But the gloved one wants his title back, and has launched a campaign to regain it. His long-delayed new CD, “Invincible,” hits stores Oct. 30. The first single, “You Rock My World,” debuted on radio stations a few days back. Today, he turned up at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City to preside over the start of the trading day. And then there’s next week’s concert, “Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Solo Years,” which will be held over two nights (Sept. 7 and 10) at Madison Square Garden. The performances will be videotaped and will ultimately run as one show on CBS, a la VH1’s “Divas Live.”
The celebration is supposed to be not just an assessment of his past triumphs but a means by which Jackson can restate his cultural relevance. With a list of performers and presenters that include Destiny’s Child, Muhammad Ali, Elizabeth Taylor and many a star who goes by one name (Whitney, Britney, Liza), the tribute could be one of the high points of Jackson’s career.
Or it could be a surreal disaster. (Officially citing a scheduling conflict, ‘N Sync has already bailed.) Whatever the case, the shows are bound to be memorable. Here, in no particular order, are some possible highs, lows and surprises:
Chris Tucker: Tucker, who’s scheduled to appear both nights of the celebration, has been lampooning Jackson since his days on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” in the early 1990s. His inspired sendups of Jacko have also stood out in his film work, including “Friday” and “Rush Hour 2.” Although it’s not clear who will be hosting the show, or indeed if there will be a host at all, let’s hope Tucker gets some prominent stage time. If his hilarious (and sort of creepy) monologue with Jackson at the beginning of “You Rock My World” is any indication, having them together in the same space is an event not be missed.
Mismatched presenters: A mind-boggling array of celebrities-from all areas (and generations) of music, film and sports-are slated to appear. From actresses you may have thought long dead (Jennifer Jones) to rappers who were in diapers when Jackson released his last album (‘Lil Romeo), half of Hollywood’s been booked for this thing. Forget the calculatedly freaky pairings you see at most award shows; with the sheer number and diversity of those on hand, the combos here will be naturally bizarre. Will Marlon Brando, inexplicably slated to attend despite severe health problems, attest to the profound impact the “Thriller” video had on his artistic development? Will that motion be seconded by Yoko Ono or Janet Leigh? Will a Jill St. John-Shaquille O’Neal pairing outdo the wackiness of the Busta Rhymes-Martha Stewart combo at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards? Personally, I’ll be tuning in for the possibility of a Missy Elliott-Gregory Peck pairing. Or better yet, the unholy triumvirate of Aaron Carter, Master P and Robert Wagner.
The Jackson 5 reunion: At a VH1 “Divas Live” special a few years back, Aretha Franklin notoriously upstaged her fellow performers, refusing to let a visibly frustrated Mariah Carey join in with even half a wail on “Chain of Fools.” Will Jackson-a candidate for divadom if ever there was one-follow in Aretha’s footsteps during his performances with his reunited brethren? Initially, reports said Jermaine was reluctant to take part in this program. Will Michael forgive him?
Surprise guests (or Where’s Janet?): Along with sister LaToya, Janet Jackson is conspicuously absent from the list of scheduled attendees. Perhaps she will be one of many promised “surprise guests” slated to appear or perform. However, something tells us not to bet on it. Some have long assumed a sibling rivalry between Janet and her big brother-and then there’s her recent health problems, which have led to a few postponed or canceled tour dates. Basically, a Janet appearance is perhaps as likely as Lisa Marie joining Jackson in a re-enactment of that infamous MTV Music Video Awards lip lock.
Michael’s solo performance: The celebrity tribute-from the “Divas Live” series to the American Film Institute’s love fests in honor of Barbra Streisand and Clint Eastwood-has become a Hollywood cliche. If anything will elevate this event above the countless others, it will be a radical performance by the reclusive superstar. Touted with much fanfare as his first performance on a “mainland stage” in more than 10 years, Jackson will sing both old and new material. It will be his moment to prove that he’s still got it. And that while icons can age, they don’t have to atrophy.
title: “Off The Wall” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-09” author: “Tina Miyamoto”
Still, Jackson the Entertainer soldiers on. “Invincible” reportedly took six years and $30 million dollars to make, is coproduced by hip-hop heavyweight Rodney Jerkins and features the teen-approved likes of R. Kelly and Brandy. It also includes raps by the late Notorious B.I.G. Jerkins’s bump-’n’-bounce production animates more than one number, but Jackson’s feathery quaver and high pitched “woo hoos” sound frail against the hard beats, not to mention meek next to Biggie’s weezy baritone. Too many corny ballads also make it impossible for Jackson to be 21st-century bad: the chirping bird sounds on “Break of Dawn” and the song “Butterflies,” for example, aren’t likely to attract a new generation of fans weaned on Eminem and Lil’ Kim, and old fans may miss those pure pop-dance hooks that made “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” classics. Far from Invincible, this may be Jackson’s hardest sell yet.
Michael Jackson’Invincible’ Epic
