Jacko to visit UK for awards show
Reclusive pop star Michael Jackson is to make his first public appearance in the UK in nine years, it was announced today.
The King of Pop, who has recently been living in Ireland, is to receive an award at the World Music Awards in London next month.
The 48-year-old is reportedly recording a comeback album after he was cleared of child molestation charges in the US.
The Bad star will receive the Diamond Award – recognising artists who sell over 100 million albums – for his contribution to the music industry at the star-studded annual show at the Earl’s Court Arena on November 15.
Jackson’s last UK public appearance was as part of the HIStory tour in 1997.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of his seminal album Thriller, which has sold over 40 million copies across the world.
Past recipients of the Diamond Award include Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion.
“We are thrilled to be bringing the World Music Awards to London, the music capital of the world,” said founder Melissa Corken.
“The UK is the home of many of the world’s greatest selling artists of all time. The presence of Michael Jackson is very exciting for us.”
The World Music Awards honours artists who have sold the most records in each country.
It is the most televised music awards show in the world with an estimated global audience of one billion viewers in 160 countries.
Actress Lindsay Lohan will be hosting the show and there will be performances from Beyonce, Mary J Blige, Katie Melua, and classical heartthrob Andrea Bocelli.
Past performers include Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and Kanye West.
The show was hosted in Monaco for 15 years and has been held in the US for the past two.
Channel 4 will broadcast the awards ceremony on November 22.
