jackson’s death trial will end up as sensational as his life. On June 25, 2009, Dr. Conrad Murray gave local police a three-hour long interview, during which he admitted to injecting the singer with the off-licensed anesthesia which was meant to help the singer sleep.

It was this interview that led to the charges of involuntary manslaughter that threatens to send Dr. Murray in prison for four years. However, the doctor’s defense attorneys hope to convince jurors of a different theory: that the pop sensation ultimately caused his own death.

The first witness of the prosecution is Kenny Ortega, Jackson’s friend and choreographer. He will testify to details of the pop-star’s final days but has already said at a hearing earlier this year that Murray “warned him not to try to act as Jackson’s physician or psychiatrist” after Ortega thought Jackson “appeared to be sick” during a rehearsal and sent him home, according to Businessweek.com.

The prosecution will also utilize the interview of Dr. Murray and to a greater extend than before, challenge the doctor’s account of his actions. Dr. Murray has previously been noted as cooperative in the investigation, according to his defense, but recent evidence by the prosecutors point to four phone and email messages which were left unanswered in June and July, reports LAtimes.com.

This suggests a failure on Murray’s behalf to fully cooperate with the police and could harm his case. The authorities contend that Dr. Murray administered a lethal amount of the hospital drug alongside other sedatives, without taking into account the state of the 50-year-old star. It is also argued that the doctor lacked the proper lifesaving equipment says Businessweek.com.

Around a hundred jurors have to be cut down to 12 final members who will decide the final verdict. They have to go through dozens of witnesses and testimonies to get the first full account of what really happened the night Jackson died. We hope to know the truth in the next five weeks.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/bianhan/

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As advancement in technology continues to develop, there are numerous of creations from Applie iCloud to 3D televisions. On June 30, technology had once again proved its power when Janet Jackson took the stage at Royal Albert Hall in London to perform a virtual duet with brother Michael. The singer performed a version of their 1995 duet ”Scream” on stage.

In an interview with radio station Heart FM, Jackson said ”it’s therapeutic, you know and it makes me smile inside. I mean the energy of the song is fierce but makes it makes me smile inside when I hear him, when I hear his voice.”

The reworked duet followed the footsteps of Nat King Cole and his Daughter, Natalie Cole. In 1991, Natalie turned her father’s famous 1961 song “Unforgettable” into a father-daughter duet. Jackson said that she did the original duet at the request of her brother years ago.

“I was on the Rhythm Nation tour and Mike asked me to do a song with him, and at first I said no because I hadn’t come into my own and I didn’t want to ride anyone’s coattails,” said Jackson. “And I remember being on the Janet Tour and he asked me again and by then I was ready to do it, so I agreed.”

Her London concert, five days after the anniversary of Michael’s death, was designed as a tribute to her brother and it turned out magnificent; much better than what happened last time she performed at Royal Albert Hall. Last time the singer performed at the venue, she accidently flashed the Queen. She performed “Rhythm Nation” in front of Her Majesty the Queen and as the singer danced, she bent over, and she accidently ripped her pants right down the middle.

For the Entertainment section on CNN.com, Samuel Burke wrote that Janet Jackson opened up for the first time about a duet with her brother two years after his death. However, this is not the first time she performed this virtual duet.

At the 2009 VMA’s, the awards show began with a tribute to Michael Jackson. The opening began with at least two dozen dancers dancing to a mix of three songs from Michael from “Thriller” to “Smooth Criminal” before sister Janet jumped onto the stage. Janet performed a virtual duet of “Scream,” deeply moving the audience and viewers who watched.

As Janet danced on stage together with Michael on screen, the crowd cheered. The performance ended with the brother and sister hugging on screen, completing an incredible and emotional opening.

One fan who attended the concert uploaded a clear fancam onto Youtube of the concert in London. While it is difficult to see Janet, a video of the music video is played on the big screen in the back.

Though the singer declined to comment to the press on the two-year mark of her brother’s death, she made a comment on her Twitter on the June 25 anniversary: “I miss you. I love you.”

Image Courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/JanetJackson?sk=photos

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The King of Pop, Michael Jackson was allegedly chemically castrated through the use of hormone pills at an early age to combat acne. A French scientist have put forward this claim in a newly released thesis that tries to explain why the American superstar had such a delicate voice.

Dr. Alain Branchereau, a vascular surgery professor who works at the Timone of Marsella Hospital, situated at the south of France, has stated that Michael Jackson suffered a chemical castration without realizing it when he was between 12 and 20 years old. Dr. Branchereau new book is titled ‘The Voice Secret’.

The doctor, who never met the famous artist in person, told a journalist from the daily Le Parisien, that he base his research on several documents including the autopsy report. This, he explained, was to support his thesis with facts that would make his conclusion more than probable.

It was the “amazing texture” of Michael Jackson’s voice that caught Dr. Branchereau’s attention, because he was able to reach one octave tone more than some successful tenors.

The doctor claims that just a few sopranos, such as the Greek born Maria Callas, are able to reach three octave tones. Dr. Branchereau says that the hormone pills that the artist took during his youth could have narrowed his larynx.

In his biography, the King of Pop confessed that when he was young, he suffered from a severe form of acne. Although only for a short period of time, the French doctor has used this information to confirm that Michael Jackson had in fact consumed the product which is believe to have caused his voice.

Moreover, the drug is also suspected of making his bones grow abnormally which is by Jackson was taller and had bigger extremities than the rest of his family.

Apparently it was Michael’s manager, who at that point was his own father, who told the artist to use the drug. It was believed that the severe case of acne was about to ruin the young performer’s career or at least damage his image.

Despite the claim that Jackson only used the drug for a short period of time, the doctor believe that it had affected the artist’s larynx so much that the result was permanent and provided Jackson with his signature angelic voice, a trade which is usually only bestowed a type of singers called ‘castrati’ – meaning people who have been castrated to maintain a clear, boy’s voice.

The macabre nature of the findings aside, the doctor assured that the singer “had normal genitals and he was able to have sex as the ‘castrati’, however they deprived him of his childhood and his adolescent that obviously caused him psychological problems.”

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