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For a brief but heady moment it seemed that Michael Jackson might behave like a normal human being.
The superstar was making his comeback at the World Music Awards at Earls Court - the first time he has performed in Britain for a decade.
See more pictures from the World Music Awards here
Then he walked on stage ... and his much-vaunted reappearance turned into an embarrassing disaster. His entire performance consisted of one mangled line, several missed high notes and an exit to a chorus of boos from the audience.
"I love you," he told them - although whether the feeling was reciprocated is open to question.
The crowd had been expecting Jackson - making a rare public appearance since his acquittal on child abuse charges - to recreate the video from his Eighties hit Thriller. But the song was performed by American R&B star Chris Brown.
So far, so forgivable. Then Beyoncé gave a speech in his honour so over the top that it probably deserved an award of its own. Presenting him with a diamond award for selling more than 100 million records, she said: "If it wasn't for Michael Jackson I would never have performed. He's made such a big impact on my life and on every performer's life. Michael Jackson, we love you. Congratulations to the King of Pop."
Jackson replied: "I am greatly humbled by this award. It was my dream that Thriller would be the biggestselling album ever ... and God has answered my prayers."
Then it was time for probably the strangest spectacle to occur at a British awards ceremony since Jarvis Cocker invaded the stage during Jackson's performance at the Brit Awards in 1996. An overexcited teenage choir appeared, and the original recording of 1985 charity hit, We Are The World, struck up. Halfway through, Jackson appeared. After a minute, he picked up a microphone and sang one line, not particularly well. As kids leapt frantically around him, he attempted to deliver another, but had to stop as the song faded out. That was it: exit to boos.
Later on, Jackson's new London friend, Topshop boss Sir Philip Green had difficulties getting past bouncers at the after show party.
Reader views (7)
He used to be a brilliant perfomer...
- Daisey, USA, 16/11/2006 21:31
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Michael Jackson never said he was going to perform at the Music Awards. He never billed it as a spectacular comeback or say anything about being involved in a Thriller tribute. The press talked it up and now Jackson looks like the bad guy.
The Organisers of the event messed up big time and it was only Michael Jackson's presence that saved the show from being an utter flop.
Bring on his new album, the man isn't finished yet.
- Jack Calvert, London, England, 16/11/2006 16:38
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Clearly he is not a well man. Bit of a screw loose somewhere me thinks.
- Cw, London, 16/11/2006 13:04
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Mchael Jackson was a multi-talented performer for many years. It is tragic that he has no one whose advice he respects who could gently tell him that his forty years of fame and creativity are over and that the best thing he could do is retire and live off his royalties.
Unfortunately, the greedy entourage want to squeeze a few more golden eggs from the goose, but it is doubtful that they will succeed.
This poor sick man is washed up. Someone should tell him, gently, and perhaps he could open a school and teach new singers...
- Simon Cooper, London, England, 16/11/2006 13:03
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Hilarious! How so many people can want to go and see a freak like him after so much of his disgraceful history and lifestyle has come to light is beyond me. Did they really expect a couple of hours of dedicated musical entertainment? If his "fans" refuse to take off their blinkers that's their choice but it only provides amusement for the rest of us.
- Gordon, Rowley Regis, England, 16/11/2006 12:27
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Jackson on stage surrounded by kids? How perverse!
- Petefergie, Bristol. UK, 16/11/2006 10:32
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Despite being a big fan of MJ it is now becoming clear that he is uninterested in really making/recreating his former sounds. The mushy sounds of his recent efforts from Invincible, plus this unforgiveable live "effort" from last night just confirm he prefers the celebrity status and the lifestyle and adoration which comes from being the former king of pop. A sad day. Can't really hype up his new album next year... in fact, what ever happened to the "Katrina" single?!
- Dominic John, London, 16/11/2006 10:10
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