Beyonce will pull another BET Awards stunt for the upcoming Michael Jackson tribute concert. Due to scheduling conflicts, the “Party” singer will perform one of her favorite Jackson Five songs via satellite during the event, which takes place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on October 8.
Writing on their Facebook page, promoters of the concert confirmed: “BEYONCE Beams Into Michael Forever Tribute!! A unique, never-before-seen performance by Beyonce of one of her favorite Jackson 5 songs will be shown at the concert on October 8th! A lifelong Michael fan, Beyonce really wanted to be involved in this tribute concert. Due to scheduling issues she can’t be there in person, but this performance is not to be missed!”
The Beyonce announcement came on heels of fans urging event organizers to cancel the tribute in an open letter.
“Please understand that this concert is doomed to fail now,” said the letter from the 80,000 strong members of MJJ Community, and more than 30 other fan clubs. “Do the right thing for Michael Jackson and cancel this tribute.”
The fans continue: “From the timing of this tribute, in the middle of Dr. Murray’s trial, to the ticketing prices, to the obscurity over what charities will be receiving the donation, to the no-guarantee policy of performers, the addition of Gene Simmons and dishonoring, thus tarnishing Michael Jackson’s legacy was simply the last straw.”
Simmons and his band KISS was removed last week due to a plethora of complaints, which called their participation an insult to the King of Pop due to Gene’s statement back in 2010, which degraded the late singer.
Attorneys for Jackson’s estate also expressed concerns last week about the planned concert, which is supported by the singer’s mother Katherine and several of her children, but not by Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy Jackson.
Also confirmed to perform at “Michael Forever Tribute Concert” are Christina Aguilera, Smokey Robinson, Cee-Lo Green, Leona Lewis, Craig David and Alien Ant Farm — who had their own hit with a rock cover of MJ’s “Smooth Criminal” in 2001. Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Kanye West and Beyonce’s husband Jay-Z have also been asked to perform at the event.
