A Fresh Michael in Las Vegas

An article by Robin Leach

The long-awaited return of Michael Jackson to the throne of the King of Pop has begun, and big names are joining him on this journey. Tycoon— the mastermind leading these developments— is the same person who brought David Beckham to the United States on a staggering $250 million contract, and who was also behind the success of the Bet American selection contest with the name “American Idol,” hosted by Simon Cowell.

Simon Fuller, a highly successful producer and program manager, has had secret meetings with Michael Jackson and Kenny Ortega in Las Vegas.

Kenny Ortega, the award-winning director and choreographer, has collaborated with Michael on two major and very successful tours: Dangerous and History.

They invited me to be their dinner guest at Steve Wynn’s Chinese restaurant. This was the fourth time Michael had visited this restaurant since his stay in Vegas.

Michael looked good, and in the end, with calm and satisfaction, he told me: “I’m fine, and I’m doing well, and in Las Vegas I’m really having a good time. It’s a great place to feel at home.”

He had a strong handshake and, while speaking, his voice was firm and determined.

Kenny Ortega said they have many plans and, in the end, they will choose the best among them.

Michael will go from Vegas to Japan next month to take part in two fan appreciation celebrations on March 8 and 9.

Michael says: “Japan is one of my favorite places in the world, and I’m grateful to my fans there who have always given me the strongest support.”

Michael remembered our last meeting. He and I, who were guests at the Donald Trump hotel “Atlantic City Trump Plaza,” had breakfast together.

Michael also had meetings with Jack Wisna, a businessman and partner of Donald Trump. Wisna promised: “Michael will soon appear at the highest place in the world of music. He is one of the greatest showmen in the history of music.”

Michael also talked to me about his entertainments in Vegas. He said he was happy to have taken his children to watch the magic show of Lance Burton in Monte Carlo.

“I really love magic. I really liked the show. It was amazing and entertaining. I’d like to get involved in magic.”

Being invited to their private retreat was an honor. I saw Michael as a relaxed man with confidence. I was happy that he has left all past problems and issues behind and has started rebuilding his career.

There is a completely new Michael in Las Vegas. He feels comfortable here. He’s happy that he can go out and nothing will go wrong for him. He likes Vegas restaurants, but the shows are something else for him. This is the first time in a long while that Michael feels less pressure on himself. He’s ready to work and makes excellent use of the space and extraordinary insight.

Last weekend, Michael went to see a musical show of Beatles songs at the Mirage. After the show ended, he also visited the boutique to get souvenirs from the performance. He even met fans and took photos with them. After that, he went backstage to congratulate the actors for the good performance and thank them.

One of the staff members told me: “They were really impressed by him. He was very polite, and he said that this show will stay in his memory forever. Maybe next time he’ll bring his children with him too.”

He is now busy recording his new songs with will.i.am. Will says: “I’m really a fan of his. In my lifetime, I get the chance to work with only a few of the great people who brought light to the world— and Michael is one of them.”

Michael, Simon, and Kenny became the subjects of our photo. I told them that everyone is waiting for Michael’s return, and that Vegas is happy to have Michael consider it his new home.

Michael said: “Everything will be fine, really fine.” And Kenny added: “We’ll do it, and when it’s done you’ll see that it’s the best.”

Source: eMJey / Robin Leach, Vegas Popular