The Years 1999 to 2001
And now the world is waiting for the release of Michael’s new album—one that has been promised for a long time and might be his last album. Michael describes his new album, which still has no chosen name, as joyful, containing dance tracks, and having social themes.
Some members of the media and people who had heard some of the songs from this album praised it.
Both the music industry and the fans are waiting for the return of the King of Pop.
No matter what the media says about Michael Jackson, they all agree on one thing: “There has never been a bigger star than Michael, and maybe there never will be. Without a doubt, Michael Jackson is the biggest star in the world.”
TV Guide, the best-selling magazine in the United States, in an article it published in the late 20th century, put it best: “This legendary man is almost incomprehensible. But he never fails to captivate others. Michael Jackson is a king who comes only once in history—and remains forever.”
On 4 October 2000, it was reported that Michael had finished recording the album and that the album was in the mixing stage. Michael Jackson and Bruce Swaden, the recording engineer, hope that this important and final stage will be completed by late January 2001. Provided everything goes according to this work schedule, the recording stages will be completed from the master version in spring 2001, and the album will be ready for release in summer 2001.
On 28 October 2000, Michael, along with his friend Elizabeth Taylor, and with a new look, attended the charity event “Carousel of Hope,” held at a hotel in Beverly Hills — California.
[Carousel of Hope charity event]
At this event, hosted by the famous comedian Jay Leno; more than fifty plates designed by celebrities—one of whom was also Michael—were auctioned.
The Carousel of Hope event raised more than six million US dollars to help organizations supporting children with diabetes.
Marvin and Barbara Davis, the founders of this charity event, had arranged an extravagant lunch for the guests and participants.
Barbara Davis had told Michael that Ricky Martin wanted to see him. At the end of the ceremony, Michael appeared onstage and, before being cheered by the audience, congratulated Ricky Martin for his live performance.
[Michael congratulating Ricky Martin]
Among the people standing to hug Michael were faces such as Barry Gardi Junior, Michael’s discoverer, and Susan De Pas, his childhood teacher.
Shirley MacLaine, Carrie Fisher, Joan Collins, David Foster, Toni Braxton, Sydney Poitier, Gregory Peck, Neil Diamond, Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sylvester Stallone, and Charlotte Church were among the other famous people who attended this charity event.
On 31 October 2000, more news was released about the film Nightmare of Edgar Allan Poe that Michael Jackson was considering making. Gary Podney, in an interview with the “Columbus Dispatch,” said: “Michael Jackson will go to Montreal in early 2001 with his two children to prepare for filming the movie he has had planned in his mind for a long time.”
It had been announced that production of this film would begin in March 2001. And Michael would play the lead role in this film, and along with Gary Podney and Jim Green, would be one of the film’s executive producers.
In a conversation with Marlene Beck, Gary Podney said: “Michael in this film doesn’t look exactly like Edgar Poe. But you won’t be able to tell the difference between the two. It’s really amazing. This film is full of captivating and scary scenes. And in addition to the ghosts that Poe wrote about, they return at the time of his death to hunt him.
We will also use six to eight other professional actors to help Michael. During the filming and production process, he will have an acting coach.”
In the news, it was said that Michael is currently working on the music for the film’s soundtrack, and he himself will sing this song.
Gary Podney: “Michael wants to focus on the films. We are currently working on making more films of ‘Edgar Allan Poe.’ And we are also in discussions about several other films. Michael is interested in working with people like Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, and they are also willing to do this.”
Exciting news about Michael’s first appearance in the role of “Edgar Allan Poe” was published in an interview with TV Guide magazine, and from 4 to 10 December 1999.On 20 November 2000, Michael Jackson attended the birthday celebration of Robbie Shwilly Batich, held in Englewood — New Jersey — United States. For Elisa Mengino, a seven-year-old girl suffering from leukemia, meeting her favorite singer, Michael Jackson, was a dream come true.
Ten days later, on 30 November 2000, Michael received the “Angel of Hope” award at the “Angel Celebration” ceremony held in New York. During the dinner attended by many celebrities—Bill Clinton, the then President of the United States, Michael Jackson, and Anwar Sadat, the Queen of Jordan—were all honored for their efforts in fighting cancer. At this ceremony, four million dollars were raised to help cancer patients.
[Michael at the Angel Celebration]
[Michael — Dennis Richards]
At this event, Michael was introduced to the attendees by Lance and J.C., members of the musical group Incink.
“No artist has tried as hard as Michael to make the world better, and no famous person is as humble as Michael about the work he has done. What else can I say about him? He’s bad—he’s a thriller. And now he’s here.
The biggest living music artist in the world. Number one superstar. The King of Pop. On behalf of the J.P. charity organization, this honor has been given to us to present the ‘Angel of Hope’ award to Mr. Michael Jackson.”
Michael Jackson: “Mr. President, it is an honor for me to receive this award in your presence. And I want to thank you for all the services you have provided to the people of America. You were an incredible president, and I love you...
... Cancer is the number one killer of children. And nights like tonight, when we come together, are the only time we can give ourselves the courage and decide not to let this disease deprive another child of the precious gift of life—or deprive parents of the joy of watching their child grow up. God bless all of you for all the love and support you offered tonight. I love you all so much. Thank you.”
On 2 December 2000, at the wedding ceremony of Tommy Mottola, the head of one of the Sony distribution companies, and Talia Saday; held in St. Patrick’s Church in New York, Michael was seated in the front row of the church seats. Michael did not attend the celebration after the wedding.
[Michael at Tommy Mottola’s wedding]
Among the one thousand two hundred friends invited to this ceremony were Dana Sommer, Gloria Stefani, Rosie O’Donnell, Mark Anthony, Emilio Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Robert De Niro, Saul Kerzner, Danny DeVito, Joe Pesci, Ricky Martin, Bruce Springsteen, Julio Iglesias, and Tony Bennett.