Is the freak back?

[Villavic]

I agree. I liked MJ in the early 80s but now it's totally different. So sad a great artist turns into a freak.

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=2006-11-15T205123Z_01_L15595865_RTRUKOC_0_US-JACKSON-COMEBACK.xml&WTmodLoc=EntNewsHome_C2_entertainmentNews-1

Michael Jackson came out of hiding this week and is running London's tabloid press ragged, but ahead of his long-awaited return to the stage many doubt whether the deposed King of Pop can reclaim his crown.

The reclusive 48-year-old has been photographed on a late-night shopping trip and dropped into the Guinness World Records offices to collect eight accolades including most successful entertainer of all time.

The exclusive Hempel Hotel has given over its entire main space to Jackson, his three children and an entourage of around 50 people, a spokesman said, and hundreds of fans have been waiting outside to catch a glimpse of the superstar

His appearances in London, wearing a black coat, dark sunglasses and long, straight black hair, have made Jackson more accessible than at any time since he his acquittal of child molestation charges in a trial that ended in June 2005.

His arrival in London is seen as part of a gradual rehabilitation for a performer whose personal life and changing appearance have taken center stage for years.

The biggest step so far on the comeback trail is an expected performance on Wednesday of mega-hit "Thriller" at the World Music Awards.

The media greeted the announcement with some unease, saying the gig could become a freak show rather than a triumphant return for one of the top-selling artists of all time.

"Be afraid, be very afraid," was how top-selling daily newspaper The Sun reacted

[DrummerDeanna]

Ok. He seriously scares the bejeezus outta me. He's so damn creepy looking now - it's just not natural and, yes, it frightens me. HE frightens me.

[mikeschmike]

But he has such pretty hands!

http://perezhilton.com/splashnews_cmuk131106b_01.jpg

[BlackWidow]

Ok. He seriously scares the bejeezus outta me. He's so damn creepy looking now - it's just not natural and, yes, it frightens me. HE frightens me.

He really creeps me the Fukc OUT!!!

[goldustsongbird]

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[goldie]

I can't believe I wanted to MARRY this man circa Thriller! ewwwwwww!!!!! I can't stand to look at him now.

[skcin]

They showed a clip on TV this morning. All he did was sing along with a prerecorded track of We Are the World. And he barely did that, just let out a peep here & there & clapped his hands a lot. Of course, there were 500 kids on stage behind him swaying & claping too. Ugh. Gross.

How can someone so brilliantly talented end up such a joke? I mean, to compare someone who was popular at the same time, Prince is a little odd too, but he doesn't have child abuse accusations swirling around him constantly, he still puts out good new music, and he's still a kickass performer. :shrug: I don't get it. I don't know whther to feel sad or digusted.

[SuzeQuze]

They showed a clip on TV this morning. All he did was sing along with a prerecorded track of We Are the World. And he barely did that, just let out a peep here & there & clapped his hands a lot. Of course, there were 500 kids on stage behind him swaying & claping too. Ugh. Gross.

How can someone so brilliantly talented end up such a joke? I mean, to compare someone who was popular at the same time, Prince is a little odd too, but he doesn't have child abuse accusations swirling around him constantly, he still puts out good new music, and he's still a kickass performer. :shrug: I don't get it. I don't know whther to feel sad or digusted.

The way he's mutilated his face is the worst to me. I think that is a reflection of a big mess going on inside of him. And self-loathing which is incredibly sad. He was so gorgeous. Joe did a number on him for sure.

[DavidMn]

Joe did a number on him for sure.I think youre onto something there.

[skcin]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/15/michael.jackson.reut/index.html

Michael Jackson thrills no one in 'comeback'

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Reclusive pop superstar Michael Jackson made a musical comeback of sorts Wednesday, singing the chorus line of his charity single "We Are The World" before the sound cut out as he struggled for the high notes.

The 48-year-old singer, performing live for the first time since he was acquitted of child molestation charges in June 2005, had been expected to sing his seminal hit "Thriller."

But to the huge disappointment of screaming fans, that was performed instead by young American star Chris Brown.

Jackson looked uncomfortable at times as he was surrounded by excited young members of a gospel chorus on stage with him.

That did not stop supporters desperate to see their idol cheer his every move, especially when he threw his black sequin jacket into the crowd.

The failure by the deposed King of Pop to demonstrate his voice and confidence were back to anywhere near their best was likely to raise further doubts about his ability to resurrect a career that has been on hold for years.

"I love you!" he shouted before the World Music Awards 2006 ceremony he headlined wound up.

Earlier in the evening, Jackson was given the Diamond Award honoring artists who sell more than 100 million records.

Introducing Jackson, American singer Beyonce said: "Tonight we are celebrating 25 years of 'Thriller,'" referring to his seminal album. "If it wasn't for Michael Jackson, I would never have ever performed. I love you; we all love you."

Doubts abound
Jackson, who has been a virtual recluse for the past 17 months, thanked fans and his family, singling out his three children who have been with him during his stopover in London.

"I am greatly humbled by this award," said Jackson, who wore his jet black hair long and straight. "It was my dream that 'Thriller' would be the biggest-selling album ever ... and God has answered my prayers."

Jackson's lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, making him the most successful entertainer of all time.

Whether Wednesday's performance helps him on the road to professional recovery remains to be seen.

"I would say there's very little chance of him coming back from where he is," said Gareth Grundy, deputy editor of the Q music magazine, speaking before the show.

"I think people will always be fascinated by the freak show, and that's what's going on," he said. "I would categorize him as a celebrity as opposed to an artist."

Celebrities Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were also at the Earls Court venue, where they were joined by hundreds of reporters eager to catch Jackson in action.

He has said he planned to move to Europe in a bid to resurrect his musical career and indicated he will release a new album in 2007.

[ontheEdgeof17]

"I think people will always be fascinated by the freak show, and that's what's going on," he said. "I would categorize him as a celebrity as opposed to an artist."

I agree with this. He isn't an artist anymore...he's a celebrity. I think when artists become soooo famous and sooo over the top, they lose their artistic credibility....Jackson is a good example of this....He got so caught up in perfection, money, looks......and the "allegations"....it tainted his music. It will be very hard to listen to his earlier music and not think of who he has become. It's rather sad.


With that said, I never did like his music. hehe.

[BTFLCHLD]

If you delve into the video footage on that site (leftside) one should note that the photographs they are displaying seem to have had adjustments. He "ain't no daisy" but the worse he looks for the print media the better they like it. And, yes, as to the surgeries, it is too bad he went too far. I find it sad. IMO. I won't address the kiddie charges...for that I don't like him at all. Grown men 'sleeping' with little boys is a no-no. :distress:

[BTFLCHLD]

hehe. You almost sounded like him right there... :lol:

[ontheEdgeof17]

You almost sounded like him right there... :lol:

Great.:rolleyes:

Thanks for the backhanded comment. "hehe"

[Villavic]

I agree with this. He isn't an artist anymore...he's a celebrity.

I don't agree. He's not even a celebrity. He's just a freak, a dissapointment. Elizabeth Taylor (retired actress) is a celebrity. Charlton Heston is a celebrity. Tina Turner, Gianni Versace, Agnetha, Cher, Deborah Kerr, Bill Cosby, Jackie Kennedy, etc.. are, were, or became celebrities.
I don't think that artists that become soooo famous and sooo over the top, loose their artistic credibility, not necessarily. MJ is a freak in his behavior and his look

[michelle2677]

I can't believe I wanted to MARRY this man circa Thriller! ewwwwwww!!!!! I can't stand to look at him now.


I know! I know!! My grandmother told me I always said I wanted to marry michael jackson when I grew up. Around billie jean through thriller era. I'm glad that didn't work out for me. :lol: