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Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown Set To Perform At Vienna Jackson Tribute

9/8/09, 10:18 am EST

Photo: Sweet/FilmMagic

Jermaine Jackson hosted a press conference earlier today to finally reveal part of the lineup for the Michael Jackson tribute he’s hosting in Vienna later this month: Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Akon and Natalie Cole will take the stage in Austria on September 26th. Sister Sledge, German boy band US5 and actress Angela Bassett, who portrayed Katherine Jackson in the film The Jacksons: An American Dream, will also appear at the tribute concert at Vienna’s Palace of Schönbrunn. According to Jermaine, the list of performers announced today represent only one-quarter of “The Tribute” lineup; he’ll reveal the remainder of the bill at press conferences this week in London, Berlin and Paris. Update: Blige and Brown’s reps are denying they’ll perform at the concert.

Look back at Michael Jackson’s life, in photos.

Many of the musicians, singers and dancers involved with Michael Jackson’s This Is It concerts at London’s O2 Arena will also perform at the tribute concert, including singer Judith Hill, who amazed fans with her version of “Heal the World” at the Jackson memorial concert at Los Angeles’ Staples Center in June.

Plus, thanks to the wonders of technology and video projection, Michael Jackson “will come on stage one last time” for a virtual duet with Jermaine Jackson, according to “The Tribute” Website. “Michael will return to us for one song. It will be a magic moment for all who loved his music,” Jermaine said. Michael’s mother Katherine and his three children will also reportedly attend the concert.

Photos from Jackson’s star-studded L.A. memorial.

According to Reuters, more than half of the tickets to the Vienna tribute were sold before the performer announcement today. Chris Brown will be making his first official return to the stage since assaulting Rihanna in February. Brown, who was often dubbed “the next Michael Jackson” before that altercation, just last week professed his love of Jackson during an appearance on Larry King Live.

Related Stories:

Michael Jackson Finally Laid to Rest at Private Ceremony in L.A.
Jackson Investigation Continues as Tribute LP, Concert Shape Up
Jackson’s “This Is It” Film Secures Two Week Theatrical Run


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Comments

Chris Brown Is The BEST | 9/8/2009, 10:30 am EST

So Happy they got MR Chris Brown performing, I do wonder when the media will stop bringing up the Rihanna incident, oops I forgot they won’t because they thrive on the negative.

Looking forward to seeing him, do his thing,
Haters move on and get over it.

estee | 9/8/2009, 10:40 am EST

Michael Jackson tribute concernt:

1. Why (they had a memorial)
2. After Mary J. finishes carterwauling, maybe Akon will throw someone off stage and then Chris Brown will beat them up. All they need is R. Kelly, to corner the market on disgusting!

Anne | 9/8/2009, 11:13 am EST

Michael Jackson deserves the best tribute ever created and the one in Vienna is being put together too hastily to really honor him. Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. He deserves all the best artists at his tribute even if it means waiting a year to do it properly.

I know he liked Chris Brown in the past, but I think that having him perform is a dishonor to Michael in light of his beating up his girlfriend. He violently assualted a woman apparently more than once. This will become the focus of the story instead of the focus being on MJ at least for a while.

Should Brown’s behavior really be ignored or rewarded by allowing him to be part of the tribute? What does this say about Jermaine for inviting him? Does he really think MJ would want a person who beat up a woman to honor him?

Dre | 9/8/2009, 11:34 am EST

Love Mary 4 Life

halo | 9/8/2009, 11:46 am EST

This whole deal is frankly sickening.
All Jermaine has doen since his brother’s untimely demise is to try and make deal and deal and get his face all over the papers, the internet and TV.

Then he has the GALL to say that there was nothing his family could do…that MJ’s drug problem wasn’t his problem.

I feel bad for his kids, mom and any brothers and sister that aren’t named Jermaine.

Let the man Rest In Peace.
Please.

What??? | 9/8/2009, 11:56 am EST

Someone is actually happy that Chris Brown is performing?? the man was charged and convicted of abusing his girlfried, repeatedly punching her in the face and tried to bit her and this is the guy singing a tribute to micheal jackson? Maybe people are bringing up the Chris brown assault because he attacked a woman…. or do people just shrug that off nowadays

halo | 9/8/2009, 11:59 am EST

Chris Brown doesn’t deserve to be performing. As a matter of fact, he does deserve to be in jail.
And no, I don’t MJ would want this slimeball anywhere near his tribute concert. But again, its all Jermaine trying to stir up controversary and keep his name in the papers and in the media.

Cathy | 9/8/2009, 12:39 pm EST

Chris Brown is a convicted felon. Better to cancel the tribute concert than have him disgrace MJ’s memory.

Katy | 9/8/2009, 1:31 pm EST

Haters just being haters …The thing is you all started liking michael after he died chris started liking him since he was in dippers so chris deserves thiss..Just Let him Have it

Jonathan | 9/8/2009, 1:59 pm EST

I heard Chris Brown and Joe Jackson taped a PSA about domestic violence.

JK

ALEISHA | 9/8/2009, 2:19 pm EST

MICHEAL WAS THE BEST POP SINGER IN THE WORLD JUST BEAT THAT.

Anonymous | 9/8/2009, 2:39 pm EST

Beating up your girlfriend is perfectly legal in Austria, and Chris Brown is a hero there. It makes sense.

lexo | 9/8/2009, 2:43 pm EST

Go Chris Go. Do your thing ok. Dont let these eveil negitive bitter people get to you. You’ve manned up to your mistakes, now show them why you are who you are the best r&b singer out there. Micheal was your idal so represent for him. I know that’s what Michael would want. Who else could do it? No one. Thank you.Point proven.

RoRo | 9/8/2009, 2:49 pm EST

Wouldn’t Jamie Foxx be more appropriate? And Katy, I’m not a hater, but I do feel bad about the controversy over MJ’s recent past. I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate him as much as he deserved. Watching all the replay videos I am reminded again of how extremely talented he was and what a huge star he was. RIP, and God bless the poor kids.

kay | 9/8/2009, 2:52 pm EST

ok, haters what about the the nmistakes you and your love ones have made in life, i’m some of them was much worse than this, did you get thrown in jail, did you get a second chance , why Chris can’t get a second chance you in God’s eyesight you are no better than him. too much hate is not good for the heart.

Tracie | 9/8/2009, 2:55 pm EST

I don’t agree that having Chris perform is a disgrace. Chris Brown deserves to be there! I am proud of how he has owned up to his actions and I’m glad he’s moving forward! I can’t wait to see him dance again!! Anyone still crucifying Chris has a deeper issue they may want to examine.

Pam | 9/8/2009, 3:01 pm EST

The first part of the lineup sounds good and I´m curious for the full announcement. Mary J. Blige and Natalie Cole have incredible voices and so they´ll certainly sing great versions of Michael Jackson´s songs. My favourite band U2 has been asked to perform there, too, but I know that they´ll play on the SNL premiere on the same day. Of course I´m a little sad that they can´t be in Vienna, but I fully understand that they can´t be everywhere.

Dom | 9/8/2009, 3:17 pm EST

It was 7 months ago let it go!
damn he’s a good person he just made a mistake your not mr.perfect now are you??!!!

Dom | 9/8/2009, 3:17 pm EST

It was 7 months ago let it go!
damn he’s a good person he just made a mistake your not mr.perfect now are you??!!!
such old news

Dom | 9/8/2009, 3:17 pm EST

It was 7 months ago let it go!
damn he’s a good person he just made a mistake your not mr.perfect now are you??!!!
such old news

Dom | 9/8/2009, 3:18 pm EST

love you breezy

Philly | 9/8/2009, 3:39 pm EST

FOR PETE’S SAKE! GIVE CHRIS BROWN A REST!!DON’T YOU PEOPLE HAVE ANYTHING BETTER TO TALK ABOUT??!!! HE ALREADY APOLOGIZED,IS DOING WHAT’S REQUIRED BY LAW AND SHE FORGAVE HIM! UGHH…IT MAKES ME SO MAD WHEN I SEE PPL WHO HAVE DONE MUCH WORSE THINGS (WHAT THEY WOULDN’T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW ABOUT)SO QUICK TO CONDEMN OTHERS…GET OVER IT..WE’VE ALL DONE BAD THINGS IN LIFE…AT LEAST HE ADMITTED HE WAS WRONG AND IS GETTING SOME HELP!
RAPISTS,PEDOPHILES, MURDERERS AND CHILD MOLESTERS ARE LESS CRITISIZED…LET THE LITTLE BOY GROW UP…

BackOffHaters | 9/8/2009, 3:40 pm EST

Go Chris Brown, Fall back haters there is nothing you can do about it. Just go back to not buying Chris records like you use to. You all have no say so when it come to black celebrities. You don’t even have to watch MJ’s tribute. Thanks Jermaine Jackson, LMAO

MEL | 9/8/2009, 3:45 pm EST

I would like for someone to explain the difference between Chris Brown and Sean Penn, Christian Slater, Charlie Sheen and Axle Rose because I see none! It simply astounds me that the news media is talking about Chris as if he is the FIRST and ONLY entertainer in HUMAN HISTORY to beat his girlfriend when this ish has been going on for years!! Wish this same outrage existed when the white guys were doing it!!!!!!!

kay | 9/8/2009, 4:53 pm EST

Chris Brown is the Best, I agree with you 100%, I never knew there was so much hate in the world, too much hate not good for the heart, hater you better watch it, CHRIS HAS BEEN FORGIVEN NOW GOD IS IN CONTROL.

lala | 9/8/2009, 8:09 pm EST

I think rihanna should also perform to they are both talented so I think they both deserve to perform no matter what.

Deanne | 9/8/2009, 10:39 pm EST

Mary J. Blige WILL NOT be there. It was just announced by her publicity people that she will be be in Italy. It figures that stupid Jermaine Jackson can’t plan anything correctly. Heck, he was 90 minutes late to his own brother’s funeral!! I hope that everyone in attendance has the good sense to boo Chris Brown right off the stage. He is everything that Michael Jackson stands against. A violent woman beater!! Michael would NEVER have approved. Michael was against ANY type of violence, especially a man beating a woman. BOO CHRIS BROWN!!

Deanne | 9/8/2009, 10:50 pm EST

Mel;
The difference between Chris Brown and all the other pieces of crap who go around beating the snot out of girls, is that Chris Brown is going to take his raggedy butt on the stage at a tribute for one of the kindest, most gentle human beings in the world. This is just NOT RIGHT!! If Chris Brown was going to go and perform at some Bobby Brown gig or some Ike Turner tribute, than that would be more fitting. To have Chris Brown pay tribute to Michael Jackson is just offensive! Chris Brown became what Michael tried so hard to rid this world of the first time that he beat Rihanna, and the second time and then finally the third time when the whole world found out about it. Chris Brown is scum!

Deanne | 9/8/2009, 10:56 pm EST

Mary J. Blige was a victim of domestic abuse. Suddenly, she IS NOT appearing at the tribute. Will out of the country. Hmmmm???
Nice planning Jermaine, invite a woman beater, and a victim of domestic abuse.

SAYER | 9/8/2009, 11:25 pm EST

WHAT THE HELLO? chris vrown is an idiot…did u chris brown lovers (i know your all mostly gay DL bruthas) see him on larry king? he is a mess…hes not humble, hes a fraud..as is his moves that he stole from MJ. this whole austria show is shady and slimy…juss like chris brown…and just like MJ’s business and junkie dealings.

Anonymous | 9/9/2009, 12:32 am EST

Chris Brown is performing? I thought his career was over already..8(

Just someone in Colorado | 9/9/2009, 1:14 am EST

I have loved Michael Jackson since I was a little girl. I do not like the fact that Chris Brown was selected for this. They could have chosen a different person and not brought so much controversey to MJs tribute. Not the right way for him to have a comeback….not the right way to grab the spotlight…I am not a hater…just like things to be done right.

RandomATL | 9/9/2009, 1:29 am EST

do all press conferences get coverage? any need to factcheck this lineup?

Ivy | 9/9/2009, 1:51 am EST

I do not favour the Vienna Jackson’s tribute ! If all the proceed goes to the Charity Fund of MJ, I fully supported the event. Someone is taking the opportunity to make profit out of it !

Pip | 9/9/2009, 1:58 am EST

Hmm Chris Brown performing to celebrate Michael Jackson. Anyone else see irony in that? Maybe they can put OJ Simpson on the marquee too.

betty jones | 9/9/2009, 8:44 am EST

there are a lot of people in the world that does a lot of things you never here about so dont put him down for his one mistake. life goes on and people change so let it go.

those wit out sin | 9/11/2009, 3:06 pm EST

It saddens me how so many people are so upset about Chris Brown paying tribute to Michael.Funny how people forget that Chris always remembered Michael in all his perforances,whether in concert or at ANY award show.An now these out of the blue fans appear,but when Michael himself was down an people talk about him you show your love by talkin shit also an dont buyin his cd’s but Chris held no judgement. so those wit out sin (never mind, your sinning now)

melodies | 11/9/2009, 5:37 pm EST

IAM SO TRIED OF PEOPLE PUTTING CHRIS IS THIS BOX OF PEOPLE LIKE IKE TURNER. DO ALL REMEMBER WHO IT IS THAT HE DATED. RIHANNA, SHE IS NO MILEY OR JANET SHE LIKE A WHITNEY, I WANT YOU TO PUT YOURSELF AT THE SCENE. TWO PEOPLE DRIVING IN A CAR ONE FINDS OUT THE OTHER IS CHEATING NOW I’M A WOMAN I’M GOING TO BE PASS TALKING AT THAT POINT AND WE ALL KNOW THAT SHE WAS KICKING CHRIS ASS IN THAT CAR. NOW I DON’T KNOW ANYONE THAT WOULDN’T GET ENRAGE. THINGS HAPPEN AND WE ALL CAN LOSE IT, WERE HUMANS AND CHRIS IS ALSO. WE HAVE TO HELP THESE YOUNG PEOPLE THAT HITTING IS WRONG ON EITHER END. I FORGIVE CHRIS BROWN AND RIHANNA THEY BOTH HAVE SET A TERRIBLE EXAMPLE OF WHAT TRUE LOVE IS. A QUOTE FROM RIHANNA I LOVE HIM AND I DIDN’T WHAT ANYTHING BAD TO HAPPEN TO HIM SO THAT WHY I WENT BACK.THEN SHE SAID I BUILD UP MY EMPIRE AND AND I’M NOT GOING TO LET MY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIS DESTROY IT.WHEN DID SHE THINK OF THAT. NOT ONE TIME SHE EVER MENTION THAT SHE WAS AT FAULT FOR STAYING IN A TERRIBLE RELATIONSHIP OR NOT GIVING DETAILS OF HOW SHE ABUSED CHRIS AND SHE DID SOME SAY SOMETIHING TO THAT IN THE 20/20 INTERVIEW. I KNOW WOMAN AND SHE IS LYING ABOUT ALOT OF THINGS. BUT SHE DOESN’T WANT TO HURT HER IMAGE. SHE IS GOING TO BANK ON HER MISFORTUNE. LIKE SHE SAID I HAVE A EMPIRE TO RUN. IT CALL ME MYSELF AND I. BLESS GOD THAT HE SEPERATED THESE TWO. GOOD LUCK CHRIS ON BUILDING UP YOUR EMPIRE AS WELL!

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