Last month we posed the question, “Does Katy Perry deserve to tie Michael Jackson’s chart record of five #1 singles from one album?” And Idolator readers sounded off by the thousands via our poll. (Er, don’t pop your retainer, Katy — the results weren’t exactly in your favor.) Regardless, “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” has now topped the Hot 100, Billboard reports today, and so Katy is now in pop history books alongside MJ. See just how our our poll panned out below!

In addition to Perry’s streak of Teenage Dream singles (”California Dreams,” “Teenage Dream,” “Firework,” “E.T.,” “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”) matching the chart-topping feat of Jackson’s five Bad jams (”I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Man In The Mirror,” “Dirty Diana”), she’s now the first female in the history of the chart to land as many #1s from a single album.

“Jackson notched his quintet of #1s from Bad over nine months and two weeks,” writes Billboard’s Gary Trust. “Perry’s five toppers from Dream spans one year, two months and one week.”

“Last Friday Night,” which had been lodged at #2 on the chart behind LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” got a big boost recently with the release of a Missy Elliot remix. (It accounted for 25% of the song’s sales last week.)

At any rate, you’ll see below how readers voted in a poll we posted in July — a whopping 90% felt Katy was undeserving of such a “bad” feat.

This year marks what would have been the 40th annversary of Michael Jackson’s career as a solo artist, and though MJ is no longer with us, we’ll still be able to celebrate in style. The Jackson family has announced a tribute show in honor of the King of Pop slated for this Fall. The concert, called Michael Forever, will be held October 8 at the 75,000-capacity Millennium Stadium in Wales.

Though no performers have been named yet, the show will feature artists Jackson admired. “When I was told some of the names of the artists performing, I knew it would be fit for a king,” said Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, at a press conference in Beverly Hills. She was joined by her sons Tito, Jackie and Marlon and daughter LaToya.

Missing from the press event were Michael’s brother Randy and Jermaine, who are not on board with the concert. In a statement, the two said, “While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael’s death. As everyone knows, those proceedings commence September 20.”

Janet Jackson was also not in attendance, though no reason was given for her absence.

The lineup will be announced on August 3. We bet Chris Brown is crossing his fingers for an invite.

We assumed that Michael Jackson’s children appearing on TV to talk about their father and how they’ve been coping since his death in June 2009 was a one-off thing with Oprah, at least for a few more years — but it appears that interviews with the media are becoming a semi-regular thing. Paris, Prince and Blanket, along with Michael’s mother Katherine, appeared on Good Morning America to discuss their lives without their father. Watch a preview below.


When Robin Roberts asked the Jackson children what they’d like to do, Paris echoed what she told Oprah — that she’d like to become an actress. “I’m thinking about auditioning for a play next week,” she says.

Prince’s goal was a bit more vague, but heartfelt: “Continue what our dad was doing.”

Being that it isn’t even yet the two-year anniversary of Jackson’s death, we’re a little iffy on why we’re being invited into their lives now. Besides, you know, ratings, since Jackson is just as popular — and profitable — as ever.

The full interview airs on Good Morning America tomorrow.

Dr Conrad Murray (Getty Images)Michael Jackson's personal physician - who has pleaded not guilty to the charges - is currently on $750,000 bail and Judge Michael Pastor ruled yesterday to bring forward proceedings to March 24th and allow television cameras to film the trial.

The judge has asked for the "absolute least intrusive placement" of TV cameras in the courtroom and sought detailed proposals from local news crews. However, he has banned them from filming jury selection.

Dr. Conrad Murray was hired as the singer’s personal doctor to prepare him for his planned  50-date comeback series of shows at London's O2 Arena in the summer of 2009 and the cardiologist is reportedly planning to argue Michael’s body failed him partly because he was "driven over the edge" by concert promoters to rehearse.

However, his lawyers are also expected to claim the singer administered the fatal dose of Propofol to himself when the physician was out of the room. Court testimonies at the preliminary hearing last month alleged Dr. Murray had not appeared to know how to correctly administer CPR, had tried to hide evidence of the medication he had been giving Michael and that by the time he called medics his client had already passed away.

The 57-year-old medic will face a maximum of four years in prison if he is convicted.

Not many artists can lay claim to collaborating with a legend before they’ve even gotten their feet wet, but they’re not Marsha Ambrosius. Ten years ago, the English songstress worked alongside Michael Jackson to create “Butterflies,” a hit single off the King of Pop’s Invincible album, and has fond memories from the once-in-a-lifetime experience.


The former Floetry member played a pivotal role in the song’s evolution, but she was just happy to be part of the process. “The original record I produced and wrote myself,” Marsha tells Rap-Up.com. “Andre Harris co-produced it with me. I worked with Michael Jackson on the record here in New York in March 2001. Wow, it’s 10 years later and my album is going to be out. I just did the math on that. It’s crazy.”

As a sign of appreciation to the late pop icon, Marsha offers a remixed version of “Butterflies” on her debut solo LP, Late Nights & Early Mornings. The 33-year-old is grateful for the memories, even years later.

“Getting the opportunity to work with the best who ever did it, on planet Earth, period, is just a blessing,” she shares. “For me, it was just paying my respects. For those who don’t know, I’ve worked with him, but I knew him outside of music. I knew him as a father, as a friend. It was me paying my respects back to him and just thanking him for doing something for me so early in my career I never expected. When I came in the industry at such an early age—for me, 20, 21—it was way early to take on as a businesswoman and having Michael Jackson be one of the first artists that you work with as a producer and a writer, I just think that’s a blessing.”

Though the public knew Jackson for being reserved and soft-spoken in interviews, behind studio doors he was anything but. “Michael Jackson was a practical joker,” reveals Marsha. “He was just funny. And his laugh just made you laugh. When we were in the studio, his engineer kept calling me a singing heifer. And [Michael] would tell the engineer, ‘You know a heifer is a cow, that’s a cow.’ I’ll never forget that. So I’ll always be Michael Jackson’s singing heifer.”

Marsha Ambrosius’ debut album Late Nights & Early Mornings arrives in stores March 1, featuring the singles “Hope She Cheats on You (With a Basketball Player)” and “Far Away.”

Janet Jackson was by her family’s side at the preliminary hearing for Dr. Conrad Murray, the man accused of killing her brother. The youngest Jackson put on a suit and tie, finishing the masculine look with slicked-back hair and sunglasses as she quickly entered the courthouse after her mother Katherine and sister La Toya.

As Michael Jackson’s personal physician tried in vain to revive him after a drug overdose, Jackson’s children Paris and Prince entered his bedroom, a former employee testified Wednesday.

"Paris screamed, 'Daddy,' and she started crying," Alberto Alvarez, a logistics director for Jackson, recalled as Janet Jackson, listening in the audience of the Los Angeles courtroom, shook her head and Jackson’s mother, Katherine, dabbed away tears.

Alvarez testified in the second day of the preliminary hearing in Los Angeles on an involuntary manslaughter charge against Dr. Conrad Murray. The judge will determine whether there's enough evidence for a trial for the 57-year-old doctor.

According to Alvarez, when Jackson's children appeared that day in June 2009, Murray shouted, "Get them out! Get them out! Don’t let them see their father like this."

At the time, Paris was 11 years old and Prince was 12. Jackson was on his back, his eyes and mouth open, as Murray gave chest compressions and attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Alvarez says. Jackson was later declared dead at the hospital at age 50.

Prosecutors began preliminary testimony Tuesday morning against Conrad Murray, the doctor accused of killing Michael Jackson by administering a lethal dose of a powerful sedative.

In a courtroom packed with Jackson family members, fans and reporters, prosecutors said that after Murray realized Jackson had stopped breathing, he waited between nine and 21 minutes before calling 911, while he covered up evidence that he improperly administered the powerful anesthetic Propofol to help Jackson sleep.

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren also said in opening statements that Murray withheld from paramedics and from doctors at UCLA Medical Center that he had administered Propofol at all.


"In the opinion of medical experts, there were a number of actions by Dr. Murray that showed an extreme deviation from the standard of care," Walgren said in court, where Kenny Ortega, the director of This Is It, also testified.

After approximately two weeks of testimony, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael E. Pastor will determine whether there's enough evidence against the cardiologist to order a jury trial – which could be another year off.

Prosecutors say they will argue that Murray acted with gross negligence when he administered a lethal amount of Propofol to Jackson on June 25, 2009. Murray's defense attorneys say they will use the hearing to try to better understand the prosecution's case.

If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Murray, 57, could get four years in prison and lose his medical license. Murray, who is being held on $75,000 bail, also faces a civil trial over a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Jackson family.

Neverland Ranch (Bauer Griffin)A total of six attractions from Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch amusement park are available via Butler Amusements, although one of them now has a permanent home at the California State Fair and Exposition in Sacramento.

The rides include the ‘Lolli Swing’ -- featuring a large clown at the center -- which can be rented for $5,000 and a ‘Balloon Samba’ ride with rental price starting at $8,500.

Other attractions include the ‘Dragon Wagon’ and the ‘Dinos/Jumping Jumbos’ -- both of which require one day to set up and can be temporarily acquired for $5,000.

Meanwhile, Howard Mann -- who is doing business with Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson-- has indicated the singer’s estate does not care about the fate of his three children.

Questioned about the suggestion the estate is more invested in its future than the kids and their guardian Katherine, Howard said: “I would ask if the estate has ever met those children, ever spoken to those children. To me it’s a farce that they care about what happens to those children.”

Howard was last week sent a cease and desist letter by executors of Michael’s estate who demanded he stop using his image to promote the ‘Jackson Secret Vault Lithographic Collection’ in California.

Michael Jackson (Getty Images)Two items from Michael Jackson's 'Bad' tour in the 1980s have sold in an auction: a fedora, which sold for $72,000, and a glove, which reached $330,000.

Additionally, a jacket signed by the "Thriller" hitmaker was bought for $96,000.

While the Michael Jackson collection -- featuring over 100 items from the star’s life and career including a custom-made costume for his friend and companion Bubbles the chimp -- took center stage at the auction in Beverly Hills, a number of other items generated huge interest at the sale.

Late Beatles legend John Lennon’s gold-braided military jacket, which was made famous in an iconic 1966 Life magazine photo shoot, reached $240,000, exceeding its estimated worth of $150,000.

An X-ray of Albert Einstein's brain went for $38,750, while a pair of Marilyn Monroe's empty prescription bottles sold for $18,750

Oprah’s interview with the King of Pop’s mother and children was heartbreaking to watch. “I don’t think I will ever be healed,” Katherine told the talk show host about trying to move on from her son’s death. “It will get better, but some days it’s like it just happened… It hurts. It really hurts.” Highlights from the interview below.


“I spoke to him about [drugs] once, when I had heard it, and he denied it,” Katherine said about being suspicious of her son’s relationship with drugs. “I was telling him I didn’t want to one day hear that he had overdosed because it would break my heart, it would kill me too. He kept saying he wasn’t, saying, ‘My own mother don’t believe me.’”

Joe Jackson joined Katherine for part of the interview, seemingly admitting that he did indeed beat his children. “It kept them out of jail, and I raised them right and they were good kids.”

Katherine — who is currently in the midst of suing This Is It concert promoter AEG Live — also discusses Michael’s various plastic surgeries and the times he stood on trial after being charged with child molestation. Jackson’s children, Paris, Prince Michael and Blanket, are also interviewed, sharing with Oprah how wonderful a cook their father was — “He made the best French Toast in the world,” exclaimed Paris, who adds that the thing she misses most about her father is “everything.”

Relaxed, smiling and playful – that's the image of Michael Jackson's three children captured in a candid photo taken during Oprah Winfrey's visit to the Jacksons' Encino, Calif., home last month.

Prince, 13, and Paris, 12, are seen smiling as Paris reaches out to Blanket, 8, who is curled up in a lawn chair in the backyard of the home, while Winfrey and the children's grandparents, Katherine and Joe Jackson, are seated across the table.

The talk-show host was there to interview Katherine about Michael's childhood, his career, his children and his legacy a year and a half after the pop legend's untimely death at age 50.

That interview is scheduled to air on The Oprah Winfrey Show Monday, Nov. 8.

Michael Jackson (Bauer Griffin)Michael Jackson passed away in June 2009, but that didn't stop him from earning $275 million since his death, putting him at the top of Forbes' list of the Top Earning Dead Celebrities.

Michael’s earnings were more than the other 12 people on the list combined, including Elvis Presley and John Lennon, thanks to the “shrewd negotiations” of his estate.

Forbes said: “Jackson’s posthumous earnings have been bolstered by shrewd negotiations by his estate, including a merchandising deal and the rights to his name and likeness for the Sony film This Is It, which grossed over a quarter of a billion dollars.”

Elvis came second in the list with earnings of $60 million, while Lord of the Rings writer J. R. R Tolkien was third with $50 million.

Discussing Elvis, who died in 1977, Forbes said: “His portfolio of more than 200 licensing and merchandise deals got a nice boost from the late star’s 75th birthday celebrations. Commemorative events included Graceland exhibits, touring tribute concerts and an Elvis-themed cruise to the Bahamas.”

Other deceased stars in the list of 13 include The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo author Stieg Larsson and scientist Albert Einstein.
 
Full list of Forbes Top Earning Dead Celebrities:
 
1. Michael Jackson - $275 million
2. Elvis Presley - $60 million
3. J. R. R. Tolkein - $50 million
4. Charles Schulz - $33 million
5. John Lennon - $17 million
6. Stieg Larsson - $15 million
7. Dr. Seuss - $11 million
8. Albert Einstein - $10 million
9. George Steinbrenner - $8 million
10. Richard Rogers - $7 million
11. Jimi Hendrix and Steve McQueen - $6 million each
12. Aaron Spelling - $5 million

Michael Jackson's life was destined to end early, according to Lisa Marie Presley – but she wishes she'd tried harder to save him.

"I know it's naive to think that I could've, but I wanted to," Presley said on The Oprah Winfrey Show Thursday, where she opened up about the death of her ex-husband. "Had I just said, 'How are you?' Can I try to make a phone call? I really… regret that I didn't."

Jackson died last year at age 50 from an overdose of the powerful sedative Propofol and had a history of prescription drug abuse.

Presley believes Jackson's "God-like" existence made it difficult for people to stand up to him about his dangerous habits.

"If he didn't want you around, if you were going to make him confront something he didn't want to confront, he could make you go away – including his own family," she said. "I think that was a train heading in a certain direction that no one could have stopped. I've had to really get my head around that in order to stop the pain."

She also recalled her last "coherent" conversation with Jackson, whom she married in 1994 and divorced soon after. "I was very distanced, and he was checking to get a read, you know?" she says of the chat in 2005. "He was trying to throw a line out to see if I would bite emotionally, and I wouldn't."

When he asked her if she loved him, "I told him I was indifferent," she says. "He didn't like that word. He cried."

He also said something chilling at the end of that call: "He felt that someone was going to try to kill him to get hold of his catalogue and his estate," she says, adding that Jackson named names but that she couldn't reveal them.

Presley, 42, lives in England with her guitarist husband Michael Lockwood. She has four children.

Michael Jackson (Getty Images)A basketball signed by the late King of Pop and former pro player Michael Jordan was originally estimated to be worth just $600 before an auction of celebrity memorabilia on Saturday, but it was bought for much more. 

The basketball was purchased for $245,000 by an unknown internet bidder, while another mystery fan paid $180,000 for a black crystal-studded glove and an arm brace the singer wore while filming a promotional video for his 1995 album HIStory.

A "Beat It" jacket was bought for $156,000 -- nearly 20 times more than its estimated value.

Also up for auction was a costume worn by Michael Keaton in Batman Returns, which fetched over $43,000, and a velvet ball gown once worn by the late Princess Diana, which was bought by a South American museum for $114,000.

In total, over 435 celebrity items were auctioned off, including a black lace bra once owned by Marilyn Monroe, a pair of Star Trek character Mr. Spock’s prosthetic ears, a pair of Bruce Lee’s shoes and a costume worn by Madonna on her Girlie Show tour.

At the age of three Austin Brown stepped on stage with mom Rebbie Jackson during her concert in Japan, took one look at the enormous crowd and hustled backstage. He certainly wasn't the spotlight-grabbing type of Jackson fans were used to.

Twenty-one years later, Brown has his stage fright in check, his dance moves polished and has released a new hand-clapping, bass heavy single "Target Practice," from his debut album 85.

A natural musician who plays guitar, keyboards, bass and drums, Brown, 24, grew up in Agoura Hills, Ca. where Uncle Michael coached him on his harmonies and Auntie Janet took him on drives and peppered him with advice.

Here are five things to know about the King of Pop's musical nephew.

1. He's a Pro at Gymnastics
With the desire to take his stage show to the next level, Brown started taking gymnastics classes about a year ago. "I told [producer] Rodney [Jerkins], 'I'm going to flip.' He was like, 'You're out of your mind.' So I started taking footage of it and I was like, 'Look I can do a back flip.' "

2. Alcohol Helps Him Hit the High Notes
His tune "All I Need" requires a heavy falsetto and to relax his pipes, Brown popped a bottle of wine. "I don't drink at all, but I'm like, "Get me some wine" and I loosened up."

3. Auntie Janet Is His Best Friend
"She is the person that I talk to the most in my family," he says. "She knows everything about me. If I couldn't tell my mom, I would tell her. She would take drives with me and talk to me like I was a normal person. When you're a kid it's cool to talk to a relative who doesn't look at you like a kid. She really took the time to spend with me and be a support system. I would call her about problems at school and she would give me sound advice. She's a great listener."

4. He Was a Bratty Little Brother
Big sisters Stacy and Yashi used to yell at him when he'd dig through their CD collection. "I would listen to their music like Depeche Mode, Eurythmics, Billy Idol and Tears for Fears, who I loved."

5. He Wants Rihanna to Remake His Mom's Hit
"I absolutely love [that song]," he says of "Centipede". "My uncle Michael wrote it and he and I talked about it years ago and he said it was one of his favorite songs that he ever worked on. I wish somebody would redo it, like Rihanna."

Click here to listen to Austin Brown's first single, the Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga) produced "Target Practice."

The Enduring Style of Michael Jackson

We knew more Michael Jackson music was on its way, but now we finally get some (somewhat) solid details—a collection of 10 previously unreleased songs recorded by Jackson throughout his career will drop this November, as part of his 10-project, $250 million deal. Possible tracks may include collaborations Jackson recorded with Ne-Yo, Akon and will.iam. (Both Akon and will.i.am also contributed tracks to Thriller 25.) Jackson allegedly has over 100 songs yet to be released, which means we could get one of these types of albums once a year for the next ten years. Count on it.We knew more Michael Jackson music was on its way, but now we finally get some (somewhat) solid details—a collection of 10 previously unreleased songs recorded by Jackson throughout his career will drop this November, as part of his 10-project, $250 million deal. Possible tracks may include collaborations Jackson recorded with Ne-Yo, Akon and will.iam. (Both Akon and will.i.am also contributed tracks to Thriller 25.) Jackson allegedly has over 100 songs yet to be released, which means we could get one of these types of albums once a year for the next ten years. Count on it.

Mocienne Petit Jackson and Michael Jackson. (TMZ.com)Even in death, it seems, Michael Jackson's legacy is continuing to grow. A woman claiming to be the love child of Michael Jackson has demanded a DNA test to prove he is her father.

Mocienne Petit Jackson has filed documents with the Los Angeles County Superior Court stating as she is the offspring of the late King of Pop she should receive an inheritance check following his death in June 2009.

According to gossip website TMZ, she alleges she was conceived in 1975 when the "Bad" singer impregnated her mother Barbara -- who she claims is the sister of soul singer Diana Ross -- when he was just 17 years old.

However, Mocienne claims an elaborate cover-up plot was then hatched by Michael’s mother,Katherine Jackson, so the world would never know about the singer’s indiscretion.

She claims when she was nine, Katherine decided to fake an “abduction” of her in the hope of protecting Michael’s reputation.

According to Mocienne -- who now lives in the Netherlands -- all seven of her supposed abductors were then murdered after taking her to Belgium.

The legal documents state the woman claims she has now been diagnosed with Vitiligo -- the same skin condition Michael suffered from -- and has launched court action to “formally claim part of her father’s inheritance”.

The superstar’s children -- Prince Michael, 13, Paris, 12, and eight-year-old Prince Michael II, known as "Blanket" -- have been in the custody of Katherine since their father passed away, but Mocienne is seeking to claim legal guardianship of them to give the kids “a more normal life”.

This is not the first love child mystery to have surfaced since the pop legend’s death.

In 2009, 25-year-old Norwegian dancer Omer Bhatti was rumoured to be his son, the result of a one night stand between his mother Pia and the ‘Billie Jean’ hitmaker in 1984.

Omer -- who lived at the singer’s Neverland ranch for several years -- later denied Michael was his biological father, but revealed the singer used to tell him he was "like a son" to him.

A year after their father's untimely death, Michael Jackson's children – Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8 – are living a relatively normal life and seem to be thriving, according to Michael's brother Jermaine.

"My mother [Katherine] raised nine kids, so she definitely knows how to raise them," Jermaine told our friends over at PEOPLE on Tuesday night at a dinner celebrating the fifth annual Children Uniting Nations conference in Washington, D.C.

The kids are getting to do things children should enjoy, says Jermaine, 55 – hanging out with their cousins, playing video games and going to see animated movies. "We have dinners at different homes," Jermaine says, and the families organize getaways together – including a trip to Hawaii around the first anniversary of Michael death last month.

As they grow older, it seems the love of entertainment is in their blood. "They love the film business, and they love being behind the scenes," Jermaine says. "Blanket loves to dance and sing. Prince and Paris love movies. They can tell you about directors and producers and all that stuff."

Jermaine, joined at the dinner by brother Randy, said family matriarch Katherine, who has full custody of her grandchildren, has been doing "a great job in keeping everybody together."

We are still in mourning, he says, but I sense Michael's presence in their lives. "I feel him everywhere," Jermaine says. "I know Michael's spirit is so much alive. He's guiding me ... us to just keep things going and keep things the way they're supposed to be."

Michael Jackson’s physician Dr. Conrad Murray hasn't been cleared of involuntary manslaughter charges in the star's death, but a judge yesterday said he can continue to practice medicine.

Michael Jackson (Getty)In a court hearing in Los Angeles yesterday, Judge Michael Pastor admitted he did not have the power to overturn the decision previously made by another judge.

He said: "I don't have ability to revisit the actions of one of my colleagues. I do not have jurisdiction to revisit this matter. It doesn't have anything to do with how I feel or what I think. It has to do with the law and this court's ability to follow the law."

Yesterday’s hearing was the fourth time attempts have been made by the office of California’s attorney general to suspend Murray’s medical license – which allows him to continue practicing as a doctor.

Members of Michael’s family – including his parents Joe and Katherine Jackson, brother Tito and sister La Toya – apparently gasped in disbelief when the doctor’s defence lawyer said taking his license from him would stop him helping people.

They also argued he needed to continue working to pay for his defense case, and told the judge he had no plans to practise in California. The 57-year-old medic is due in court for a preliminary hearing on August 23. If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, he faces up to four years in prison.