Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in Wales to be witness that 50,000 people gathered on October 8, 2011 to tribute the late Michael Jackson with headers Michael Forever.
The star studded event included performances by Jamie Foxx, Christina Aguilera, Gladys Knight, Cee Lo Green, and Ne-Yo, who kicked off the celebration with a version of “Billie Jean.”
Michael Jackson’s children gave an emotional speech to honor their late father. Prince Michael, 14, Paris, 13, and Blanket, 9, introduced the video tribute to MJ from one of the night’s biggest stars, Beyoncé.
“She is always pushing the envelope with her boundless energy and talent,” Paris said. “She carries the torch lit by our father and it gives me great pleasure to introduce this woman.”
Beyoncé said before her set, “I remember seeing Michael Jackson for the first time. Lord knows I fell in love. Watching him, I realized exactly what I wanted to be.
“He inspired me so much. As a matter of fact, the first song I performed with Destiny’s Child was a Jackson 5 song. It’s the song we auditioned to get our record deal. It was the beginning of our future. I love you forever, Michael Jackson.”
Paris wore a replica of the red and black “Thriller” – style jacket her father wore. Blanket wore a suit with a red armband reminiscent of his father.
The event also featured a performance from Jackson’s sister, La Toya who sang a version of the Closet and marking her return for he first time on stage in 20 years.
“I have put musical performance behind me for roughly two decades. But there will never be another magical moment such as this to celebrate Michael with his fans to perpetuate the importance of his legacy.
“I am honoured to share the stage with the incredible performers in this line-up, and I’m certain nothing would make my brother smile bigger or brighter than this tribute concert.”
Jackson’s mother, Katherine, sat and watched the performances while some of the original Jackson 5 sang “Blame It On The Boogie” along with a British boy band. Katherine said,
“I have been extremely excited about this concert from the beginning, and it definitely did not disappoint. Michael would have been so happy to see just how much he was loved, and to see his fans having such an amazing time. He would have been so delighted with all of the artists and their performances, from the bottom of my heart, I thank all of the artists and people that put this amazing night together, an uplifting reminder of what Michael was truly about.”
