Famous Singers Perform for Michael Jackson Tribute Concert

As the trial went on for Dr. Conrad Murray, accused for the manslaughter of Michael Jackson, the loved ones and fans of the deceased pop superstar gathered to honor and celebrate his life at Cardiff, Wales.

The event dubbed as the Michael Jackson Forever Tribute Concert last Saturday was kicked off by Katherine Latoya, Marlon, Tito and Jackie Jackson.  The children of the King of Pop also came to participate and remember their father.

The other Jackson siblings – Randy, Jermaine and Janet Jackson, were absent from the event because they did not approve of the concert while the trial was ongoing.  According to the Twitter accounts of Randy and Jermaine, they find it impossible to support such an event during a time when criminal trial about their brother’s death was taking place.  They expressed their support for the intention of the tribute concert beforehand.

Despite rumours of the concert’s cancellation or the non-appearance of the Black Eyed Peas, the event was considered a success.  The show opened with Ne-Yo singing “Billie Jean” and the “Lady in My Life”.  The concert was hosted by Jamie Foxx and Fearne Cotton.

Leona Lewis gave a song and dance number with the song “Stranger in Moscow”.  Pregnant Beyonce sang her rendition of “I Wanna Be Where You Are” via video.  Christina Aguilera performed onstage with Jackson hits, “Dirty Diana” and “Smile”.

Jamie Foxx went from host to performer as he sang solo the hit, “Rock with You.”  Other famous singers who participated were Smokey Robinson, Craig Davis, Alien Ant Farm, Gladys Knight, 3T, Yolanda Adams and Alexandra Burke.

Jennifer Hudson, who was supposed to perform “Gone Too Soon” and “Leave Me Alone” expressed her regret for being absent on Twitter.  She tweeted that major production issues were the reason for her absence.  She apologized to her fans for not being there.