Grammys don't need Michael Jackson

There is one question that will dominate the pre-Grammy discussion over the next week-and-a- half:

Will Michael Jackson appear on the telecast, or won't he?

Two days after the Feb. 10 awards, Sony's Legacy Recordings will release the 25th anniversary of "Thriller."

You can bet the mystery surrounding Jacko's rumored appearance will drum up more hype for the release (witness this posting), which will certainly boost CBS ratings thanks to those curious to see what state Jackson is in. That's why I'm not expecting a firm answer anytime soon.

But here's hoping he's not in the Staples Center next weekend. For one, if he is, every other artist and performance will be overshadowed by talk of what Jackson will/or won't do, and what he will look like. And besides, the Grammys should honor the past year in music, not help sell a re-issue for Sony.

But more important, Jackson has already received a better tribute than the Grammys can provide. It came by way of Chicago rapper Rhymefest, who, along with Grammy-nominated producer Mark Ronson (Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse), has crafted a Jackson "dedication album," which takes inspiration from Jackson's work to create compelling new songs. I first learned about the project, dubbed "Man in the Mirror," via the blog of the Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot, and I haven't been able to stop listening since I downloaded it on Friday.

And speaking of downloading, one should head to the official Web site of Ronson's Allido Recordings (a label affiliated with Sony) or Rhymefest's MySpace page to download the project now. It's free, and these kind of unlicensed remixes have a tendency to disappear  suddenly.

But Rhmyefest is able to do what major label marketing firms have failed at doing, and that's trim Jackson of the tabloid drama and bring the focus back to his music. Rhymefest sets out right away to humanize Jackson, and bring him down to earth, portraying him as a simple man from Gary, Ind., one who still has the power to unite a desperate community (see "Mike the Mentor"). He also inter-splices the album with brief, but always humorous, "conversations" with Jackson, in which Rhymefest's inserts himself into dialogue from Jackson interviews.

It's a tribute to a hero, but also a call to action. The 25th anniversary of "Thriller" comes bloated with extra tracks and remixes from will.i.am., Kanye West, Akon and Fergie, a disjointed smattering of superstars rather than a cohesive collection (as Rhymefest writes on his MySpace page, "As a fan, I expected a bit more"). By contrast, Rhymefest and Ronson have created a seamless offering, in which the rapper and the King of Pop play give-and-take with Jackson's songs of yore.

"Can't Make It" opens with a sample of "You Can't Win," and swipes and spices funk sounds over bombastic beats, mixing hip-hop dreams with a working-class reality. Rhymefest re-imagines "Dancing Machine" as a sparse club tune, and Rhymefest dramatically dances around a young Jackson covering "Ain't No Sunshine," re-crafting it as a song about tortured aspirations.

Rhymefest has more fun with Jackson's "Break of Dawn," turning it into the sly and soulful "Breakadawn," in which he wonders what Jackson's share of the Beatles catalog is worth. "Don't Let Your Baby Catch You" becomes the playful "Foolin' Around," and the title track brings it to a show-stopping close, with Rhymefest asking what he's done to lose the trust of his own mother.

After listening to "Man in the Mirror," it's clear there's only one Jackson Grammy pairing worth hearing: Jackson & Rhymefest, a duo that would probably make CBS suits cringe.

(Photo courtesy rhymefest.com)

Comments

[Y'AAAAALLLLLLLL]

wacko's a has been, does not belong there, has not done anything worthy since he accused mottola of being devilish, and that charade stunk too, shine the light on new and good artist, we don't need a pedophile strutting his stuff and leave us wondering whether or not his nose will fall off or any other appendage for that matter, don't celebrate the old, ring in the new!

[Frankie R.]

Jacko Wacko's music is very much passe now...he's not all that thrilling anymore...plus Michael wannabes like Chris Brown & Usher to fill in...

[Cathy T]

Hopefully Michael Jackson will appear and even perform at the Grammys, that way people will actually watch it! The music today is just not good at all! We need The King Of Pop to make music exciting and innovative again! I haven't watched the Grammys since the last time Michael was on them but I'll definitely be watching this year!

To the first answerer: Please tell me that you don't actually believe those ridiculous allegations that were made against MJ by those gold diggers!

[dustin]

why did u bleach ur skin. and people say u like little boys is that true??????????????

[Amanda]

Shut up fools what do you know?? 'Michael is passe' GO AND SIT DOWN, PLEASE. The music scene is what it is today BECAUSE of Michael Jackson. He is well respected by fellow artists and his fans all around the world.

Listen to yourselves people like you give me joke - since when has anyone's nose fallen off. What kind of a stupid statement is that, so he had a nose job - GET OVER IT ALREADY. I am sure we could cuss you down just as bad on your looks.

Perhaps you should try finding out the TRUTH before labling anyone a paedophile. For your info that boy claimed MJ molested him AFTER the 'Living with MJ' program was shown. So that makes a whole lot of sense doesn't it - while the whole world is thinking what's going on with Mike and kids he decides it's a good time to molest the boy in the video - YEAH RIGHT!!

[JozieLee]

Love him or hate him for his personal frailties Michael Jackson has composed some of the most beautiful music ever written. Thus he should be invited to this or any other Grammy award ceremony. He's part of musical history and should be respected and honored for his contributions.

[antoinemarionette]

When Usher and Chris can spin around at 20 mph, 8 times, fall on their knees and sing like an angel, I'll certainly be willing to compare them. Until then, there is only one incomparable, magnificent, beautiful, elegant, graceful, mega-talented artist that all other recording artist should admire and emulate: Michael Jackson. He's got the largest fan base on earth, for any artist. He's sold more music than any artist and for those who do not love him, at least have the human decency to show respect for one of the greatest humanitarians this world has known.

[simom]

MIchael Jackson has never been convicted of child molestation!
He could have paid that last gold digger out but chose to take it to court.

[R.J.]

Although I do not like the fact Michael Jackson bought the rights to the Beatles he would never molest a child.

MJJ is one of the last great musicians along with Paul McCartney, Ringo Star, and Billy Joel. As Jackson said himself on a magazine interview, "Todays generation just doesn't know music".

[Srini]

Forget about his personal history. But his contributions respected by billions around this world. He is still king of pop...God bless him.

[Helena]

Yeah it's been pretty much confirmed the recent allegations were a crock of crap by people trying to get in his pockets so that's not even an issue with me.

I do have problems with people comparing the official remake to an unofficial one and acting like one's better than the other. Hello! They're all his music, his influence and the love people have for him and his different creations.

[Adam B.]

Its funny that you guys waste a lot of your energy hating, someone that has always gave tons of money to charity and has never said a bad thing about anybody.

What every one is missing is the facts.
Fact:
Michael has sold more records than any other male artist.
Every year his thriller album sell thousands.
He has won countless Grammys.
He has given all shows including Ophra the highest rating, EVER.
The list goes on!
He is a true artist and the Grammys is were he belongs.

[casper]

"why did u bleach ur skin".....what is that suppose to mean, your being ignorant to the entire community of people who have vitiligo, and should be ashamed of yurself.

[Joseph]

I hope michael is at this years grammys. To say he is no longer "thriling" is a joke. Look at todays current songs "just fine" and "please don't stop the music" BOTH sample michaels magic. As Pharrell said....michael jackson can be 95 years old and moonwalking at one mile an hour and the world will still have its eyes watching every momment...

[DB]

Michael Jackson was just as guilty as O.J. But slick lawyers got both of them off. And he's become a "sponge," living off one rich person after another. He needs to get a real job, and forget about doing music ever again. He had his day, and it's so over.

[Ted]

I am enjoying the quotes from the insane people defending Jackson's wacky lifestyle. Sure, defend his music - that's fine - we all enjoy it. But his crazy behavior has turned him into a walking sideshow. Vitiligo? Are you serious? The man bleached his skin because he was sadly ashamed of being black. Yeah, there's someone the black community should be proud to rally around.

[Anthony]

Everytime a Michael Jackson story comes up, all these haters crowd around like a bunch of try hard bullies, Jackson never molested children; if so why would the jury give 10 straight not guilty?

Ted i think you should think before you talk/write/type whatever, MJ never bleached his skin it's a disease called VITILIGO! get it through your thick head, the man even said it on th Oprah Winfrey show; heres a little something from Wikipedia and the show i actually watched:

Appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1993, Jackson addressed the rumors claiming that the change in his skin color was due to the disease vitiligo. In the interview, Jackson became emotional, saying that: "I'm a black American, I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity... I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin, it's something that I cannot help, OK? But when people make up stories that I don't want to be what I am it hurts me... It's a problem for me that I can't control."

If you cant understand that, then i dont know what will.

Leave the poor guy alone and show him some respect, i hope he turns up at the grammies, ill do anything to watch it.

MJ
King Of Pop

[Jessica]

For one thing, Michael Jackson was aquitted of all charges because there was lack of evidence, the mother of the accuser had a history of false alligations so she's known to extort money, and because he just didn't do it. You people who are bashing MJ needs to back off and leave him alone. He didn't bleach his skin, he had a skind condition that caused his skin to lighten. Instead of looking at MJ for who he really is, some people go by what the media says which is way off. He is very talented, sweet, down to earth, and I know he will make an appearance at the Grammys. I hope he's there. Just so you judgmental people know, there will not, and never will be another Michael Jackson. He is the legend, great and the one and only King of Pop!

Go Michael!!!

[Ray]

I just wants to say one thing here. You walk in to some remote Asian village, ask around if anybody heard of Usher, 50 Cents, or Elvis for that matter, you will surely get a big NO for answer. Ask about Michael Jackson...I am sure that some one will be able to do a dance move or two for you. That is the Michael Jackson as the world knows him. People around the world know him for the multi-talented artist he is. I honestly don’t believe that any harm can ever come to his fame as an international superstar . So why the grudge folks, if he is going to make more music, lets hear it and let the world be the judge of it.

[Cathy]

Actually Michael Jackson really does have Vitiligo, do some research and get the facts! It is ridiculous to think that it's possible to bleach your skin, pour some bleach on your skin and see what happens! Michael is a very proud African-American man! Haters who are completely ignorant to the facts and just believe what the media tells them are the ones who are insane!

[Julio]

I'd better say " Jackson doesn't need Grammys"....non artist has won more Grammies than him...

[friend]

I am looking for Michael Jackson at the Grammy's! and the Superbowl. I usually don't watch either, but will be watching both this year. BET is also doing an award next month. He's so busy now, i've got to get a day planner just to keep track. I haven't seen him since last year's awards shows for WMA and the Japan MTV awards, so I cannot wait to see him. DVRing it all so I can keep it. Don't worry too much over the ignorant, ya'll. Places like this are the only place where they can feel any glory, and come the night of the Grammy's, the SuperBowl, the BET Awards and all the rest, you can bet their you know what's will be plunked down in front of their tv's watching it too. Even the haters can't resist watching. For those of us who are actually informed, and don't live off the tabloid feedmill, it's a time of celebration :) Peace to all.

[yuna]

As what the article said. Michael Jackson has already received better tribute that the grammys can provide. He received countless awards. As far as i know he just received Life time achievement awards from NRJ in France this January 2008. He acquitted in 2005 on all accounts. Why are you still bashing him? In America Michael's Album got the lowest selling rate compared to other countries. Is it because of the allegations? well, are they having doubt about their own justice system? In Michael's case there's no evidences at all compared to OJ's. people should stop comparing about the two cases. Regarding skin color, if he bleached his skin i think there are also other afro people who bleached their skins too if it is possible to get white in bleaching. And why Michael hadn't stop bleaching his skin in early 90s? when his skin appeared perfectly white as white as normal white person? stupid. use your brain people. there are lots of evidences that he has vitiligo and discoid lupus. Don't stay ignorant go and get yourselves informed. If you think Michael has lost abit of direction in his personal life, maybe there's reasons behind it that we really don't know. But, of course people will surely make up story about it. Most specially those who don't understand individual psychology. Michael Jackson's music is what the new generation must have to listen. I'm 17 years old but i still love Michael Jackson's music. My Parents are not Michael's fans so, nobody had influenced me to like the music of Michael jackson. It's the music of Michael that compelled me to love him as an artist.

[yuna]

As what the article said. Michael Jackson has already received better tribute that the grammys can provide. He received countless awards. As far as i know he just received Life time achievement awards from NRJ in France this January 2008. He acquitted in 2005 on all accounts. Why are you still bashing him? In America Michael's Album got the lowest selling rate compared to other countries. Is it because of the allegations? well, are they having doubt about their own justice system? In Michael's case there's no evidences at all compared to OJ's. people should stop comparing about the two cases. Regarding skin color, if he bleached his skin i think there are also other afro people who bleached their skins too if it is possible to get white in bleaching. And why Michael hadn't stop bleaching his skin in early 90s? when his skin appeared perfectly white as white as normal white person? stupid. use your brain people. there are lots of evidences that he has vitiligo and discoid lupus. Don't stay ignorant go and get yourselves informed. If you think Michael has lost abit of direction in his personal life, maybe there's reasons behind it that we really don't know. But, of course people will surely make up story about it. Most specially those who don't understand individual psychology. Michael Jackson's music is what the new generation must have to listen. I'm 17 years old but i still love Michael Jackson's music. My Parents are not Michael's fans so, nobody had influenced me to like the music of Michael jackson. It's the music of Michael that compelled me to love him as an artist.

[friend]

edit on my comment, of course i've watched the video captures of NRJ and saw him on the covers of all those magazines of late. i just meant i havent seen him like live, even tho Superbowl's info atm is for the TV spot alone (which i can't wait to see :) i am keeping my hopes up for something unexpected at the half-time show. wishes on a star....

[the one]

I think he should make a come back! It has never been proven that he's done something wrong to children or anyone for that matter. Anyone who says otherwise is a liar. Guilt is a matter of fact and not oppinion and in a court of laws he was more proven to be innocent rather than guilty. So go Michael and do your thing. It is none of these peoples business what you do. They don't pay for the grammy's. You can go perform where ever you want, everybody else will have to grin and bear it!!!

[juan]

mj is the most influential pop act ever and everyone today sees him as a mentor.having him appear may actually make the grammy's watchable again and is a dream for les moonves. but mj should dance if he wants to get back the good headlines and not just wave and accept honors....

[Jacksonaction.com]

aaaaaaaaaaaaa-- he shows up he he wants to.

[Ryan]

The only time the grammy's have ever been worth watching is when Michael Jackson performs. I'm tired of seeing all of these wanna be MJ SINGERS -TRY to copy his performences. It will be refreshing to see MJ back on stage doing what no one else can do.
Anyone not objective enough to see his talent should go by a Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, Ne-yo, Usher....Should I keep going cd and pretend that those wanna be clones could come close to someone who has been crafting his talent since he was born.

[LoveZilla]

The Grammys?
Mr. Jackson?
Both, relicts of a once vibrant industry, and
both, major contributors
to its demise.

[MJJ]

Michael is the best entertainer the world has ever seen. His music is timeless. We really need to see him at the Grammys. None of us saw him molesting anyone. I trust the jury and the justice system. Michael is innocent until proven guilty. So stop defaming him and stop treating him like a criminal.

[MeYou]

Anyone who actually believes that Michael Jackson and his music are things of the past, clearly does not pay attention to ALL of the popular artists of today who continue to sample, cover, and mimic Michael Jackson's mannerisms and music. Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Usher, Beyonce, Ne-Yo, none of these people would be who they are today were it not for their admitted influence by Michael. The only time award shows are worth watching is when Michael Jackson is at them. The music industry is in a slump, they NEED Michael Jackson to bring back the timeless classics. He is the most influential and creative genius of our time... A living legend who's about to take over 2008.

[joel]

Michael Jackson is still the King and that is why the best in music have participated in tributes to him in the past and also why his remixed singles are featuring kanye, fergie, and akon.

[Tom]

HELLOOOOOO people!!!!!!!!!!!
What is this "he bleached his skin" thing???????????
Jesus..... I will never understand how is it that so many people seem to be so illiterate! We are in the year 2008 so u should have acces to something called ... INTERNET. So u really don't have to study medicine (but u can sure ask any dermatologist student or doctor) to know that THERE IS NO SUCH MEDICAL INTERVENTION (SURGERY OR BY MEDICATION) FOR A BLACK MAN TO TURN WHITE INVENTED YET!!! Translation: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THAT. That is now, in the year 2008. There are only some british researchers who no more than 2 years ago thought (unconfirmed yet scientifical) that there is a possibility that they found a possible way ONLY for some sort of pigmentatin (not depigmentation) treatment, in order to help vittiligo patiences. It is still unconfirmed, and untested on humans. So, more than 20 yrs ago, when Michael started became white, it sure was impossible also. That is, of course, unless u think that he had some kind of an Einstein doctor that invented that thing more than 20 yrs ago just for MJ and he kept it secret, refusing a posible Nobel prise for medicine and world fame and richness, also just for Michael. Yeah, right, probably aliens kidnapped that doctor, sure. The only possibility for a black person to become white completely and for ever is to have vittiligo on large scale, and then have all sorts of treatments for the small black parts left to depigment. But he can't have that disease, because he's Michael Jackson, right? No, for him is more credible that alien story.... Jesus, guys, start reading at least one book a year, would u?

[MP]

Michael is the greatest artist alive and thats a fact, now to the haters I'll give you an advice, THE MJ FANS are ALL OVER THE PLANET; EVERYONE KNOWS MICHAEL; blame that to his trademarks, and his tremendous talernt, so hateres relax, YOU WONT BECAUSE YOU CANT BRING MICHAEL JACKSON DOWN, HE IS more than just a human, HE'S a GENIUS

[Taryn]

Mike is still the greatest...

[Judith]

Can't wait for the new single and the Thriller 25 album. I only got into MJ music last year - and I'm in my 40s. I can't believe I wasn't a huge fan before. His music is amazing - energising; uplifting; angry; powerful...his dance moves are breathtaking and overall, his artistry is awesome.
HIs personal life from 1993 - 2005 has been messy to say the least but having read the interview with him in Ebony (Dec 07) he sounded pretty okay to me.
Rediscovering and discvering his music has given me the boost I needed. Learning about Michael Jackson's past, his influences etc has led me to return to uni (part-time) to study Black American showmen. It's true. He's a genius.

[BobbyClark]

Hi,
I'm quite disappointed about what I'm hearing and listen from this New Thriller Mix tape...Mike should do better..That's why wee've decided to dedicated our own song influenced by him. visit our website or on youtube. http://youtube.com/bantunani

If there's any Producer there or a Free Label..

[Spamacus]

As if the Grammy's weren't bad enough, now they're thinking about bringing back disco? Wacko, like the Village People, is a chapter of music better left in the distant past. The really sad part is that the Grammy's, which are ostensibly about music, has gotten so far off track that they feel they have to put on a freak show to get ratings. Maybe if they tried focusing on music and laid off showcasing schmaltzy 'pop' stars, ratings would increase. Here's to hoping the Grammy's, much like Michael jackson's nose, go the way of the buffalo and are replaced with something akin to a genuine reward for quality music.

[Ben]

Michael Jackson should stop lying about those sperm bank kids. If he thinks people are THAT stupid then he is more stupid then we think.

[Tamara]

It,s articles like this that tries to bring MJ down.If You dont like MJ then you ignore him that dosnt mean everone else has to.He was never proven guilty in an obvious extortrion attempts,who cares what he looks like its about the music. Britney is the true freak show.

[vince]

wow..nice to see fans outnumber haters in the comment section for a change. go MJ! and as for the imbesil who said that MJ contributes to the music industry's demise....you're right. the regular music industry has fallen short of MJ's abilities, and is falling apart as a result. however, the new music industry, whose name is Michael Jackson, is thriving like nothing before it, in history.

[BREANNE]

MICHAEL JACKSON IS FOREVER.

MUSIC WILL ALWAYS NEED MICHAEL

END.

[anna]

MJ is innocent and was acquitted for all the charges. People cannot bleach skin; it is not physically and chemically possible. MJ has vitiligo and puts on make up so that he doesn't resemble a calico cat. Regardless, MJ IS THE KING OF POP! Now, everyone just copies his dance moves, pop voice, stage presence, etc. People seem to forget that MJ changed the course of music.

[BoShango]

The poster who questioned why the Grammy's are trying to re-introduce disco hit it right on the head. When Quincy Jones put together the Thriller album 25 years ago, and gave it to Michael jackson to make mouth noises over, it was actually something that would sell. That was 25 years ago, and bubble-gum doesn't stay fresh nearly that long. Now the televised portion of the Grammy's have sunk so low they may air rehashed Jackson tunes for shock value. The fact is, even if his music shows up, Jackson won't, he did his best to bow out of the WMA's, and when he was pushed into it, the (small) audience saw just what a sad spectacle Jackson is these days. Sure, once upon a time he could dance. So could M. C. Hammer. Maybe if Hammer had repeatedly been associated with child molestation, drug abuse, and the rest of the package that is Jackson, we'd be hearing 'Too Legit to Quit' at this year's Grammy's. Here's a clue for the Grammy producers: Televise the part of the Grammy's you currently don't show, and cut out all the rap and bubble-gum. The Grammy's are basically unwatchable in their current form, which is why you have to go for shock value. Showcasing someone just because they are controversial seems more appropriate for Enterainment Tonight or the Weekly World Star. The motive here is transparent. Jackson's albums don't sell, he can't get the insurance to back a tour(even if he could physically withstand one), and an entire generation now knows him only for his bizarre antics. Associating your product with someone like Jackson could only be a PR nightmare. Or maybe Jackson can perform his 9/11 or Katrina charity songs, the ones he promised several times....oh wait, that's right, just like all his other charity organizations that never saw the light of day, neither did those songs. So what's left: 25 year old diso. Is this really what you want to put on the air? Unless Jackson shows up on the TV himself so people can point and laugh, that's going to go over like a lead balloon. And if he *does* show up, I bet the negative feedback will come on like a tidal wave. Disco is dead. Let it Rest In Peace.

[daz]

michael is tha king of music, hes simply tha best and after thriller 25 he is bringin his new album out which he has been workin on for a few years nw.. ment to b tha best! cant wait! and any awards show would be a million times better with jackson ther..

[Connely]

Jackson will not show up unless he is being paid. That is unlikely due to nervous sponsors. If he does show, he will of course be wearing sunglasses to hide his eyes. He does not want people looking into his eyes because he is too embarassed about his past and fears others will see his obvious guilt.
His last hope is to come clean about his past and to risk that people are willing to forgive him. But that is one very risky gamble because most adults find the crime(s)which he was accused, totally abhorrent.

[FrankieR.]

I think you all need to read Grammy Producer Ken Ehrlich's book AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO.. to get a slight glimpse of MIchael's eccentricities...not all very flattering really...If Michael does show up for the Grammys then let him be a presenter or just sit there and look like an oddity/museum piece...It's the 50th anniversary and he should be a part of it..even though he's not musically all that thrilling anymore...face it people Michael is old!...

[Z_tahir1]

Who cares about his personal life, tons of your favorite hip hop songs wouldn't be around today if it wasn't for this mans influence. Michael Jackson is still alive, has a record coming out, and is the BEST musician. He's better than Elvis, James Brown, Usher, you name it. In his 25 years since Thriller, NO artist has outdone what he has, so much good music in just one album, so many good songs in one life time! The dances, etc., The Grammy could use Michael Jackson, he's quite the entertainer and performer. He's aged but he's still the best around.

Michael should show up. It would make the show even better.

[Terence+]

Well if Michael can still overshadow other performers after not having new material out in awhile then what does that tell you? It`s evidence that he`s still the biggest entertainer bar none. Just think about it he hasn`t made a comittment one way or the other, yet a week and a half before the awards he`s utterly dominating the show without having sang a single note. Talk about star power. Frankly I don`t think he will perform and may not even appear. If that turns out to be the case then all the other performers can breath a sigh of relief. Relief indeed because if he does perform it will no doubt be the highlight of the show, because last I checked no one can compete with him when it comes to performing. He`s the greatest showman alive. Wouldn`t you just feel sorry for the poor soul who would have the great honor of following his performance should he perform? Let`s face it, everything after would never match his performance. Ah they`re shaking in their boots.

P.S. To FrankieR: Michael doesn`t present awards, and second don`t we all want to live to get old? By the way last I checked 49 isn`t old..

[Yuna]

The Charity single has never been released. that's true. The reason why Michael chose not to release it because there were others who wanted to have it and use it politically. I forgot where exactly i got this article. All i had done was search for raymone bain statement. then, i was able to read thios thing about Katrin charity single. Oh my God! Why people of today are so judge mental I just don't know.

[Frankie R.]

Terence,
"Michael doesn't present awards"...Whaaaaattt??? Is Michael too superior to present awards?? All the more reason then he should just sit there in the audience and have everyone watch closely to see if his whole face will fall apart starting with his nose...and btw 49 going 50+...newsflash, dear, you're getting old...nothing wrong with that...I'm 45...but Michael sure ain't gonna age pretty...He's scary looking as it is...Yes, he's talented and has given us many years of wonderful music with his brothers and solo...but he's become a parody of himself and an oddity and the butt of many jokes and that's not a good thing...So whether he's at the Grammys or not...makes no difference...I'd rather focus on the music and not on Michael...

[Burimi]

I just see that some people around here envy him.Don't waste ur time go and sleep by saying "Yes he is the greatest musician in the world"

[Julie]

I heard Little Richard was going to be there too. Now that would really be something, Little Richard, AND Michael Jackson. REAL MUSIC. Now all we need is a David Ruffin Tribute, and the Grammy's will be WORTH WATCHING!

[Thiruvasakan Paramasivan]

I don't know why there are always a bunch of jokers who want to mock at MJ. Leave that guy aside,, Let him be alone and bring some good music to this world one more time, one last time at least. if you don't want to listen to his music or if you don't want to see his music comeback, its OK.. You have every right to reject his songs for whatever pre-concieved notions you have.

But whats the point in discussing all the disgusting stuff, which noone wants to hear??

MJ's fan or not, is not the question here, we look forward to see somebody whether a Music Fan or not.

Its the music we are looking forward in MJ. He has thrilled the people as one of the world's best entertainer for decades, and if he will still prove that, we will all go happily to home loading his songs in our players. And that's all we want. Don't simply discus, he's black, no no he's white, he is ugly, he is a molester, he is a psycho, he is eccentric. Just try to listen to his music if its good or just take off.

There are millions like me out there expecting the new material with utmost anxiety, just try to respect that.

MJ: Before you judge me, try hard to love me.

[Tre Laker]

I am a Big Mj fan. Thiller25 is to honor the biggest selling album in world history. Say what you want about the man. He was still the best at what he does. A generation of children grew up on the music of this man. Just like christmas, cartoons and anything else we value as kids. We out grow them. So most of us have grew out of MJ's pop style of music. As kids MJ was a larger than life figure. As we get older and get a better understanding of the world. we find that our childhood hero's have problems like every other human being on this planet. Now i'm not saying that what MJ was accused of is a normal every day problem. However being accused and convicted is two different matters. Each of us is due his opinion on MJ, only because it matters to you now or at some point in your life. What i mean by that is. To have an opinion you would have to have listen to his music. You would have to have seen his great talent to entertain. His talent and music has spawn a new generation of artist. (ne-yo, chris brown) To just focus on the man alone and not his talent or effect on music as a whole. Would be considered a narrow view. So when giving your opinion, dont sale yourself short.