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Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Michael Katherine is comforted by family members at a memorial service for music legend, Michael Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California - Source: Reuters -
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Michael Jackson's children are to tour the world as The Jackson
Three.
The late pop star's father Joe Jackson, who managed the Jackson
Five, the group that launched Michael's glittering music career,
has reportedly lined up Prince Michael I, 12, Paris, 11, and
seven-year-old Prince Michael II to perform at a series of concerts
next year.
Michael's unofficial biographer Ian Halperin said: "Joe wants the
children to go on a world tour in 2010. He has already offered
recording contracts to two of Michael's kids. Now he is talking
about getting them the world's best backing band and taking them on
tour as The Jackson Three."
However, the rest of the Thriller singer's family are reportedly
furious about the idea and claim Joe, 79, is trying to exploit the
grieving youngsters.
Ian added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "One of the family
members is livid. He is saying Joe seems intent to do this no
matter what. He wants to exploit the kids the same way he did
Michael."
On Sunday it was reported Michael's mother Katherine was in secret
talks with her son's ex-wife Debbie Rowe to exclude Joe from the
children's lives.
A custody hearing which was due to take place on Monday has been
rescheduled for July 20 to allow the women time to come to an
agreement which will reportedly see Katherine, who has been granted
temporary custody of the three children, raising them at the family
home in Encino, California, with frequent visits from Debbie.
Meanwhile, British singer Leona Lewis has been lined up to perform
at a tribute show for the late 'King of Pop' at London's O2
arena.
The Bleeding Love star is expected to join R'n'B singer Usher and
SexyBack hitmaker Justin Timberlake at the tribute show with plans
being finalised by concert promoters AEG Live.
A source said: "Executives want to stage a touching tribute to
Michael and think The O2 would be a fitting location.
"It will be a celebration of Michael's life through his music. Huge
stars such as Leona, Usher and Justin have expressed enthusiasm
about the project. The producers want to avoid a sombre memorial
tone and intend the evening to be a joyful event."
Michael was due to start his record-breaking 50-date This Is It
residency at the venue next week.
