8 November 2001 - MTV TRL Program

For the first time in his life, Michael Jackson signed copies of his new album at the big Virgin music store in New York—separate from his brothers. Fans had been lining up since the night before to make sure they didn’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dressed head to toe in blue, Michael stepped outside the store at first and waved to the crowd from a small platform. Hundreds of fans gathered around him, eager to get a better look.

During the airing of the popular TRL program, MTV sent the show’s host, Carson Daly, to interview Michael in person. The interview went as follows:

Carson Daly: How does it feel to have your album back at number one in every country?

Michael: It’s a great honor. I’m really happy. We worked so hard on this album, and I’m happy that my fans are supporting my work like they did before, and I feel really proud—I mean that. I never think my success is guaranteed. Every time one of my albums or songs goes to number one, it’s like it’s my first time. That’s why I’m so happy about it.

Carson: Well, congratulations. This album is amazing!

The video for "You Rock My World" is being played as the seventh song on the show this week.

Carson: A lot of the people I counted on in this show—almost all of them... Let me put it another way... Everyone has named you as one of the most inspiring people to them. Is there an artist you’ve been inspired by?

Michael: There are so many artists. I can name Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Jackie Wilson. There are so many great singers—from Aretha Franklin to Barbra Streisand—and I love The Beatles’ music. I really, really love great music.

Michael presented each of the people on the show with a full set of Sony CD collections.