The writer of the recently leaked duet between Michael Jackson and Akon, Claude Kelly, has confirmed to Billboard.com that the song is set to appear on both Michael Jackson's and Akon's new studio albums--although no release date for either album has been confirmed. Of the track, Kelly stated: "I wrote the song and gave it to Akon with the intention of it going to maybe Whitney Houston, but Akon said he wanted to cut it himself. I thought, 'It doesn't get any bigger than this.' A few months after, Akon plays the song for me and all of a sudden I hear Michael Jackson's voice. I was literally shaking by the time the song was over."

Several days ago, a 3:36 version of the track featuring Michael Jackson's vocals was leaked onto the Internet, and it received immediate and worldwide buzz across the Webosphere. In less than one day, a single YouTube video featuring this song received more than 70,000 views and many dozens of honors. The general reaction to the song between fans and non-fans alike was chiefly positive, with many widely impressed by the quality of Michael Jackson's vocals. Towards the beginning of the year, an Akon-only demo version of this track was officially leaked by Tapemasters Inc,. Akon first spoke of this collaboration back in February, when he told Rolling Stone: "This one's a global smash."

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Source: MJJR.net / Billboard

Last night on America's Got Talent, nine-year-old David Militello (who suffers from autism and was mute until the age of three) performed a heartfelt rendition of Michael Jackson's hit, "Ben". As David's young life was described to the viewers, Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone" played in the background. David also stated during the show that his favorite singing group is the Jackson 5.



Download Good Quality Video of Entire Segment: http://mjjr.net/downloads52.html (Registration required)

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Source: MJJR.net / NBC

Today, for the first time ever, Michael Jackson's back catalog of released studio albums and singles (primarily from his adult solo years) are legally available for purchase and download in CD-quality (320kb/s) from a division of his official Web site. You can stream previews of each track, or purchase them for $0.99 at http://michaeljacksonstore.myplaydigital.com/. Currently, 143 individual tracks spread across 10 individual albums are available for immediate download. The quality of these tracks is considerably greater than those purchased on iTunes (128kb/s to 192kb/s) and since it is an entirely separate entity (from Sony BMG) you do not need iTunes to preview or purchase any of these tracks.



Check out the new online store at: http://michaeljacksonstore.myplaydigital.com/

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Source: MJJR.net / Sony BMG

Speaking to MTV in a published article today, Swizz Beats (a rapper and producer) has stated that he is "working on this new Michael Jackson sh**" and that he's "probably gonna be producing his tour and everything." Widespread rumors of a new Michael Jackson tour or gig have been circulating for several years now, with increasing momentum ever since Michael Jackson relocated to Las Vegas at the end of 2006. Many of Michael Jackson's siblings have confirmed that they are in the process of putting together a Jacksons reunion tour, although according to numerous family members Michael Jackson is still on the fence about this possibility.

Rumors of a new Jackson family tour have been widely circulating since the 1990s, primarily by Jermaine Jackson. In multiple interviews this year, Janet Jackson has confirmed that she would love to open up for such a tour were it to happen.

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Source: MJJR.net / MTV / Getty Images

Three years ago today, after a grueling three month trial and one week of deliberations, a jury of 12 unanimously agreed that Michael Jackson was not guilty of all charges leveraged against him. The trial generated unmatched media interest at every corner of the globe, with several thousand regional and international reporters covering the trial and verdict (with varying degrees of accuracy). Millions of dollars were spent by Tom Sneddon and his crew in attempts of putting together a case that many legal experts agreed did not exist. Michael Jackson's acquittal made immediate front-page headlines around the world--Brazil, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Italy, Israel, Iceland, Spain, Peru, and countless others. June 13th of 2005 signified the abrupt ending to the long-running "cash cow" that many heavily invested pundits were banking on...

To take a journey back to the days surrounding the verdict, feel free to watch the MJJR.net / TSCM exclusive video production from 2005, "Michael Jackson's Acquittal" -- a 44+ minute montage of media reports, juror interviews, front-page press, the verdict itself, and more. A higher-quality downloadable version of this video is also available in the Downloads section.











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Source: MJJR.net

Last month, after Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at Christian Audigier's 50th birthday celebration in Los Angeles, Audigier commented briefly in a post-party interview that they were looking into the possibility of launching a new clothing line together. Now, new reports have surfaced in Life & Style magazine and elsewhere which indicate that this planned partnership between Jackson and Audigier is indeed moving forward. X17 exclusively reports that the two will launch a new $14 million clothing venture at the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas on July 4th, with Audigier and Jackson acting as co-designers for the new products. According to X17, the new shop (which will be replacing the Tangerine night club) will feature "clothing inspired by glitzy, glamorous Las Vegas shows."

MJJR.net Trivia: For decades, clothing stores around the globe have unveiled Michael Jackson inspired (and at times officially endorsed) clothing products, and this certainly wouldn't be the first time that Jackson has personally gotten involved in the business. In the late-1980s, Jackson partnered with L.A. Gear to release a line of customized shoes (unfortunately this partnership ended on a sour note for all parties). The Japan-based clothing store, Wakita, has also had an officially licensed line of Michael Jackson products for numerous years. Recently, Roberto Cavalli also introduced Thriller-themed designer clothes as part of his "Summer 2008 for Men" line-up.



Forum Discussion: http://mjjr.net/forum-t282.html

Source: MJJR.net / X17 / Wakita

On June 8, 2008, Michael Jackson made a surprise live phone call to the "Michael Jackson and the Jacksons: A Celebration" party held in Devon, England. The party, organized by Matt Fiddes, served as a welcoming celebration for the Jacksons--numerous Jackson family members were also in attendance. During the brief phone call, as the crowd roared with cheers and chants, Michael Jackson stated that he was currently in Las Vegas "running around today and having fun" and that he was "going to be doing some studio work today." After speaking for a brief period longer, Jackson concluded the call by saying "I love you more, and God bless you." You can listen to the audio of this phone message below:



Video Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?badnyyd249m

Audio Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?ebu2yvybgg9

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Source: MJJR.net / MadPudd / Various

Speaking today to Steve Wright on BBC 2, Simon Cowell of American Idol fame flatly denied the recent tabloid reports that Michael Jackson had pulled out of performing on American Idol this year due to "stage fright." Today, Emily Smith of The Sun quoted an anonymous source as saying that Michael Jackson cancelled an American Idol performance 24 hours before show-time due to stage fright, the article has since circulated amongst other media outlets. According to Simon Cowell himself, these rumors are "not true" and there were never any plans for Michael Jackson to appear on America Idol this year. Furthermore, Simon stated that, when the possibility of a Michael Jackson appearance on American Idol transpires, "you just say 'yes' and hope one year he will [appear on the show]." Emily Smith has repeatedly published false and erroneous stories about Michael Jackson in British tabloids; in 2006, Raymone Bain issued a press release which criticized Smith for attributing a "made up quote" to Raymone Bain.

New rumors of a Michael Jackson appearance and/or performance at many major awards ceremonies and finales frequently surface. In 2007, private business meetings held between Michael Jackson and Simon Fuller fueled rumors of a possible American Idol appearance. This year, Paula Abdul told Extra, "I think it's MJ...I have a sneaky suspicion," in response to the promotional hype: "The biggest star in the world will be performing." True, Michael Johns did perform, but not Michael Jackson. On American Idol, special guests, mentors, and performers generally appear only when they have new material of their own to promote; so it remains entirely possible that Michael Jackson will make an appearance on American Idol once he has released his new studio album. But this year, all rumors surrounding his possible AI performance are "not true."

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Source: MJJR.net / BBC2

In the May 30th issue of Entertainment Weekly, several of the tracks from Ne-Yo's forthcoming studio album, Year of the Gentleman, are reviewed. Of the song "Nobody," Ne-Yo explained: "Every album, I do at least one song paying homage to [Michael Jackson]. This year I actually got to meet him--I'm working on his new album--so it was really important to do a good one this time!" In what the review calls a "spot-on Michael Jackson falsetto," Ne-Yo does a solo about a "sexy lady" with "tight guitar rhythms" as the melody. Ne-Yo has stated in numerous interviews that he has submitted music for consideration on Michael Jackson's upcoming album, but that he does not know when Michael Jackson's album will drop.

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Source: MJJR.net / Entertainment Weekly

iTunes has recently unveiled a "World of..." section of their store, which showcases select artists who have significantly contributed to the music scene. Today, on U.S. iTunes, the newly released "The World of Michael Jackson" is featured on the iTunes store home page. Along with a powerful introduction to the musical genius of Michael Jackson and a list of recommended MJ essentials, the page also contains a wealth of related content which help illustrate just how significant Michael Jackson has been in the music industry for the past 40 years. From Michael's own roots and influences (including James Brown), to similar-sounding artists, to cover songs by famous artists, to tracks which sample Michael's music, to Michael's own groundbreaking music videos, and much more, this featured iTunes section acts as a hub in showcasing Michael's creative influence on others.

Currently, iTunes has created "World of..." pages for 22 different artists including Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, and others--with Michael Jackson's being the first on the list.



Below is the introductory text as shown within iTunes' "The World of Michael Jackson" page:





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Source: MJJR.net / iTunes