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/articl...tainmentNews-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