A day after Jermaine Jackson announced that Chris Brown and Mary J Blige would sing at a tribute concert for Michael Jackson, representatives for both artists denied that they will perform. Organisers of the Vienna concert have since denied the denials, admitting that although Brown's performance is at the discretion of a US judge, Blige "will be there".
Jackson's initial announcement was unequivocal: "We have Chris Brown!" he said at a press conference on Tuesday. That wasn't the view of Brown's publicist. "Chris is not confirmed to perform or participate in any capacity for this show," he told E! News yesterday. Jackson responded at a follow-up press conference in London. "Chris Brown is working out some situations," he conceded. "It's up to the judge if he gets let out of the [USA] or not. I'm not worried at all. He wants to be here."
Last month, Brown was sentenced to five years' probation for assaulting his former girlfriend, the pop star Rihanna. Brown would need court approval to fly to Vienna for the concert, which would be a break from his 180 hours of scheduled community labour. "[Chris is] definitely going to work that out and be here," Jackson said, expressing his support for the embattled R&B singer. "He's asked for forgiveness. If Christ can forgive him, so can we. People make mistakes, but he's a wonderful performer."
The appearance of Mary J Blige, another of the tribute concert's headliners, is no more certain. A representative for the singer told ABC News that Blige will be at a fashion show in Italy on the day of the event. Jackson dismissed these reports, saying that he had spoken to Blige's husband and they would fly her in for the second half of the show. Her camp has not yet replied.
Organisers also dismissed claims that Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson, has opposed the 26 September concert. She was a supporter "from the very start", according to co-producer George Kindel. "She will be there with Michael's kids."
Organisers expect some 65,000 fans to attend the Vienna concert. Besides Blige and Brown, the announced performers include Akon, Natalie Cole, Sister Sledge and German boy-band US5. Jackson said he has also "invited" Stevie Wonder, R Kelly and Maroon 5.
