World Mourns Michael Jackson

Crowds of fans gather outside of the Apollo Theater to remember pop star Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009 in New York City. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died after going into cardiac arrest in a hospital today in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES/LONDON (Reuters) - Michael Jackson's death dominated news bulletins, radio airwaves and social networking sites the world over on Friday as tributes poured in for a man called the "King of Pop" and "natural heir to Elvis."

The 50-year-old, whose towering musical legacy was tarnished by often bizarre behavior and sex scandals, was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. PDT (2126 GMT) on Thursday after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest.

"King of pop is dead. Black day for music," was the simple message left by "johnyvergosa" on the Twitter messaging site, where Jackson accounted for four of the five top topics. Actress Farrah Fawcett, who also died on Thursday, was the fifth.

Other online contributors expressed disbelief at the suddenness of Jackson's death, less than three weeks before he was due to launch a series of comeback concerts in London.

The singer's lasting appeal, despite life as a virtual recluse since his acquittal of child abuse charges at a 2005 trial, was underlined when 750,000 fans of all ages snapped up tickets for the sellout gigs.

From "Thriller" to "Billie Jean" and "Rock With You" to "The Way You Make Me Feel," Jackson's hits filled the airwaves.

Local politics and global affairs were bumped off the front pages of newspapers, trading rooms were abuzz with the news and entertainment websites saw a surge in traffic.

"The King of Pop is Dead" read the main headline of Britain's Independent newspaper, below a full-page portrait.

Rina Masaoka, a 21-year-old college student in Japan, said: "This will probably be as shocking as Princess Diana's death."

Ray Cordeiro, an octogenarian radio disc jockey in Hong Kong who has been on air for around half a century, called Jackson "a genius" and a "legend in our lifetime."

Former Beatle Paul McCartney said in a statement: "It's so sad and shocking. I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever."

FLAWED GENIUS

Commentators reflecting on Jackson's life focused on his flaws as well as his global fame and musical flair.

"Broken and broke: the child star haunted by fame and scandal" read a profile in the Guardian newspaper, which called him "the natural successor to Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley."

Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records, a figure that is likely to rise with the expected posthumous re-release of his hits. "Thriller," which came out in 1982, remains the best-selling album of all time.

Jackson also won 13 Grammy Awards, made boundary-breaking music videos and his slick dance moves were imitated by legions of fans, and fellow pop stars, around the world.

But his preference for the company of children, high-pitched voice, numerous plastic surgeries and life as a virtual recluse earned him many critics and the nickname "Wacko Jacko."

When he came to London to announce his residency at the O2 Arena starting on July 13, bookmakers immediately took bets on whether he would turn up for the first show, amid concerns and rumors over his physical and mental health.

His sudden death, nevertheless, came as a surprise.

"I spoke to Michael only a few days ago and he was absolutely on top of everything, working hard and really excited about (the) forthcoming shows," said Mark Lester, a former child actor and godfather to Jackson's children.

Quincy Jones, who worked closely with Jackson on some of his most successful recordings, led tributes from the music world.

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news," he said of one of the first black entertainers of the MTV generation to gain a big crossover following.

Pop star Madonna said: "I can't stop crying over the sad news ... I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats but his music will live on forever."

Germany's Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, speaking in front of the Adlon Hotel where in 2002 Jackson caused a stir by dangling his baby from a top floor window in front of adoring fans, described Jackson as a great artist.

"But his life was also rather tragic in the end ... That's why I hope his whole life is taken into account when reflecting upon his death and not only the last few years."

(Writing by Mike Collett-White; additional reporting by Reuters bureaux; Editing by Jon Hemming)

Michael Jackson Dies in Age 50

Michael Jackson in 1983. Getty Images.

Legendary musician Michael Jackson has died, law enforcement sources have confirmed.

TMZ reports that someone at Jackson's Holmby Hills home called 911 at 12:21 pm. When paramedics arrived at his home, he was not breathing. The Los Angeles Times reports by the time he reached the UCLA Medical center, Jackson was in a coma. He was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon.

Several months ago, celebrity biographer Ian Halperin claimed Jackson was deathly ill and required a lung transplant. Jackson's rep quickly disputed Halperin's claims.

Jackson was readying for a 50-show run of performances at London's O2 Arena. He had voiced concern about being physically able to complete that many performances.

Jackson is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr, Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince Michael Jackson.

Kellie Pickler Dating with Kid Rock

In our odd couple news of the day, US tabloids are reporting that singer Kid Rock is romancing Idol alum Kelly Pickler. A source told the Globe that the "romance between Kellie and Kid has been the worst-kept secret in Nashville."

Although Kid showed up at the CMT Video Awards with ex Sheryl Crow, sources say he was really there to hang out with Pickler. Kellie also gave a radio interview recently in which she admitted that she was in a relationship:
I'm seeing someone. I got a man. He's a great, great guy. We've been seeing each other for over a year. Sources claim Kellie was referring to Kid in the quote, but "over a year?" She's been openly dating songwriter Kyle Jacobs for that amount of time, and judging from yesterday's Tweet "@kylecjacobs miss you more" we'd say she still is. Given the evidence, we're writing this rumor off as unsubstantiated gossip.

'He Knew' says Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of music legend Elvis Presley, was married to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson for a litte less than two years in the mid-1990s.

Given that the marriage took place shortly after Jackson stood accused of child molestation, many speculated that the marriage was a publicity stunt. Lisa Marie, who starred in Jackson's video for his hit "You Are Not Alone," has taken to her blog to write about her relationship with the troubled icon, a man she says she loved very much.

She revealed that Jackson felt certain he would die in much the same way Lisa Marie's father did - surrounded by crowds, news helicopters, and picture flashes. She wrote on MySpace:

Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general.

I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened.

The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

She went on to write about their "unusual relationship," in which she tried very hard to "save him." She admits having been angry about their divorce, but insists, "Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him."

Chris & Rihanna not Happy for Protection Order

Earlier this week, Chris Brown pled guilty as part of a plea deal that guaranteed he would stay out of prison. He was sentenced to probation, community service - and ordered to stay at least 50 yards away from his famous ex, Rihanna.

According to the NY Daily News, neither Chris nor Rihanna is particularly happy with this arrangement. A mutual friend of the singers reportedly said, "They think [the protection order is] unnecessary and ridiculous. After [the proceeding], Ri and Chris talked on the phone for almost an hour and really worked at becoming friends. They're solid now."

The two will likely both appear at this Sunday's BET Awards in Los Angeles. Brown is allowed to be in the same building as Rihanna - but he has to stay at least 10 yards away from him.

But fear not: Rihanna and Chris Brown won't be reconciling any time soon. Their friend says, "That's 100% done. They aren't looking to hook back up again. They're both moving on and going their separate ways."

Besides, isn't Rihanna already dating Aubrey Graham?

Will Megan Fox meet her Rose Boy?

Last week, Transformers star Megan Fox walked straight past a young boy who was struggling to offer her a yellow rose at a London movie premiere. The moment was captured on camera, the photograph quickly disseminated around the internet, and Megan Fox apologized via taped interview, saying, "I'm sorry, sweet boy. I would never do that to you, and I would gladly accept your rose if I ever see you again."

Upon recieving word of Fox's apology, Kodak promised to offer $5,000 to the first person who could help them find the elusive rose boy. Now, it seems, Kodak is going to have to pony up the cash - and also pay the travel expenses of one 11-year-old Harvii.

Harvii (Harvey Kindlon) is 11 years old, according to the trusty Internet. His Facebook profile includes pictures of him with Lady Gaga and Kevin Jonas, so the kid seems to have his fair share of star encounters. He's been flown out to New York to meet Megan.

Congratulations, Harvii!

Jessica Simpson is to Host Documentary Series on Beauty

Jessica Simpson will be returning to reality television sometime next year, US Magazine reports.

As was previously rumored, Jessica has signed on to host a documentary series called The Price of Beauty, which explores international perspectives on beauty for VH1. She will travel around the globe, participating in different beauty rituals. Jessica says of the project, which begins filming in July:
I have always believed that beauty comes from within and confidence will always make a woman beautiful, but I know how much pressure some women put on themselves to look perfect.

I am really looking forward to discovering how beauty is perceived in different cultures and participating in some of the crazy things people do to feel beautiful. I know we will all learn a lot on this journey and I am so excited that VH1 is coming along on what I'm sure will be a wild ride.
Jessica endured intense scrutiny earlier this year when pictures of her performing in an unflattering pair of jeans surfaced on the Internet.

Paris Hilton wears a Bikini in Dubai and Flouts the Rules

Paris Hilton poses at Paris Hilton's "My New BFF" Season 2, press conference on May 15, 2009 at the Barron Hilton Estate in Bel Air, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Paris Hilton may have trouble making friends in Dubai if she keeps up her current behavior. The heiress is filming Paris Hilton's My New BFF in the United Arab Emirates, where she was instructed to observe custom and dress conservatively during her stay. Unfortunately Paris must not have realized that a bikini doesn't fit the bill, because within hours she was posing provocatively in her skimpy two-piece.

A source told the Mirror,
Paris had made a big public speech, saying how much she loved the Middle East and respected its culture. But the following day she was prancing around on the beach in her bikini and posing provocatively.

Bosses warned her Western tourists have been jailed for flouting the rules. Jailed? Hopefully the 22 ladies vying for her friendship onscreen don't mind a rebel.