Michael Jackson is starting the Bahrain Sheik trial. The Michael Jackson Bahrain Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa trial claims Jackson took a $7 million advance from the Bahrain Sheik on an album and book and didn’t produce.Jackson’s response - it was a gift.

The story is not a new one but getting a lot of press today. Why? It’s going to trial. Jackson is expected not to appear but rather appear by video tape.

The Bahrain Sheik acknowledges some were gifts, but claims that the majority of the $7 million was a commercial business deal.

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James Nederlander is producing a Broadway musical of Michael Jackson’s Thriller! Michael Jackson’s Thriller as a Broadway Musical? Thriller still for Jackson remains the best-selling record of all time.

Few details about the musical are being released to press beyond confirmation that it is reportedly planned.

Thriller was the first album to go to number one in the U.S. and UK at the same time, and at some points selling one million copies a week.

With Quincy Jones, Thriller went to earn a record seven Grammy Awards.Its video was historic, the most successful of all time selling 9 million copies, and the most expensive then, costing $500,000 to make.

No confirmation from Jackson or Jones about the report.

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Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and The Jackson will launch a 2009 world tour! A Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Jackson 5 2009 World Tour is a go, says Jermaine Jackson today to press today in Australia.

Jermaine made the announcement today in Sydney Wednesday. He says Janet, Michael, and all the brothers will reunite in a mega world tour.

“This has been a long time coming for the Jackson family to get back together,” Jermaine Jackson told AAP.

“It is just the timing, so what we’ve been doing is working on the music and all the logistics.”

The last time “The Jacksons” toured was 1984. The Jackson Five disbanded in 1990.

“It is going to be more like a family affair, Janet’s going to open and, of course, the original Jackson 5 … Michael, Randy and the whole family … we’re in the studio, we’re planning on being out there next year,” reportedly says Jermaine today.

As covered on LALATE earlier this summer, Janet recently became a free artist, leaving her label.

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PICTURES! Here are photos of Michael Jackson who’s a doll, literally!

The new Michael Jackson doll comes with interchangeable hands, with and without a beaded glove.

The new Jackson doll comes out this December and is 12″ in height.

“This collectible stands approximately 30 cm tall, features the authentic likeness of Michael Jackson - the legendary musician and Hollywood pop star in the 80’s.

Michael Jackson collectible figure features:
- Hot Toys’ newly developed TrueType- “Slim version” body with over 38 points of articulation.
- Trademarked single sequined white glove
- Sequined black coat
- White socks with black shoes
- Black hat
- Microphone
- Microphone stand
- Three sets of interchangeable hands
- 12 inches figure stand with Michael Jackson nameplate”

To buy the doll, click here.

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Pam Anderson and Michael Jackson?! Pamela Anderson and Michael Jackson are dating, claims reports. Don’t believe the reports. Anderson and Jackson have had two dates claims a poorly reported British story.

Anderson and Jackon have gone on two dates in Los Angeles, both in “Malibu”? Yes, there is a problem with the report. Actually, more than one problem LALATE can tell you.

The report claims the first date was at “Shutters Hotel on Malibu Beach”. Only problem there is no such place. Shutters Hotel is on Santa Monica Beach, miles away.

Then the reports claims “a source said: “It was all arranged by their people in total secrecy, very cloak and dagger. Michael is such a private person. He gets nervous when he thinks people are following him around, so he chose somewhere neutral for their first date.” “

So where is the alleged second date claims the report? The Malibu Country Mart (basically the most UNprivate spot in Malibu, a local shopping area that everyone goes to in Malibu).

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The KING OF POP CD is released today, but not in the U.S. Michael Jackson releases a new CD called the KING OF POP today. LALATE has the track listing, pictures, and details where you can, and can’t buy it.

The CD is only being released in three countries, as of yet, and neither are the U.S. The album drops today in the U.K., and in Australia and Hong Kong on September 2. The wikipedia entry for this album is incorrect, probably because of the lack of press about the album.

Wikipedia incorrectly states:
“To celebrate Jackson’s 50th birthday, Sony BMG released a compilation album called King of Pop in various countries. These albums included tracks from Jackson’s group and solo career, all voted for by fans. Sony added rare tracks, previously unreleased material and a “MegaMix” by Jason Nevins. The albums had a different tracklist, according to how the fans of each nation voted.”

Below is the confirmed track listing for Michael Jackson’s U.K. Edition dropping today obtained by LALATE:

1. Billie Jean
2. Bad
3. Smooth Criminal
4. Thriller
5. Black Or White
6. Beat It
7. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
8. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
9. The Way You Make Me Feel
10. Rock With You
11. You Are Not Alone
12. Man In The Mirror
13. Remember The Time
14. Scream
15. You Rock My World
16. They Don’t Care About Us
17. Earth Song

Here is the front and back cover art for “King of Pop UK Edition”.
Front: click here.
Back: click here.

And if you want to get it in the U.S.? King of Pop is available online for import U.S. sales.

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Happy Birthday Michael Jackson! Michael Jackson is 50 today! Everyone who wants to wish Michael Happy Birthday type “HAPPY BDAY MJ!”

Michael Jackson turns fifty today but isn’t throwing a birthday party, at least not for press.

That’s not Michael’s style. Jackson has remained private with virtually no appearances, except Christian Audigier’s recent birthday party, the last few years.

People are reporting about Michael’s 50th birthday today with negativity, implying his health is in question because he’s too skinny. Please!

People still love Michael Jackson. At 50, he looks pretty darn good. His choice of wardrobe - well, that’s a different matter. 

Happy 50th Birthday Michael!

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