Pamela ChelinSee also:
*Our preview of the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soliel Show
There was a Michael-Jackson's-kids sighting on Hollywood Blvd, yesterday, as his estate had his hand and footprint ceremony at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Access Hollywood's Billy Bush hosted the event, declaring it “Michael Jackson immortalized day in Los Angeles.” Sounds official!
The best part were the stories; at one point Chris Tucker got onstage and said he once spilled hot chocolate in Michael's Neverland study. Ever the gracious host…
Credit: Bob Freeman/Graumans Chinese Theatre
…Michael told him not to worry about it and, instead, to just go play on a go kart. Glee's Harry Shum Jr. got onstage and said that he, too, was at Neverland and that he ate ice cream. Basically what everyone was saying was that Michael served a hell of a lot of sugar at Neverland.
Smokey Robinson wore a cream colored suit and red suede shoes. He was humble and gracious as he spoke of Michael. Smokey is the man. He has sunshine on a cloudy day. Quincy Jones noted that he didn't think he had ever been awake that early before, despite that it was already 12:30 in the afternoon. He's Quincy Jones. Does he really ever have to get out of bed?
He told Jackson's kids that Michael is looking down on them from heaven, “grinning like a fox eating sauerkraut.” Do foxes eat sauerkraut? Quincy certainly seems to think they do. He made that same strange reference in his 2002 autobiography, at a Recording Academy luncheon in 2004 when describing Earth, Wind and Fire and in a 2009 Esquire interview.
The King of Pop's three children, Paris, “Blanket,” and Prince were there to put Jackson's footprints, sequined glove and name into cement. Paris carved her dad's name and a heart. Then she used Jackson's infamous sequined glove to make an impression.
Prince was wearing a “The Jacksons” t-shirt, seemingly bought just before the ceremony at a Hollywood Boulevard souvenir shop. If it was a knock-off, and not official merchandise, the Jackson Estate will probably sue, so it's a good thing the Estate's lawyers John Branca and John McClain were at the event to monitor the situation.
Also present was the matriarch of the Jackson clan, Katherine, and Jackson brothers Tito, Marlon and Jackie. No Jermaine though. No Rebbie. No Janet. And no La Toya. La Toya was probably off somewhere having an exorcism followed by a palm reading.
Credit: Bob Freeman/Graumans Chinese Theatre
Katherine Jackson introduced Justin Bieber before he took the stage.
The Biebs got onstage and sang The Jackson 5 hit “Rockin' Robin” acapella. Though Biebs performed and spoke about Michael Jackson, he told the crowd that he never even met Michael. Poser.
Credit: Bob Freeman/Graumans Chinese Theatre
At one point, a bunch of dancers wearing vibrant colors hit the stage. It was the Los Angeles debut of The Immortal World Tour Cirque Du Soleil production, which premieres in Los Angeles Friday night. It is described on its official site as a show in which “the secrets of Michael's world are unlocked,” including “his love of music and dance.”
Wait a minute. Michael Jackson loved music and dance? What?!! No offense, Cirque, but I don't think that was ever a secret.
See also:
*Our preview of the Michael Jackson Cirque du Soliel Show
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