Michael Jackson to perform in UK for first time in nine years

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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Fallen King of Pop, Michael Jackson, will make his first UK stage appearance in nine years at the World Music Awards tonight. But the star is looking somewhat hagged after numerous cosmetic operations.

Jackson, 48, will recreate his famous graveyard Thriller video, on the 25th anniversary year of the hit album, with a troupe of dancers.

See also:

• Chilling legacy of Jackson's drastic plastic

• The Jacksons...or an everyday tale of two surgically obsessed siblings

The US star, who last performed in Britain in 1997 as part of the History Tour, will make his comeback appearance at the finale of tonight's glittering event. The star will be honoured with a Diamond Award for selling over 100 million albums.

Since he was acquitted of child abuse charges in the US last year, Jackson has rarely been seen in public. His recent appearance at the Guinness World Records headquarters in London revealed surgery had taken its toll. There were deep "craters" on either side of the pop star's nostrils and a scar at the tip of his nose.

The "stitched-on" appearance of his hairline suggested he was either wearing a hairpiece or has had "plugs" of hair inserted into his scalp.

Jackson has abandoned the bizarre array of veils, hats and gloves he usually favours. But his lack of gloves revealed his brown, cracked nails were desperately in need of a little attention.

The star will be hoping there will be no repeat of the embarrassing incident which saw Pulp star Jarvis Cocker invade the stage while the singer was performing at the Brit Awards in 1996.

Actress and party animal Lindsay Lohan, 20, is hosting tonight's show, which will be attended by some of the biggest names in music.

Beyonce will open the event with a performance of Deja Vu, while Mary J Blige will receive a legend award for Outstanding Contribution to R&B Music and sing a medley of her greatest hits.

Katie Melua, Andrea Bocelli and Faithless will also be performing at the 18th World Music Awards, being held in Britain for the first time. Diana Ross, Usher, Bob Sinclar, Enya and Nelly Furtado are also due to attend.

Awards founder and executive producer Melissa Corken said: "We are thrilled to be bringing the World Music Awards to London, the music capital of the world.

"The UK is the home of many of the world's greatest-selling artists of all time. "The presence of Michael Jackson is very exciting for us."

Previous recipients of the Diamond Award include Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi and Celine Dion. The awards take place at Earls Court at 7pm.

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