Listen to a Brand New Track from IMMORTAL

Listen to the brand new track “You Are Not Alone/I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” from the album!

http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/news/listen-brand-new-track-immortal

Album Already Achieves Platinum Status in 17 Countries Worldwide

New York, NY – In the coming weeks, the Estate and Sony Music will be releasing “Hollywood Tonight” and “Behind the Mask” from the global hit album MICHAEL. “Behind The Mask” will be released as the radio single in countries including the United States, Canada, Japan and France. “Hollywood Tonight” will be the single released to radio in the rest of the world and videos for both songs will be released worldwide. Each Sony Music affiliate will also release more information on the plans in their respective territories.

Both “Behind The Mask” and “Hollywood Tonight” are fan and critical favorites from MICHAEL – the unique collection of Michael Jackson songs completed posthumously and released in December by Sony and his Estate. The album includes material Michael had been working on for future release prior to his passing along with other vintage work he planned to place on future albums. Joe Vogel, author of the upcoming book Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson, wrote that while  “Posthumous works are notoriously tricky…This, ultimately, is the most important quality of Michael: it feels like Michael.”

“Behind the Mask,” which was recently completed by John McClain and Jon Nettlesbey, is praised by critics for infusing the spirit of Michael’s music from the past. Rolling Stone called it “a fiercely funky cousin to “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’’’ The song is written by Michael Jackson, Chris Mosdell and Ryuichi Sakamoto and produced by Michael Jackson, John McClain and Jon Nettlesbey.  The song’s recognizable hook is a sample of “Behind The Mask” as performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Yellow Magic Orchestra.  And “Hollywood Tonight”, which USA TODAY said “pulsates with Billie Jean-esque energy, was written during the time of the Invincible album. In 2007, Michael pulled the track out of the archives to work on the song with producer Theron “Neff-U” Feemster. “Hollywood Tonight” was written by Michael Jackson and Brad Buxer and the track was produced by Teddy Riley, Michael Jackson with co-producer by Theron “Neff-U” Feemster. Ellen DeGeneres debuted and danced to the song with her audience during her popular talk show.

MICHAEL was the #1 global album upon its release in December and has shipped over 3 million units worldwide making it one of the biggest albums of 2010.  The album’s nonstop success continues to underscore Michael’s importance to his fans as a global icon and superstar, and shows how his music continues to transcend cultures and languages. The platinum status for MICHAEL has now grown to 17 countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France (2x), Italy (2x), Spain, Denmark, Poland, Russia(2x), Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic (5x), Canada, India (2x), China, Taiwan, Korea and the Middle East. Michael is now Gold in 18 countries includingAustralia, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden.

MICHAEL marks another release under the new agreement between The Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music announced in March 2010 that continues the label’s 35-year relationship with Michael and his music. During that time, Michael sold hundreds of millions of records, had 13 #1 singles and released the pop culture phenomenon “Thriller,” which remains music’s all-time bestselling album with more than 100 million copies sold worldwide.

Information on MICHAEL can be found at www.MichaelJackson.com.

The King of Pop showed once again that his music knows no borders as the Sony Music/Epic Records release MICHAEL – the first album in nine years of new Michael Jackson tracks. Get his new album at Astroplus, Astrovision, Odyssey and O Music for a chance to win a 16GB Apple iPad with Michael Jackson imagery.     Other prizes at stake are Sony Ericsson Spiro mobile phone and a Sony NWZ-S540 Walkman.

MICHAEL debuted globally at #1 in its first week of sales and shipped over 3 million units worldwide making it one of the biggest albums of 2010.

The creative process never stopped for the King of Pop who was always planning for his next album; unbeknownst to many fans around the world Michael Jackson was writing and recording songs continuously everywhere from a friend’s home in New Jersey to studios in Las Vegas and Los Angeles with a small group of handpicked collaborators.  Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise MICHAEL, fans will get mind-blowing insight into how this artist worked and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition.   It features the singles “Breaking News” and “Hold My Hand” (his duet with Akon).

Hailed by TIME as “a carefully assembled recreation of his finest moments as a solo artist and a reminder of why we cared about him to begin with,” MICHAEL clearly has been embraced not only by his most passionate fans in virtually every corner of the world, but a new generation discovering his recent artistry, collaborations and poignant gems featured on MICHAEL. Wrote Neil McCormick, chief rock music critic for the London Daily Telegraph:  “It has the extraordinary confidence of a pop classic and presages an album that may well be Jackson’s best work since his Eighties glory days.”

Complete your Michael Jackson collection now. Promo period is from January 4 to 31, 2010. Visit your nearest Astroplus, Astrovision, Odyssey or O Music outlets for more details. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 8531 Series of 2010.

New York, NY – The first official single from the forthcoming Michael Jackson album MICHAEL will be released globally on Monday, November 15^th at 12:01am EST. The song entitled “Hold My Hand” will be unveiled on www.michaeljackson.com and for sale digitally thereafter.

“Hold My Hand”, a duet with Akon, is a song they recorded in 2007.  A handwritten note from Michael belonging to his Estate indicated his desire that “Hold My Hand” be the first single on his next project.  However, in its unfinished state, the song leaked out in 2008.  Akon recently completed the new and final production of “Hold My Hand.”

Akon comments, “The world was not ready to hear ‘Hold My Hand’ when it leaked a couple years ago. We were devastated about it.  But its time has definitely come; now in its final state, it has become an incredible, beautiful, anthemic song. I’m so proud to have had the chance to work with Michael, one of my all time idols.”

On December 14^th, Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release the much-anticipated new albumMICHAEL. The album contains ten tracks, produced by an esteemed group of producers along with Michael Jackson.  While primarily focused on songs that Michael worked on recently, there are also earlier compelling tracks.

MICHAEL is the first release in nine years of new material by one of music’s most beloved icons whose artistry continues to touch new generations of fans. The album marks another release under the new agreement between the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music announced in March that continues the label’s 35-year relationship with Michael and his music. During that time, Michael sold hundreds of millions of records, had 13 #1 singles and released the pop culture phenomenon “Thriller,” which remains music’s all-time bestselling album with more than 100 million copies sold worldwide.

MICHAEL ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon)

Hollywood Tonight

Keep Your Head Up

(I Like) The Way You Love Me

Monster (Featuring 50 Cent)

Best Of Joy

Breaking News

(I Can’t Make It) Another Day (Featuring Lenny Kravitz)

Behind The Mask

Much Too Soon

On June 25, 2009, the world mourned the loss of a legend.

Magnavision, Wow Videoke and Robinsons Malls celebrate the life and music of the King of Pop through the re-promotion of the video release of Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, this film was produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. In raw and candid detail, the film captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his planned final London shows.

To commemorate the death anniversary of the late Michael Jackson, a series of weekend exhibits is implemented open to all who loved the legend. A music station playing Michael Jackson songs, video galleries that show behind the scenes, concerts and never before seen footage, and photo galleries containing photos and trivia about the pop icon are setup in key Robinsons Malls starting April.

A music challenge by Wow Videoke is also implemented open to fans, both young and old.  Each is given the chance to join the elimination round by performing a Michael Jackson song of their choice. The top two (2) performers with the best song performance get the chance to join the grand finals on June 25 at Robinsons Place Manila.

The special event is also sponsored by Philips, Sony Music, Levis, Philips Accessories, 103.5 Max FM, Jam 88.3 and 93.9 IFM.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is available on Original VCD, DVD and Blu-ray in video stores nationwide.

CULVER CITY, Calif., November 12, 2009 – “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” has reached a box office gross of $200 million worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today.  The film has taken in $61 million domestically and more than $140 million internationally.

Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said, “Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music.  This special film documents Michael’s creative genius. We are seeing repeat business throughout the world because this movie is so rich with Michael performing his most renowned and recognized songs while offering such a unique, never-before-seen perspective on his artistry. Kenny Ortega and the filmmaking team did a brilliant job of capturing Michael creating a masterwork and it’s a genuine thrill to see audiences respond to the film as they have.”

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in such countries as Japan ($27.2 million), UK ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena.  Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show.  Audiences are given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before.  In raw and candid detail, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history.  Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner for the concert tour and the director of the stage show, directed the film, which was produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

(“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is still playing in Digital IMAX in SM North EDSA and regular cinemas across the Philippines.)

Columbia Pictures announced today that the theatrical run of “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” has been officially extended.

The concert/documentary on the late music superstar was previously scheduled for a limited two-week engagement only, starting Oct. 28, but is now set to run beyond Nov. 10,  its supposed end-date.

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” can still be seen at the SM North Edsa IMAX Theatre and other selected cinemas nation-wide.  The public is advised to check newspaper movie sections for directory listings and screening times.

The film’s run has also been lengthened in most international markets, including the U.S.

A backstage look at the late Michael Jackson during rehearsals for his supposed comeback concert tour that would have started last July in London, “This Is It” has already broken the record for all-time biggest-grossing concert or documentary feature in the Philippines.

In the U.S., “This Is It” received an “A” CinemaScore and is one of the best reviewed films of the year.

Critic Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine wrote, “An unmissable film…Illuminating and unforgettable.”

Rogert Ebert of Chicago Times gave the movie a four-star rating, while Time Magazine’s Richard Corliss wrote that the film proved Michael Jackson “is still a thriller.”

For his part, Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman raved that the movie is “a raw and endearing sketch of a genius at work…the music pours out of him like sunlight.”

Highly regarded Filipino critic Nestor Torre praised, “It’s worth the long wait. At long last, MJ fans have a farewell show worth remembering their musical idol by. Even better, the movie includes `reality’ footage that shows Jackson on top of his musical game, painstakingly tweaking his show into one of his best productions ever.”

Finally, award-winning writer Krip Yuson wrote, “[Director] Kenny Ortega judiciously selects electrifying footage of Michael as a compleat entertainer…simply takes the viewer’s breath away.”

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

As dozens of buoyant Michael Jackson fans queued up in the Nokia Plaza to be among the first to see their idol’s last performance in the upcoming movie “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” others watching the scene expressed mixed emotions.

Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, which bankrolled Jackson ‘s “This is It” tour and is a key player in the film, recalled the moment he got the news of Jackson ‘s death. “Well, at first it lets all the air out of you, and you sit here and you’re stunned at how quickly it happened and occurred. You’re in denial. You can’t believe it. You’re looking around, saying, ‘What happened?”

Zip ahead some three months — about an hour before the opening of the nearly two-and-a-half day waiting line for advance tickets to “Michael Jackson’s This is It” concert documentary. Leiweke reunited with musicians, singers and dancers from the tour in a press conference held in the plaza, which is just directly across the street from the Staples Center, the site of Jackson’s rehearsals, the last of which taking place just hours before his death June 25.

“It’s mixed feelings, first of all, to see these guys again, and to be in this space,” noted singer Darryl Phinnessee. “You know, we finished rehearsing at quarter to midnight the night before Michael died, and he was energetic and up and doing his thing, as you’ll see in the movie.”

Crafted from hundred hours of rehearsal footage, “This is It” is directed by longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, who had been working with Jackson on the concerts.

“You see the music, the studios, the rehearsals, the dancers, the auditions, the costumes,” said Leiweke. “You see all of the behind the scenes, and the you finally see the last few days of the dress rehearsals, and you begin to see the genius of Michael: the dancing, the singing, the choreography, and his concept of creative a one-time performance that no one would ever forget.”

Leiweke said the movie also will provide proof that AEG had Jackson ‘s well-being in mind. “I think we still are hurt,” Leiweke explained. “Some of the things that people have said about us, which are so untrue, this movie’s going to restore his legacy, and prove that we, in fact, gave Michael a second chance here. And an opportunity to make the kind of comeback here was dreaming of. And that we created an environment for him that was probably the best environment that the guy had the last 10 or 15 years of his life. And I’m very proud of the way we treated Michael, and very proud of the partnership that we had with him. And this movie is an opportunity to celebrate that, and we could get past all of the gossip and all of the innuendo.”

(Opening on Oct. 28 in conventional theaters across the Philippines and Digital IMAX in SM North EDSA, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.)