Michael Jackson

Okay, I admit it!

I watched the Michael Jackson Memorial yesterday, but mainly to see the incredible performances by so many big name stars.

Jennifer Hudson was just outstanding! Her performance gave me chills and further proved that American Idol viewers were wrong when they voted her off early in the season.

But there were several things that really bothered me!

While I strongly feel that a person is innocent until proven guilty and Jackson was cleared of all charges, the saint-like send off he was given was just too much. Of all the speakers, only Barry Gordy, MOTOWN President, briefly acknowledged Jackson's troubled past. Being Catholic, I would've sworn the other speakers were making their case for his sainthood. And if I were a Californian, I'd be even madder that the state funded the security...........shouldn't Jackson's estate be hit with a bill for it?

Jackson was a phenomenal entertainer, making many significant contributions to advancing the music industry, especially MTV. But come on -- calling him the best entertainer ever, the King of all entertainers. In my book he'll never own that title.

As any Baby Boomer knows, there's only one King.........and that's Elvis!

ICONIC Passings

FARRAH!
When I first heard of Farrah Fawcett's death yesterday, I was saddened as I felt she was courageous in sharing her journey of the past few years in fighting the big "C". It seems to me that most of the time when a star shares their personal experiences, it's nothing more than a self-serving attempt to gain some press time.

But a few weeks ago I watched her TV special and felt that she genuinely exposed her illness to help others. Stars also have that affect on people -- by sharing a personal illness sometimes more people will become proactive about their health care, get yearly health check-ups and perhaps, catch a major health issue sooner than later.


The King of Pop!
On the other hand, later in the day when I heard about Michael Jackson, at first I thought it was just a spoof. It didn't seem real; if couldn't be real........especially in light of his upcoming UK Tour. Like the rest of the world, I was truly shocked!

While he was cleared of his crimes in court, like most people I felt there was more to his odd behavior with and affection for little children. One can't help but wonder if the abuse and fear he suffered at the hands of his domineering, money-hungry father weren't the primary contributing factors in the creation of his obviously warped adult-lifestyle that centered around a Peter Pan-like environment. BUT Michael Jackson was cleared of those criminal charges, so I hate to see major networks like CNN and MSNBC re-hashing those cases

The emotionally-stilted, financially broke artist is dead. Give him a break!

Why can't the press concentrate on his music. No one can deny the major musical contributions he made and his generosity in helping others. For example, donating all the proceeds of "We are the World" to those in need in Africa.

While people will continue to say negative things about Jackson's personal life, he will always shine as the consumate performer who left his fans begging for more!