Report from Yesterday’s Conference
The moment we entered the O2 Arena, we were faced with red screens that read: "The Press Conference of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson."
It wasn’t long before the line shifted; they checked us one by one, gave us wristbands, and guided us to another section where tea, coffee, and free biscuits were available, keeping the fans entertained a bit. With metal bars inside the hall, two lines formed—one for photographers and videographers, and the other for journalists. We were guided to a location close to the stage. In front of us, many fans had already gathered at the closest spot to the stage. They were the same people who had spent the night in front of this arena to reach the morning. The atmosphere was full of anticipation and excitement. At least 2,000 people were present in the place where we were.
It was 5:30 PM when the event host, Dermot O'Leary, came on stage to invite Michael Jackson. Leary faced the fans’ joyful shouts, calling Michael’s name.
Dermot O'Leary said: "Thank you all for waiting. We’re only a few seconds away from Michael Jackson. (Fans went wild.) Yes, finally we will tell you the news that has been tried so hard to keep hidden in the worst way in the world.
Yesterday I was at home and I thought, how great—I've got a ticket. And then they called me and asked if I’d like to invite him on stage?
But before we bring him on stage, there’s something we need to see."
The video show was delayed by another two minutes, and during that time fans shouted: "Show the film, show the film."
That delay in showing the video became the basis for a joke by Dermot.
The video was finally shown, and a three-and-a-half-minute video of Michael’s amazing performances at concerts and his clips, along with a brief look at events inside the O2, was presented in front of the fans’ eyes. The crowd went wild again.
Dermot said: "Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve waited long enough. Selling 750 million album copies, 13 Grammy Awards—welcome to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, London!"
When images of Michael entered the conference venue, the crowd’s roar became deafening. When Michael walked into the hall wearing black pants and a jacket covered with silver-stitched stones, the audience went out of their minds. He hugged Dermot and, for a short moment, stood with a smile and open arms to show appreciation for the welcome and to understand the mood of the hall.
Michael: "I love you... This is what you were waiting for (pause) This is... (pause)... These will be my last concerts in London. My last concerts. And when I say last, I mean it—really, these will be my last concerts. Because.... (laughter - pause)... I’m going to perform the songs my fans are eager to hear. This is the end. Really, it’s the end. This is the final invitation to the stage... I’ll see you in July and... (pause)... I love all of you. You should know that I love you so much... (pause)... from the bottom of my heart. This is the end, and I’ll see you in July."
Michael waved to the enchanted crowd, blew kisses, and left the stage.
Dermot O'Leary: "Well done. Thank you so much. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, in honor of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
10 concerts begin on July 8."
Dermot then provided information about the tickets and said that fans can register to get concert tickets on the website MichaelJacksonLive.com or text MJ to number 81707. The cost of the SMS is calculated at 10 to 12 pence. Official pre-sales begin on Wednesday, March 11, and general sales begin at 7:00 AM on Friday, March 13.
Dermot O'Leary: "Ladies and gentlemen, I know you’ve waited a long time for this event, but I hope you enjoyed seeing this man. See you in July. Have a good day, take care of yourselves, and God bless you."
Source: eMJey / MJFC-USA
The video show was delayed by another two minutes, and during that time fans shouted: "Show the film, show the film."
That delay in showing the video became the basis for a joke by Dermot.
The video was finally shown, and a three-and-a-half-minute video of Michael’s amazing performances at concerts and his clips, along with a brief look at events inside the O2, was presented in front of the fans’ eyes. The crowd went wild again.
Dermot said: "Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve waited long enough. Selling 750 million album copies, 13 Grammy Awards—welcome to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, London!"
When images of Michael entered the conference venue, the crowd’s roar became deafening. When Michael walked into the hall wearing black pants and a jacket covered with silver-stitched stones, the audience went out of their minds. He hugged Dermot and, for a short moment, stood with a smile and open arms to show appreciation for the welcome and to understand the mood of the hall.
Michael: "I love you... This is what you were waiting for (pause) This is... (pause)... These will be my last concerts in London. My last concerts. And when I say last, I mean it—really, these will be my last concerts. Because.... (laughter - pause)... I’m going to perform the songs my fans are eager to hear. This is the end. Really, it’s the end. This is the final invitation to the stage... I’ll see you in July and... (pause)... I love all of you. You should know that I love you so much... (pause)... from the bottom of my heart. This is the end, and I’ll see you in July."
Michael waved to the enchanted crowd, blew kisses, and left the stage.
Dermot O'Leary: "Well done. Thank you so much. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, in honor of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
10 concerts begin on July 8."
Dermot then provided information about the tickets and said that fans can register to get concert tickets on the website MichaelJacksonLive.com or text MJ to number 81707. The cost of the SMS is calculated at 10 to 12 pence. Official pre-sales begin on Wednesday, March 11, and general sales begin at 7:00 AM on Friday, March 13.
Dermot O'Leary: "Ladies and gentlemen, I know you’ve waited a long time for this event, but I hope you enjoyed seeing this man. See you in July. Have a good day, take care of yourselves, and God bless you."
Source: eMJey / MJFC-USA