Las Vegas Weekly

September 8, 2008 · 11:03 AM

Jacksons honored, but whither Michael?

By Robin Leach

The Jacksons, minus Michael (and Jermaine), accept their BMI honor.

Photo: Image.net

The “King of Pop” had been invited -- but even if he remained here in Vegas, nobody knew where he was or why he failed to show up for the Icon Award presentation to all the Jackson family! Michael was a no-show at the 8th annual BMI Urban Awards in Los Angeles. Some observers went as far as to say the just-turned-50-year-old entertainer deliberately snubbed his entire family by skipping the awards presentation and dinner that honored the Jackson 5 and Janet Jackson.

Sisters LaToya and Rebbie were in attendance with Janet -- along with Jackie, Tito, Randy and Marlon. Proud parents Katherine and Joe, who also lives part-time here, attended the ceremony also, but in fairness oldest brother Jermaine was also absent. The family has literally been torn apart since Michael’s acquittal back in the summer of 2005 from the Neverland Ranch child molestation case in Santa Barbara.

The Jacksons were saluted with an all-star musical tribute during the ceremony honoring the most performed urban songs of the past 12 months. The Broadcast Music Inc. award is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Del Bryant, BMI president, said the Jacksons remain one of the most globally influential pop and R&B music groups.

Among those turning out to support the Jacksons, who were the first group to ever have their first four singles hit No. 1, were Vegas hometown hero Ne-Yo, Vegas regulars Lil Wayne, Lil Jon, Three 6 Mafia, and T-Pain. Others attending included the Cheetah Girls, Corey Feldman and Doug E Fresh.

Marlon Jackson quipped that Michael was away "riding a camel in Egypt."

As Luxe Life has reported, the other members of the Jackson family are hoping to kick-start their careers again with a Las Vegas show while Michael is working on his new album release and a possible new tour, but don’t expect them to ever reunite as a single entity again.

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