[nggallery id=18]
The concert that I thought would never happen DID happen and Jermaine Jackson did show up, despite his initial disgust. The Michael Jackson Forever Tribute concert took place tonight at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales and drew a large crowd including much of the Jackson clan. As you can see in the photos, Jackson’s kiddos were in fact there and they did speak.
Here are a list of performers who took to the stage for the concert: 3T, Alexandra Burke, Alien Ant Farm, Beyonce (on video), Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Craig David, Diversity, Gladys Knight, Jackson Brothers, JLS, Latoya Jackson, Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo, Pixie Lott and Smokey Robinson.
Prince (14), Paris (13), and Blanket (9) did get on stage to address the crowd in their Michael Jackson-esque fashion choices. Paris said, “We’re very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father.”
But the night didn’t go off without a hitch as fan protesters surrounded the venue display their disgust. However Jermaine said, “They (the fans) have the right to (protest). I think they have the right to do whatever they feel, but we’re celebrating the positive side of our brother’s life. We know our brother better than anybody else and he would love that we are doing this for him and remembering him in that way.”
Ne-Yo was the first artist to hit the stage to perform “Billie Jean” and “The Lady In My Life”. Ne-Yo also said, “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.”
ONe surprise of the show was when Latoya took the stage to perform for the first time in twenty years. La Toya told Reuters, “I had absolutely no intention of performing. I was hesitant about this and at the last minute I said you have to do it for him … and I did, so I’m happy that I did. It’s worth honoring him this way.”
So what was the atmosphere of the concert like last night? When people left the venue, some were thrilled but some were less than impressed as some of the songs seemed to be “under-rehearsed”.
Images via Wireimage.com
