Gathering together to remember the man who changed music forever, a star-studded lineup took over the stage at the “Michael Forever” Tribute Concert in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday night (October 8).
Held as a commemoration of Michael Jackson , the Millennium Stadium venue was packed with 50,000 attendees as Jamie Foxx and Fearne Cotton tended to co-hosting duties.
Drawing the loudest applause of the night were the King of Pop’s three children, as Paris, Prince and Blanket stood in front of the crowd clad in MJ-esque attire.
Speaking only briefly, 13-year-old Paris said to those who came out for the show, “We’re very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father.”
With performances by the likes of Leona Lewis, Christina Aguilera, Ne-Yo, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Cee Lo Green and Jackson family members including La Toya, Tito, Marlon and Jackie, Mr Foxx announced prior to the onset of the festivities, “Tonight is a history lesson. We’re going to cover five decades of greatness.”
Meanwhile, Smokey was happy to bring Michael’s music back to the forefront rather than the headline-dominating trial of Dr Conrad Murray, as he said, “This is a great counter-act to that. And it gives people something happy to do, rather than thinking about what’s going on in the trial.”
Ne-Yo added, “It’s not about the controversy. It’s not about the trial. It’s not about his death. It’s about celebrating his life. It’s about celebrating his music.”
Tending to final preparations earlier in the day, Michael Jackson’s siblings could be seen rehearsing ahead of the “Michael Forever” tribute concert.
Joining Tito, Marlon, Jackie, and La Toya Jackson for the last of the onstage run-throughs were Michael’s three children, Paris, Blanket and Prince.
Of the festivities honoring her late son, Katherine Jackson posted a message on the “Michael Forever” website which read, “I am greatly honored with much appreciation toward the generosity that Global Live Events has shown by planning this tribute event on behalf of my late son, Michael.
“Michael gave his entire life to the world through his love, his music and his devotion to healing the planet. It is with great gratitude for me to give my complete blessing and full support to what I consider to be the one and only Official Michael Jackson Tribute Concert. The event, “Michael Forever -The Tribute Concert,” will be held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on October 8, 2011.
“I will be there along with as many members of my family that are available. I am positive that this event will be an event great enough in scale, talent and imagination to form a worthy celebration of Michael’s life. It is intended to be the biggest, and the best concert event in the world for many years to come. This is how Michael would have wanted it and I am sure it will be exactly that.
“Thank you WORLD for your LOVE and SUPPORT! I’ll see you on October 8th, 2011!”
Pictures from the “Michael Forever” Tribute Concert: PHOTO GALLERY
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