RSS
Home
'This Is It': Stars come out around the world for Michael Jackson's final creative statement (video)
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Michael Jackson's "This Is It" is finally here. (AEG Worldwide/CapraPhoto)
Fans did the moonwalk and celebrities walked the red carpet for the the long-awaited premiere of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" on Tuesday. Premieres were held in 34 cities around the world. Half of them took place simultaneously, including New York, Moscow and Los Angeles. (see slideshow)
Spike Lee, Ice-T, Russell Simmons, Sherri Sheppard and Oprah's bestie Gayle King were among the stars who came out in New York. Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Paris Hilton, David Cook, Adam Lambert, Paula Abdul, Katy Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Motown's Barry Gordy and Michael's brothers Marlon, Randy, Jermaine and Jackie were among the many stars on the red carpet in Hollywood. Even Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa showed up -- and MTV covered it all live.
Michael Jackson would have loved it. He wanted to dazzle people, to make magic for them -- and by most accounts he succeeded with this final creative statement.
Director Kenny Ortega told Entertainment Weekly:
Michael and I were giving everything to creating this show and perfecting it, and we all brought that same spirit and dedication to creating this mosaic. It is wall-to-wall music. It is all the real Michael. It is unguarded and real and passionate. I am very proud of the outcome of the film.”
The film got raves from almost every critic, but for some of his friends -- and family -- it was bittersweet. Paula Abdul, who choreographed Michael's 1984 Victory Tour told the Los Angeles Times:
For me the film was great, brilliant, poignant and sad -- a totally mixed bag of emotions. It's a celebration of life and sadness that he's not here."
Michael's brother Jackie said:
It was fantastic. It was amazing. It's a bittersweet moment for us, 'cause you know [we experienced] the passing of our brother. But at the same token, I wanted to see Michael do his thing. It was electrifying."
"This Is It" officially opened at 9 p.m. in 99 territories around the world Tuesday night.
Get tickets for "This Is It" and find showtimes near you.
Director Kenny Ortega talks about selecting clips for this film:
Paula Abdul talks about choreographing for Michael:
Here's a sneak preview of "Wanna Be Startin' Something" from the movie:
Related Articles:
Comments
