Michael Jackson's children appear at tribute show (AP)

CARDIFF, Wales – Chart-toppers, soul singers and three generations of Michael Jackson's family — including his children — celebrated the King of Pop at an energetic tribute concert Saturday, urging fans to focus on the late star's music rather than his death.

The run-up to the "Michael Forever" concert was overshadowed by the Los Angeles manslaughter trial of Jackson's doctor, and marred by fan criticism, sluggish ticket sales and dissension within the Jackson family. But once the four-hour show started, Jackson's musical genius, and the warm tributes of friends and family, carried the night.

"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said Jackson's 13-year-old daughter Paris, who made a brief onstage appearance alongside brothers Prince, 14, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket.

The children wore outfits evoking their father's famous styles — Paris most strikingly, in a red and black "Thriller"-style jacket. Blanket stood stoic and shy, but the older children smiled and appeared confident in the spotlight.

On a stage shaped like a giant glove, musicians including Christina Aguilera, Gladys Knight and Cee Lo Green performed songs from across Jackson's career — from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like "Thriller" and "Bad."

The Black Eyed Peas, probably the biggest act on the bill, pulled out of the lineup this week, citing "unavoidable circumstances."

Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and controversy, and to revel in the celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.

"It's not about the controversy," said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the show with a rendition of "Billie Jean," complete with some passable moonwalking. "It's not about the trial. It's not about his death. It's about celebrating his life. It's about celebrating his music."

The 50,000-strong crowd at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring with approval as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie — three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 — took the stage to perform "Blame It On the Boogie" with British boyband JLS.

"Can you feel his spirit in the house tonight?" asked Marlon. Judging by the cheers, the fedora hats and the sequined gloves in the audience, many could.

Jackson died in June 2009, at age 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London.

His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion on June 25, 2009.

"This is a great counter-act to that," said Motown great Smokey Robinson, who gave a soulful rendition of "She's Out of My Life." "And it gives people something happy to do, rather than thinking about what's going on in the trial."

The show mined a rich trove of Jackson hits. Leona Lewis crooned "I'll Be There," Beyonce delivered the early single "I Wanna Be Where You Are" and Jamie Foxx performed "Rock With You." Aguilera sang Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" — one of Jackson's favorite songs.

"Tonight is a history lesson," Foxx told the crowd. "We're going to cover five decades of greatness."

The show reached a climax with Knight performing the poignant "Gone Too Soon" before a rousing finale that brought most of the performers — and the Jackson children — back onstage for the exuberant "Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough."

The concert has divided the King of Pop's family and followers. The three brothers, sister La Toya and vocal group 3T — composed of three of Michael's nephews — all performed, while 81-year-old matriarch Katherine was in the audience.

But Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away, saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as Murray's trial.

Before the show, Marlon Jackson said he respected his siblings' decision, but said he was sure Michael would have approved.

"Each one of us grieves differently," he said. "We want to celebrate the positive side of his life, the positive things that he did."

Some fan groups around also criticized the show for ticket prices that started at about $100 and for what some regard as an out-of-the-way location in Cardiff, 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of London.

"I believe it should wait, not only because of the Murray trial," said Wesley Noorhoff, president of a Dutch Michael Jackson fan club. "If you do a tribute to Michael, it has to be the best there is, just like Michael."

But those who came to Cardiff said it was a fitting antidote to the grim courtroom spectacle in Los Angeles.

"There's a lot of negativity in that courtroom," said Ronnie Lee, a 32-year-old truck driver from Pembroke, Wales, sporting a "Thriller" T-shirt. "This is a chance to say, 'Thank you Michael' and celebrate the music."

As the crowd poured out of the stadium, opinion was divided.

"Rubbish," said Sophie Stockdale, 23. "If you wanted to watch Beyonce on video link, you could do it on YouTube."

But Sophie Morris, also 23, said she'd loved it.

"It was amazing," she said. "I actually cried three or four times."

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Online:

http://www.michaelforevertribute.com

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Jill Lawless can be reached at: http://twitter.com/JillLawless

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Fans gather for Michael Jackson tribute concert (AP)

CARDIFF, Wales – Fans of Michael Jackson are gathering in Wales for a tribute concert that has divided the King of Pop's fans and family — a celebration of the late star's life overshadowed by the Los Angeles manslaughter trial of his doctor.

The genre- and generation-spanning lineup for the "Michael Forever" show at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium includes Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Leona Lewis, British boyband JLS, Cee Lo Green — and, via video, Beyonce.

The Black Eyed Peas pulled out this week, citing "unavoidable circumstances" amid reports the chart-topping band is splitting up.

Despite the last-minute loss, organizer Chris Hunt said fans can expect "a very, very spectacular show."

"Everything we've done has been governed by one criterion — would Michael have done it this way, would he approve, would he like it?" said Hunt, chief executive of Global Live Events. "We're trying to do something worthy of one of the greatest showmen of modern times."

Jackson died in June 2009, aged 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London.

His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion on June 25, 2009.

Little that Jackson did in the final years of his life was without controversy, and the division has continued after his death.

Jackson's estate is not involved in the concert, and his family is divided about the show. Siblings Marlon, Tito, Jackie and La Toya are scheduled to perform, and Michael Jackson's mother Katherine is due to attend, along with his children Prince, 14, Paris, 13, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket.

Katherine Jackson has said the concert is "exactly the way Michael would have wanted to be remembered."

But brothers Jermaine and Randy Jackson have criticized the timing of the show, saying Murray's trial should take precedence over other events. In a statement, the brothers said "we feel that the most important tribute we can give to our brother at this time is to seek justice in his name."

Sister Janet Jackson also has said she will not attend because the concert coincides with Murray's trial.

Fan groups around the world have also criticized the event, not just for its timing, but for ticket prices that started at about $100 and for what some regard as an out-of-the-way location in Cardiff, 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of London.

Organizers have struggled to line up top-name acts for the show, hosted by actor Jamie Foxx and British TV presenter Fearne Cotton. They outraged many fans by inviting the rock band Kiss, whose bassist Gene Simmons told a magazine last year that there was "no doubt in my mind" that Jackson, who was acquitted of molestation charges in 2005, had abused children.

The invitation was hastily rescinded, but many fans remain angry.

"The fans are not happy that the Jackson estate is not involved," said Wesley Noorhoff, president of a Dutch Michael Jackson fan club. "It seemed like they wanted to build a concert soon, to get money.

"I believe it should wait, not only because of the Murray trial. If you do a tribute to Michael it has to be the best there is, just like Michael."

Hunt insisted the show would be a success. He said more than 40,000 tickets had been sold, and he was confident of reaching the venue's 50,000 capacity.

Some of the proceeds will go to the AIDS Project Los Angeles and Prince's Trust charities, and a portion will be placed in a trust fund for Jackson's children, though organizers did not give an exact breakdown.

Hunt said 13 Jackson family members were scheduled to attend the concert, many of them appearing onstage.

"It's a family's tribute to their own," he said. "I'm expecting it to be a hugely emotional evening."

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Online: http://www.michaelforevertribute.com

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Black Eyed Peas, Hudson join UK Jackson tribute (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Black Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson have joined the line-up of a controversial Michael Jackson tribute concert in Britain.

Promoters said the U.S. group and the "Dreamgirls" Oscar winner would perform at the "Michael Forever" tribute in Wales on October 8, along with Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Motown legends Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson.

The tribute has the backing of Jackson's mother Katherine but siblings Randy, Germaine and Janet have said they will not be attending.

Black Eyed Peas co-founder will.i.am said Jackson's music had been an inspiration to him growing up in Los Angeles, and recalled working with the "Thriller" singer in 2007.

"The Black Eyed Peas wouldn't miss being at the Millennium stadium for this gig on October8: we all owe Michael such a lot," will.i.am said in a statement.

Grammy-winner Hudson, a former "American Idol" contestant, won an Oscar for her role in the 2006 movie musical "Dreamgirls."

The tribute concert comes more than two years after Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles from an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol.

But the venture has been plagued by problems, including criticism by some Jackson fans and the official administrators of Michael Jackson's estate over the line-up, ticket prices and confusion over charity donations.

The concert will take place during the trial in Los Angeles of Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Prosecutors have charged Murray with responsibility for Jackson's death and accused him of administering a lethal dose of anesthetic to help the singer sleep. Murray has pleaded not guilty.

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin on September 27 in the four to six week jury trial.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Black Eyed Peas to play at Michael Jackson tribute (AP)

LONDON – The Black Eyed Peas will perform at next month's Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales.

They'll join Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green at the "Michael Forever" show.

Frontman Will.i.am — who worked with Jackson before the pop star's death in 2009 — said Friday "we all owe Michael such a lot."

He said Jackson's songs "have been an inspiration to my whole life and certainly formed the soundtrack to my childhood."

The Oct. 8 concert at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will be hosted by actor Jamie Foxx.

The show is not affiliated with Jackson's estate, but his mother Katherine and other relatives are scheduled to attend.

Organizers rescinded an offer to the band Kiss over singer Gene Simmons' past criticism of Jackson.

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Jamie Foxx to host Michael Jackson tribute concert (AP)

LOS ANGELES – Jamie Foxx has been named to host the Michael Jackson tribute concert planned for October in Wales.

Foxx's spokesman said Monday that the Oscar-winning star of "Ray" would host "Michael Forever — The Tribute Concert." It is scheduled for Oct. 8 in Cardiff, Wales.

Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green are among the show's announced performers.

The show is not affiliated with Michael Jackson's estate, but Jackson's mother, Katherine, and other Jackson family members are scheduled to attend.

Organizers had to rescind an offer to the band Kiss last month after fans and Jackson's estate noted that singer-bassist Gene Simmons had harshly criticized the pop singer over the years.

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"Buddy Holly" tribute album lacks spark (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) – Buddy Holly never lived to see his 23rd birthday, but that isn't stopping anyone from celebrating his 75th this week, with the rather belated installation of a star on Hollywood Boulevard and the release of yet another all-star tribute. Maybe now he'll finally be recognized by the youth of America for something other than stealing Elvis Costello's look, right?

"Listen to Me: Buddy Holly" is the second Holly tribute to come out in two and a half months, so you'll be forgiven if you need someone to sort out the confusion -- especially since each one features a Beatle. The first was "Rave On Buddy Holly," released in late June and leaning toward indie-rock types like the Black Keys, Florence + the Machine, and Modest Mouse, though Paul McCartney put in a screaming appearance.

This week's unrelated follow-up sticks almost entirely to mainstream elder statesmen, with Ringo Starr as the requisite Fab on duty. Peter Asher served as executive producer, which is significant, since he set the first real posthumous Holly renaissance in motion in the mid-'70s by recording Linda Ronstadt's reputation-reviving versions of "That'll Be the Day" and "It's So Easy."

Ironically, perhaps, the two albums suffer from opposite problems. The alterative artists on "Rave On" were apparently encouraged to retool Holly's songs so considerably that the melodic life sometimes got snuffed out of them. As for the new "Listen to Me," Asher's sensibility isn't exactly what anyone would call edgy, and there's stodginess to a lot of the contributions that could have benefited from a bit of the other album's adventurous approach.

Two highlights come early: Jackson Browne was born to sing the ballad "True Love Ways," and British rockabilly queen Imelda May finds the fire in "I'm Looking for Someone to Love." Most everything else counts as either boomer-safe or in the bizarre curio category.

A couple of newish groups make their way into the mix. The Fray do an outright U2 impersonation on "Take Your Time," so if you ever wanted to hear Bono sing Buddy, here's your chance (sort of). The weirdest choice is Cobra Starship, whose mixed-gender lead singers do a sort of contempo-Human-League take on "Peggy Sue" that almost clicks, in the corniest possible way.

But Brian Wilson's "Listen to Me" and Ringo's "Think It Over" are just the kind of passable, going-through-the-motions efforts you might expect from their latest recordings. Ronstadt reunites with Asher to remake their remake of "That'll Be the Day," sans the spark of their 1976 recording.

Shorn of her usual studio tricks, and letting her voice go nearly punk-rock-ragged, Stevie Nicks sounds unrecognizable on "Not Fade Away" -- almost like a distaff Billy Corgan! -- which might have been rewarding if the slick backup track were half as rough as she is. Sticking closer to vocal type, Train's Pat Monahan gives "Maybe Baby" an overly sweetened modern spin that isn't just maybe but definitely dullsville.

The album ends with a couple of wan contributions from actors, including an "It's So Easy" that has Zooey Deschanel playing it overly straight. That's followed by Eric Idle doing "Raining in My Heart" in a variety of comic voices -- complete with goofy sound effects -- that not even the most hardcore Python fan could find funny.

Even with all-star friends like these, Holly still needs better buddies.

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David Gest, Jacksons plan tribute tour to Michael (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Producer David Gest, Tito Jackson and others close to Michael Jackson on Monday unveiled a singing and spoken-word tribute tour to the late King of Pop.

"A Jackson Named Michael: Remembering a Legend," kicks off in the United Kingdom in March 2012, and follows another tribute set for October in Wales that has caused some controversy among fans of the "Thriller" singer.

Gest's show will feature Tito, a member with Michael of Motown singing sensations The Jackson 5, along with another sibling Rebbie Jackson and friend Deniece Williams singing tunes and telling tales about Jackson's life and career. Plans call for a question-and-answer session with audience members.

"The majority of the show will be reminiscences and stories about Michael that the public has never heard," Gest said in a statement.

The tour also follows the October U.K. release of Gest's documentary film, 'Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon," which Jackson's mother and family matriarch Katherine Jackson called "a tremendous achievement."

"This is not my story, but the story of many of Michael's friends' recollections," she said in a statement.

Michael Jackson, who rose to fame in a family of singers before embarking on a solo career that included smash hits such as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," died in June 2009 of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol which he used as a sleep aid.

His physician at the time, Dr. Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial will start in September.

Katherine Jackson is just one of the family's members who has backed a one-night tribute planned for October 8 in Cardiff, Wales. But that tribute has caused some fans to cry foul over the singers who were invited, the charities benefiting from ticket sales and its timing during Murray's trial.

(Reporting and writing by Bob Tourtellotte; Editing by Chris Michaud)

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A tribute to Berry Berenson, aka Mrs. Tony Perkins (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) – On September 11, 2001, when I was driving, I received a message from my friend, Heather Mac Rae: "Sorry to hear about Berry Berenson, but she was in one of the planes that crashed into the trade towers."

Stunned, I pulled the car off the road and thought about what a good person Berry was and what a good friend she had been to many.

She had suffered bravely through her husband, Tony Perkins, whom she had loved dearly, and had given birth to his two strapping sons, Osgood and Elvis.

After they had grown up, she had moved to Jamaica to begin a new life. She had met a new man who made her feel good about herself and for this I am grateful.

To me, Berry was pure sunshine. Her smile lit up a room. She could comfort like no other. She loved many even those who to me seemed unlovable. She was my friend. And I miss her. Despite her lineage, she was down to Earth.

To the world, Berry Berenson was the daughter of Countess Maria Luisa Yvonne Radha de Wendt de Kerlor, or better known as Gogo Schiaparielli, the granddaughter of Elsa Schiarparelli and the great grand-niece of the famed art historian Bernard Berenson.

In the late '60s, Berry and I were introduced in Wyn Handman's acting class.

He was the director of the American Place Theater. Wyn assigned me to do Blanche in "Streetcar" and Berry was to play Stella.

Berry was pregnant, and when we changed into our costumes in the prop room, I asked if I could touch her belly.

"Of course," she said smiling, then she laughed, and I knew I had not offended her.

Offending Berry Berenson was close to impossible. I had never touched a pregnant woman's tummy before, and she afforded me this opportunity. I had never had the good fortune to be pregnant and did not believe in doing this to force a man to marry me.

Berry and I rehearsed our roles in Tony and Berry's townhouse in Chelsea where Tony, who was always kind, offered us his directorial guidance.

Heather Mac Rae, who was starring in "Hair" on Broadway, was in our class as were: Richard Gere, Brad Davis (who triumphed in "Midnight Express"), Phillip Anglim (who played the "Elephant Man" on Broadway,) Penny Milford (who later was nominated for an Oscar for "Coming Home"), Marisa Berenson (who was Berry's sister and who later starred in "Barry Lyndon") and the list goes on.

In 1975, when I was jilted by Claude Picasso and flew back to our apartment in New York with our tiny poodle, Tutu, it was Berry who was one of my friends who comforted me.

She invited me to dinner at their townhouse where we used to play card and board games. Tony liked to play games and we all laughed, which was what I (and we all) needed.

When I wanted acting photos, Berry, who was a talented photographer who shot for Vogue, took beautiful photos of me on the roof on top of their townhouse. During the shoot Tuesday Weld, with whom Tony filmed "Pretty Poison," stopped by with her baby. Tony and Berry were generous with introductions to their friends and one night invited me to dinner along with Woody Allen.

When I moved to L.A. after testing for a movie, I saw a great deal of Berry as we exercised in the same gym. When "Flash," my novel about Hollywood and the sexual exploitation of actresses was published, Berry took me to lunch. "I love your writing about sex. It makes me laugh. You are so accepting. Can you recommend any books for my sons to read about sex and open-mindedness."

She knew I was now in love with Norman Mailer and then asked, "What book of his would you recommend by him that celebrate sex?"

"Ancient Evenings," I replied. I was flattered when she asked my opinion about good literature and equally flattered when Berry and Tony gave me a dinner party when "Flash" was published. He even invited his celebrated agent, Sue Mengers, who was a fun and charming to meet in an intimate setting.

When Berry accepted Tony had AIDS, she threw a party in Manhattan for his closest friends. We all signed a book for Tony and photos en masse were taken. Smiles were on everyone's faces. Berry and Tony did not invite frowns. My photo from this party proves this.

One day Berry confided, "With all the friends we have, it makes Tony sad that few will help him get work. "Psycho" has been a blessing and a stigma at the same time."

It was then that I realized superstars can't audition and are trapped in trying to secure film parts by working the social scene. Hollywood parties become auditions.

When Tony died, I was living in Manhattan, caring for my mother who had had two strokes, and I was unable to attend his funeral.

When Berry died, I was living in Jeffersonville, Pa., and chose not to go to Berry's funeral. Fears of the dangers of being in Manhattan after 9/11 haunted me, but also I was never fond of some of her friends. I did not have the love inside me that Berry did to accept the pretense of many of them.

Pretense that can come from a European background. Pretense that reminded me of the Picasso family from whom I had fled filled with shame for having felt that I was not good enough.

Well, it was Berry Berenson who made me feel good enough. Good enough to be her friend. Good enough to touch her pregnant belly. Good enough to accompany her to gym classes. Good enough to be a guest at her home for dinner and good enough to be invited to her beloved husband's funeral.

Let this remembrance be my tribute to the, caring loving soul of Berry Berenson Perkins.

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Wonder makes musical tribute to Motown's Edwards (AP)

DETROIT – Berry Gordy Jr. brought Motown Records to life, but his sister Esther Gordy Edwards preserved its legacy.

Gordy on Wednesday joined Motown legends Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, as well as hundreds of others, to celebrate both the life and legacy of Edwards, who died last week at 91. Gordy clasped hands with Robinson as they entered the church, and the Motown founder held onto Wonder as they exited.

The more than three-hour funeral service at Detroit's Bethel AME Church featured spoken and sung tributes for Edwards, who held many executive roles with the musical empire that her brother founded in 1959. She was the guiding force behind preserving Motown's original headquarters and record studio and turning them into a museum.

Wonder spoke before performing a stirring, soulful rendition of one of Edwards' favorite hymns, "His Eye is on the Sparrow," and "Sweetest Somebody I Know," an original he said is "so much about her" and which also included some of his hit, "Isn't She Lovely."

Wonder said he was "giving all the praise to God for what she did in my life and the many lives she touched."

"I think if we all had a mother or sister or aunt or cousin or sister or niece that celebrated and cheered our family as much as she did hers, we'd have a world of unity," he said. "I am just thanking God that in my lifetime I knew her."

Edwards' responsibilities at Motown included managing and guiding the artists' careers and exposing the famed "Motown sound" to international audiences as director of international operations.

Still, her lasting contribution to the company came after Motown and most of her family left Detroit for California in the early 1970s. She amassed what would become valuable memorabilia and set to work on preserving the old headquarters — a large stately former house on West Grand Boulevard that included the label's famed Studio A. The museum opened in 1985.

Robinson said Edwards was the only one in the company's early days who knew Motown was "going to make history," so she took pictures and saved "every little scrap of paper, every tape."

"Fortunately, there was Esther, who had our backs," said Robinson, who introduced himself to the audience as "Smokey Gordy Robinson."

"Now we have a pictorial and an itemized history of our legacy, right there on West Grand Boulevard," he said.

Robinson said Edwards wouldn't tolerate misbehavior, particularly from those closest to her.

"I'm a dude who grew up in the `hood, right here in Detroit," Robinson said. "When I was gettin' down wrong, she would chastise me. You chastise the ones you love. If you let `em get away with stuff, then you don't really love `em."

Gordy said his "big sister" was the "glue" for both the Gordy and Motown families.

"And, like glue, everything worth anything stuck to Esther," Gordy said. "When I was leaving Detroit, I was going around throwing away stuff. Esther was right behind me, picking it up. Little did anyone know that one day that stuff I was throwing away would become a world-class museum."

Edwards was born in 1920 in Oconee, Ga., and moved to Detroit as a toddler. She was the eldest daughter in a family of eight children.

She first married Robert Bullock, with whom she had a son, Robert Berry Bullock. She later married state Rep. George Edwards and became a step-mother to his son, Harry.

The crowd was full of "Motown soldiers," as Robinson called them, including the Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the lone surviving original member of the Four Tops, Motown songwriters Eddie and Brian Holland, and Claudette Rogers Robinson, member of the Miracles and Robinson's ex-wife.

Claudette Robinson told The Associated Press after the service that Edwards was "a personal ally" and a "mother figure" going back to the Miracles' first days at the nascent company — two years before any other artist.

"She showed such concern, such compassion for the females," Robinson said. "She wanted to make sure we strived for excellence and we were just being the best we could be."

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Janet Jackson says "too difficult" to attend tribute (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Singer Janet Jackson said on Monday she would not attend her brother Michael Jackson's tribute concert because it coincides with the trial of the singer's doctor.

"Because of the trial, the timing of this tribute to our brother would be too difficult for me," Janet Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson's mother Katherine and his sister LaToya have backed plans for the "Michael Forever Tribute" concert in Wales on October8. But the event is opposed by brothers Randy and Jermaine and some fans are unhappy with the organization of the event.

Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Smokey Robinson are due to headline the concert. Janet Jackson was not scheduled to perform and her representatives said she had issued the statement in response to media queries about her presence.

The concert will take place in the middle of the high-profile trial in Los Angeles of the "Thriller" singer's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Murray is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and failing to monitor him properly, leading to his death in June 2009.

Randy and Jermaine Jackson, along with several Michael Jackson fan clubs have also said the timing of the tribute is inappropriate given the trial. Opening statements are expected to begin on September 27 and the trial is likely to last 4-6 weeks.

Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and faces a four year prison term if convicted.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Zorianna Kit)

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Janet Jackson says "too difficult" to attend tribute (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Singer Janet Jackson said on Monday she would not attend her brother Michael Jackson's tribute concert because it coincides with the trial of the singer's doctor.

"Because of the trial, the timing of this tribute to our brother would be too difficult for me," Janet Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson's mother Katherine and his sister LaToya have backed plans for the "Michael Forever Tribute" concert in Wales on October8. But the event is opposed by brothers Randy and Jermaine and some fans are unhappy with the organization of the event.

Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Smokey Robinson are due to headline the concert. Janet Jackson was not scheduled to perform and her representatives said she had issued the statement in response to media queries about her presence.

The concert will take place in the middle of the high-profile trial in Los Angeles of the "Thriller" singer's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Murray is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and failing to monitor him properly, leading to his death in June 2009.

Randy and Jermaine Jackson, along with several Michael Jackson fan clubs have also said the timing of the tribute is inappropriate given the trial. Opening statements are expected to begin on September 27 and the trial is likely to last 4-6 weeks.

Conrad Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and faces a four year prison term if convicted.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Zorianna Kit)

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Winehouse tribute to highlight VMA awards (AP)

Amy Winehouse never appeared on the MTV Video Music Awards during her short but celebrated career. Still, Sunday's show will take a break from its planned circus atmosphere to pay tribute to the British singer, who died a month ago after years of substance abuse.

Tony Bennett will lead the tribute to Winehouse; her last known recording was with the 85-year-old crooner on his upcoming "Duets II" album. There is also word swirling that Winehouse's parents might show, but MTV officials could not confirm their appearance.

The tribute to Winehouse will likely be the rare moment of reverence in a show that is calculated to be as irreverent as possible. This year, the current queen of sexy daffiness, Katy Perry, is poised to be the belle of MTV's annual ball: She's up for a leading 10 moonman trophies, including video of the year for her inspirational "Firework."

Another female singer is also a top nominee: Adele, the year's best-selling artist so far with her album "21," is nominated for seven awards for "Rolling in the Deep"; Kanye West also has seven nominations.

West — always good for a colorful MTV moment (ask Taylor Swift) — is not expected to perform at the awards, which are being held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, broadcast live on MTV from 9-11 p.m. But there are plenty of other headline-generating performers, including Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Pitbull and Chris Brown, whose star continues to brighten two years after it was tarnished by his attack on Rihanna.

And then there was the headline-generating Irene, the hurricane-tuned-tropical storm that was pummeling her way up the Eastern seaboard on Sunday. MTV President Stephen Friedman said some VMA performers from the East Coast arrived in LA early to avoid the storm and resulting airport disruptions. But he was hopeful viewer disruption would be minimal.

"Our hope is our audience is cuddled up with their family and friends and don't want to be outside and want to watch the best night in music," he said.

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Online:

http://www.mtv.com

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Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the AP's music editor. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi

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AP Writer Mesfin Fekadu (http://www.twitter.com/musicmesfin) contributed to this report.

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Streisand pays tribute to songwriting 'family' (AP)

NEW YORK – Oscar-winning songwriting greats Alan and Marilyn Bergman rarely wrote a song with Barbra Streisand in mind.

In fact, Streisand was often the one who had to approach them when she found a Bergman song that she wanted to claim as her own.

"Normally, over the years, we have never played her songs; she just heard them elsewhere," recalls Marilyn Bergman. "Once she saw a song sitting on the piano, and saw the title, (and) she's says, `What's that?'"

Yet Streisand turned out to be one of the greatest interpreters of their iconic songs. Over the decades, she put her stamp on such memorable tunes as "The Way We Were," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" and "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" from her musical "Yentl."

"I just love their words, I love the sentiment, I love their exploration of love and relationships," Streisand said. "They understand the craft of songwriting, the art of songwriting."

On her new CD, "What Matters Most," Streisand pays tribute to the songwriting couple by recording an album full of their material, including some of their best known songs, such as "Nice `n' Easy," made famous by Frank Sinatra, and "The Windmills of Your Mind," the esoteric theme from "The Thomas Crown Affair."

"It's interesting; I never understood the song until I heard Alan sing it," Streisand said of the Oscar-winning song, which Dusty Springfield made a classic. "Then I started relating to it in terms of my own jumbled mind, with so many crazy thoughts going through it."

With the release of the album, Streisand has recorded over 60 songs by the Bergmans.

"We love to hear her sing what we write. How lucky can you get?" Marilyn said.

But the relationship between Streisand and the Bergmans runs far deeper than that of songwriter and artist.

"They're like my parents in a way," explained Streisand, 69, during a phone interview from her home last week.

"They're certainly my role models as to how relationships ideally should be. They have an amazing marriage and they're so kind to one another, and so respectful. ... They adore each other. They've been so good to me as a friend."

Streisand noted one time when she wasn't feeling well. The Bergmans did more than check on her. "They came over in the middle of the night, and Marilyn slept on the couch in my bedroom, and Alan stayed downstairs."

"That's the kind of friends they are," she added. "We're family. You can't pick your family, but you can pick the family you'd like to have. Those are very strong relationships."

The trio likes to say they were fated to be friends; they are all from Brooklyn, from lower- middle-class families, and were born at the same hospital (though in different years). The Bergmans met Streisand when she was a burgeoning young singer in New York City. Streisand's performance brought Marilyn to tears, and they quickly became close friends.

"It is a unique relationship," Marilyn explained. "We met when she was very young; there's a kind of sister/daughter relationship. The age difference was probably more parent than now. At a certain point you become contemporaries."

Although the Bergmans sent Streisand a list of songs to consider for her new album, it was Streisand who decided what she would sing. She decided to choose material she'd never tackled before instead of reinterpreting old hits. "Why would I do that? ... The past is the past. I'm always looking to do something new, something I haven't done before."

The Bergmans were surprised at some of her choices, like "Nice `n' Easy," which was a Sinatra special. "She approached it in an entirely different way, in a seductive way," Marilyn notes.

"She's a storyteller, and that comes from not only her inner soul, but her directing," says Alan.

Besides the new album, she's also starring in "My Mother's Curse" with Seth Rogen, a film she describes as a comedy with serious undertones; it will be released next year.

Streisand hopes to perform those new Bergman songs, as well as her many classics, with a new tour. Her last was in 2006, and that came after a 12-year absence from the road.

She also wants to direct a movie; would like to write a sequel to her home decorating book, "My Passion for Design," published last year; still has eyes on a remake of the film "Gypsy" ("I don't think the movie did the play justice. I think it could be done better," she sniffs); and still plans a duets album (names like Beyonce, Seal and Yo-Yo Ma have been thrown into the mix).

"It seems like there's not enough time in the day, there's not enough time in the year," she sighs.

___

Online:

http://www.barbrastreisand.com

___

Nekesa Mumbi Moody is the AP's music editor. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/nekesamumbi

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Tony Bennett, MTV to pay tribute to Amy Winehouse (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap.com) – Tony Bennett will pay tribute to late singer Amy Winehouse during a special segment of the "2011 MTV Video Music Awards" on August 28, the network announced Tuesday.

Bennett and Winehouse recorded the track "Body and Soul" together a few months before her death, and the song will appear on Bennett's album "Duets II," out September 20.

Their team-up has the distinction of being Winehouse's final recording. Video footage taken during their session at London's Abbey Road Studios will accompany the tribute.

"It was a thrill to record with Amy Winehouse and when you listen to the recording of 'Body and Soul,' it is a testament to her artistic genius and her brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I have ever known," said Bennett in a statement.

Mitch Winehouse, the singer's father, added, "Our family is honored that the VMAs are giving Amy this wonderful tribute. We know that Amy's performance of 'Rehab' at the MTV Movie Awards played an important part in Amy's worldwide success."

"Body and Soul" will be released as a single on September 14 -- which would have been Winehouse's 28th birthday.

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Jackson fans say tribute concert "doomed to fail" (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A group of 35 Michael Jackson fan clubs have joined forces to lobby for the cancellation of a Michael Jackson tribute concert, saying the October event is "doomed to fail".

In an open letter to organizers Global Live Events, the fan clubs representing thousands of die-hard Jackson followers in Europe, Australia, China and Russia, said they had multiple concerns with the October8 event in Wales.

These ranged from confusion over charitable donations to the timing of the concert during the scheduled involuntary manslaughter trial in Los Angeles of the singer's doctor.

Organizers on Monday announced that Beyonce would sing one song via satellite at the "Michael Forever Tribute." Other headliners include Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green who are due to perform a Jackson hit along with their own songs. Ticket prices range from 55 to 240 pounds (about

$90-$390).

Last week, organizers were forced to oust rock band Kiss from the line-up after Jackson fans recalled that frontman Gene Simmons called the "Thriller" singer a child molester last year.

Jackson, who died in Los Angeles in June 2009 at age 50, was acquitted of all charges in a 2005 child sex abuse trial.

"From the timing of this tribute...to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonoring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson's legacy was simply the last straw," said the letter from the 80,000 strong members of MJJ Community, and more than 30 other fan clubs.

"Please understand that this concert is doomed to fail now...Do the right thing for Michael Jackson and cancel this tribute," said the letter, posted on the Fans against Michael Forever Tribute Facebook page.

"There has been one catastrophic mistake after another. We don't feel like it's the tribute he (Jackson) deserves," MJJ Community founder Gary Taylor told Reuters.

Global Live Events did not return calls for comment on Monday.

Attorneys for Jackson's estate also expressed concerns last week about the planned concert, which is supported by the singer's mother Katherine and several of her children, but not by Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy Jackson.

Organizers said last week they had pledged $100,000 of their own money to establish a trust fund for Jackson's three children and that ticket revenue "is going, at least in part" to the trust fund and to a Los Angeles Aids charity and the Princes Trust which helps youth job training and education in the UK.

Fans were encouraged to register in advance for tickets online and make a charity pledge. Organizers have not said how many people registered and how many tickets are left for public sale, which starts on Wednesday. The stadium in Wales holds about 75,000 people and the concert is due to be broadcast around the world on pay television and in movie theaters.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Jackson fans say tribute concert "doomed to fai"' (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A group of 35 Michael Jackson fan clubs have joined forces to lobby for the cancellation of a Michael Jackson tribute concert, saying the October event is "doomed to fail".

In an open letter to organizers Global Live Events, the fan clubs representing thousands of die-hard Jackson followers in Europe, Australia, China and Russia, said they had multiple concerns with the October8 event in Wales.

These ranged from confusion over charitable donations to the timing of the concert during the scheduled involuntary manslaughter trial in Los Angeles of the singer's doctor.

Organizers on Monday announced that Beyonce would sing one song via satellite at the "Michael Forever Tribute." Other headliners include Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson and Cee Lo Green who are due to perform a Jackson hit along with their own songs. Ticket prices range from 55 to 240 pounds (about $90-$390).

Last week, organizers were forced to oust rock band Kiss from the line-up after Jackson fans recalled that frontman Gene Simmons called the "Thriller" singer a child molester last year.

Jackson, who died in Los Angeles in June 2009 at age 50, was acquitted of all charges in a 2005 child sex abuse trial.

"From the timing of this tribute...to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonoring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson's legacy was simply the last straw," said the letter from the 80,000 strong members of MJJ Community, and more than 30 other fan clubs.

"Please understand that this concert is doomed to fail now...Do the right thing for Michael Jackson and cancel this tribute," said the letter, posted on the Fans against Michael Forever Tribute Facebook page.

"There has been one catastrophic mistake after another. We don't feel like it's the tribute he (Jackson) deserves," MJJ Community founder Gary Taylor told Reuters.

Global Live Events did not return calls for comment on Monday.

Attorneys for Jackson's estate also expressed concerns last week about the planned concert, which is supported by the singer's mother Katherine and several of her children, but not by Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy Jackson.

Organizers said last week they had pledged $100,000 of their own money to establish a trust fund for Jackson's three children and that ticket revenue "is going, at least in part" to the trust fund and to a Los Angeles Aids charity and the Princes Trust which helps youth job training and education in the UK.

Fans were encouraged to register in advance for tickets online and make a charity pledge. Organizers have not said how many people registered and how many tickets are left for public sale, which starts on Wednesday. The stadium in Wales holds about 75,000 people and the concert is due to be broadcast around the world on pay television and in movie theaters.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Kiss dropped from Michael Jackson tribute show (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The rock band Kiss was removed from the line-up for a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Britain, after it was revealed frontman Gene Simmons has called Jackson a child molester, organizers said on Tuesday.

The decision to scratch Kiss from the line-up came after Jackson's fans this week expressed anger at Simmons' comments.

"We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons," Chris Hunt, the chief executive of organizer Global Live Events, said in a statement.

"Under the circumstances, we fully agree that even though Kiss is a band Michael admired, we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert," Hunt said.

Kiss, a rock band famous for such songs as "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City," was a recent addition to the line-up for the tribute concert.

The "Michael Forever" show is planned for October 8 in Cardiff, Wales, and so far the scheduled performers include Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Smokey Robinson, organizers said.

The concert has the backing of Jackson's mother, Katherine, and his siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon.

The 61 year-old Simmons, who is known for being outspoken, had in the past criticized Jackson over old accusations that the singer abused children. Jackson was acquitted at a trial in 2005 of charges that he molested a boy at his Neverland Ranch.

"The only sexual references ever made about Michael Jackson that were made by anyone, anywhere around the world, have always been made by kids, and specifically males usually 10 to 14 years of age; never females that age or older, and never grown men," Simmons told Classic Rock magazine in 2010.

Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the executors of Jackson's estate lawyer John Branca and music executive John McClain, said on Monday in a letter to the tribute concert organizers they were "disappointed" at the decision to include Kiss.

The letter from Weitzman also raised questions about the October 8 show, including whether all the artists booked to appear will indeed perform that day.

And Weitzman noted that Michael Jackson's brothers, Jermaine and Randy, have publicly said they cannot offer their support for the show.

Jermaine and Randy have said the show is ill-timed because the upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician when the singer died in 2009, is expected to be ongoing when the show is held.

"In light of the questions raised...and the confusion surrounding this 'event,' we are extremely concerned about Michael's legacy, his fans and the public-at-large," Weitzman wrote in the letter.

A spokeswoman for the concert organizers declined to comment on the letter.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Kiss dropped from Michael Jackson tribute show (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The rock band Kiss was removed from the line-up for a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Britain, after it was revealed frontman Gene Simmons has called Jackson a child molester, organizers said on Tuesday.

The decision to scratch Kiss from the line-up came after Jackson's fans this week expressed anger at Simmons' comments.

"We have listened to Michael's fans and are grateful to have been alerted to these unfortunate statements by Gene Simmons," Chris Hunt, the chief executive of organizer Global Live Events, said in a statement.

"Under the circumstances, we fully agree that even though Kiss is a band Michael admired, we have no choice but to rescind our invitation to them to appear in our tribute concert," Hunt said.

Kiss, a rock band famous for such songs as "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City," was a recent addition to the line-up for the tribute concert.

The "Michael Forever" show is planned for October 8 in Cardiff, Wales, and so far the scheduled performers include Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Smokey Robinson, organizers said.

The concert has the backing of Jackson's mother, Katherine, and his siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon.

The 61 year-old Simmons, who is known for being outspoken, had in the past criticized Jackson over old accusations that the singer abused children. Jackson was acquitted at a trial in 2005 of charges that he molested a boy at his Neverland Ranch.

"The only sexual references ever made about Michael Jackson that were made by anyone, anywhere around the world, have always been made by kids, and specifically males usually 10 to 14 years of age; never females that age or older, and never grown men," Simmons told Classic Rock magazine in 2010.

Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the executors of Jackson's estate lawyer John Branca and music executive John McClain, said on Monday in a letter to the tribute concert organizers they were "disappointed" at the decision to include Kiss.

The letter from Weitzman also raised questions about the October 8 show, including whether all the artists booked to appear will indeed perform that day.

And Weitzman noted that Michael Jackson's brothers, Jermaine and Randy, have publicly said they cannot offer their support for the show.

Jermaine and Randy have said the show is ill-timed because the upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician when the singer died in 2009, is expected to be ongoing when the show is held.

"In light of the questions raised...and the confusion surrounding this 'event,' we are extremely concerned about Michael's legacy, his fans and the public-at-large," Weitzman wrote in the letter.

A spokeswoman for the concert organizers declined to comment on the letter.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Aguilera to perform at Jackson tribute concert (AP)

LOS ANGELES – Christina Aguilera is lending her voice to a Michael Jackson tribute concert planned for October in Wales.

Organizers of "Michael Forever — The Tribute Concert" announced Thursday that Aguilera would be joined by members of the Jackson family, Cee Lo Green, Leona Lewis and the band Alien Ant Farm, which is known for its cover of Jackson's song "Smooth Criminal."

The announcement came after more than two weeks of silence about performers for the Oct. 8 show at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

While the event is endorsed by the singer's mother and some of his siblings, brothers Randy and Jermaine Jackson have protested its timing. The concert is scheduled during the trial of a doctor charged in Jackson's death.

The singer's estate is also not affiliated with the concert.

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Aguilera, Cee Lo to sing at Jackson tribute concert (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Motown veteran Smokey Robinson will perform at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Britain in October, organizers announced on Thursday.

Several of the brothers of the late King of Pop also will take the stage, as well as British acts Leona Lewis, Craig David and pop band JLS.

Promoters of the Michael Forever concert said other big names would be announced later for the October 8 event at a stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

"We're delighted that such exciting and globally recognized acts have joined the line-up to pay tribute to a music legend...We'll be adding more amazing headliners in the days to come," Chris Hunt, president of concert promoter Global Live Events, said in a statement.

The concert, which has the backing of Jackson's mother Katherine and the singer's siblings LaToya, Tito, Jackie and Marlon, will be broadcast around the world in both 2D and 3D on pay television and into movie theaters. Proceeds will go to AIDS and other charities.

Fans are asked to register in advance for tickets, starting on Thursday, and to pledge a donation to charity.

The tribute concert in October follows a failed attempt by Jermaine Jackson to organize a similar event in Vienna in 2009 shortly after Michael Jackson's death in Los Angeles on June 25 from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol.

The "Thriller" singer's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, doctor is due to go on trial in Los Angeles in September for involuntary manslaughter.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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