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Director Spike Lee and his son Jackson are fans of the New York Knicks. The father and son team took in yet another Knicks game on February 6, 2009. Spike Lee even took a moment to argue with the referee during the game; his mini looked a little embarrassed
Madame Tussauds unveiled a new wax figure of Michael Jackson in London on Thursday. The statue was originally created to mark the late pop star’s return to the stage for his “This Is It” comeback concerts at O2 Arena.
It is the thirteenth time the museum has portrayed Jackson, making him the most featured star ever, with only Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II having been portrayed more often.
Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett join Mario in the Chris Robinson-directed video for “Break Up,” which was shot in Mario’s hometown of Baltimore. The R&B singer’s fourth album, And Then There Was Me, is scheduled for release on Sept. 22.
Kelly Rowland joins DJ David Guetta on stage as part of the iTunes Live Festival at The Roundhouse on July 8, 2009 in London, England.
Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child appears at Loose Women and talks about her role in the West End Musical "Chicago". She plays Roxie Hart. Broadcasted on ITV1 London live - 7th July 2009
Just recovering from the day. Still filled w/sadness as we listen to KJLH in LA(Stevie Wonder's radio station)paying tribute to MJ.
Trying to sing today was basically impossible for me. I could barely keep myself from crying. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to pull it together and really do it right,but I was literally choked up when I saw him there in front of me.
One thing I know is, we will never really have to say goodbye to MJ. His legacy lives on through his music and the millions of people. He inspired with his timeless music. He will be forever in our hearts.
Family, friends, and fans of Michael Jackson gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the greatest entertainer the world has seen.
The Jackson family, Mariah Carey, Usher, Brooke Shields, Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Smokey Robinson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Berry Gordy, and more were among those who paid their respects to the late King of Pop.
The biggest mixtape song of the year finally has a video. Kanye West directs the debut video from Young Money recording artist Drake, who coaches an all-girls basketball team in the clip. Throw some DDs on it.
Drake "Best I Ever Had" from kwest on Vimeo.
The man who is largely credited with being the brains behind Michael Jackson's adult solo success has no plans to pay "The King of Pop" respect at his funeral.
"No, not at all, not at all," Quincy Jones replied when asked whether he was attending the memorial. His reason: "Because it's going to be, like, 9 million people there, and it's not what I want to see."The 27-time Grammy Award-winning music producer, who tapped Jackson to star in the glitzy film adaption of the Broadway's musical 'The Wiz' in 1977, crafted his seminal 'Off the Wall' album and followed it up with the historical 'Thriller' set.
"It's surrealistic," Jones, 76, told Details magazine's Web site. "I don't know how to process it at all."
In the past, the 'Soul Bossa Nova' creator swore off funerals because too many of his close friends have passed on. But when it comes to Jackson's memorial, Jones is steering clear.
"My condolences and love I've already sent to the family," he added. "But being there with 10 million people is not my idea of a tribute to somebody you were so close to -- who's got a part of your soul. Our souls were joined, you know. And a piece of it goes with him."
According to published reports, a private family service will be held July 7 at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles. A motorcade will reportedly then go to the Staples Center complex in downtown Los Angeles, where the public memorial will be held.
Jackson died of an apparent cardiac arrest on June 25. He was 50.
In a candid interview with NBC’s “Today” show host Matt Lauer, Jermaine Jackson admits he would have rather had his life taken than that of his brother’s, Michael Jackson.
“He went too soon,” Jermaine reveals. “I don’t know how people are going to take this, but I wish it was me.”
The 55-year-old former Jackson 5 member detailed the events surrounding the news of the King of Pop’s death last Thursday, which included hearing a frantic call from his mother, Katherine Jackson, rushing to UCLA Medical Center, and kissing his younger brother’s lifeless body.
“I held myself together because I know [Michael's] very much alive,” Jermaine admits. “His spirit is, and [his body] was just a shell. I kissed him on his forehead and I hugged him, and I touched him and I said, ‘Michael, I’ll never leave you. You’ll never leave me.’”
On Wednesday, Ken Sunshine, the Jackson family spokesman, said a public memorial for Michael Jackson was in the works, but it wouldn’t be held at Neverland Ranch.
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Madonna paid homage to the King of Pop on Saturday in the same arena where he was to stage his “This Is It” farewell tour later this month.
A picture of a young Michael Jackson was shown on screen while Madonna performed “Holiday” during the opening of the second leg of her “Sticky & Sweet” tour at London’s O2 Arena. An MJ impersonator appeared on stage, wearing a black hat, sequined jacket, white glove, and white socks.
The music then switched to Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” as the impersonator performed his famous moves, including the moonwalk.
After the performance, Madonna told the crowd, “Let’s give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known.” The audience then erupted in thunderous applause.
Beyoncé, Ne-Yo, Queen Latifah, John Legend, Solange, Keri Hilson, Salt-N-Pepa, and more joined the festivities on Day 1 of the 15th Annual ESSENCE Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on Friday (July 3).
BET has issued an apology for the controversial Young Money performance at Sunday’s BET Awards.
Many who tuned into the show were appalled by the set, which capped a night filled with heartfelt tributes to the late Michael Jackson. The performance, which occurred right before Janet Jackson’s emotional appearance, featured Lil Wayne, Drake, and other members of the Young Money family performing their raunchy hit “Every Girl.” The spectacle offended some viewers, prompting an apology from the network.
“BET Networks deeply regrets the performance by Young Money at the BET Awards ’09 (featuring Lil Wayne, Drake, Gudda Gudda, and Mack Maine). Elements of the performance were unplanned and should not have happened,” the network said in a statement. “We value and appreciate the feedback from our viewers and have edited Young Money’s performance from all BET Awards ’09 encore presentations.”
An edited version of the 2009 BET Awards will air on Monday, July 6.
I know this is just a skit that was produced just for the B.E.T. Awards but, if it every became a full motion picture..... OMG it would make soooo much $$$$$$ I use to love Wanda, one of my favorite characters on In Living Color, and anybody that knows me, know that I love Martin!!! That is my favorite T.V Show. Someone greenlight this film ASAP
The most-buzzed-about unsigned artist in the industry, Drake, has officially signed to Young Money Entertainment.
After a bidding war that included Universal Motown and Atlantic Records, the Canadian rapper-singer has made his home at the label founded by Lil Wayne.
The debut album from the “Best I Ever Had” hitmaker will be released on Young Money with distribution through Universal Republic, home to Amy Winehouse, Chamillionaire, and India.Arie.
Drake’s debut album, Thank Me Later, is scheduled for a late 2009 release.
Rihanna showed love for Michael Jackson by wearing black and white with gloves during a recent outing in New York City on Monday. She sampled the King of Pop’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” on her hit “Don’t Stop the Music.”
Earlier in the day, RiRi lunched with singer Santigold at Chinese eatery Philippe Chow.
LeToya Luckett hunts her man down at the club after finding a scandalous text on his phone in the Bryan Barber-directed video for “She Ain’t Got…” the second single from her sophomore album Lady Love.
Watch LeToya hit it out of the park below.
LeToya Luckett gets entangled in a high-fashion web on the cover of Lady Love, her sophomore album, due Aug. 25. Fierce!
In the midst of all the BET Awards madness, Kanye West debuted his animated video for “Street Lights” created by Spanish director Javier Longobardo.
Ciara shed tears when asked to describe her most memorable Michael Jackson moment backstage at the 2009 BET Awards on Sunday.
“For me, he really is the reason why. I didn’t have any training, no nothing,” she said. “That’s where I get my inspiration. I don’t know him, but he means that much.”
Michael Jackson rehearses for his “This Is It” tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in these photos taken just days before his tragic death. The 50 shows at London’s O2 Arena were set to kick off on July 13. The concerts sold out in record-breaking time.
“It was an amazing show. The thing was just days away from being perfected. It was incredible,” said magician Ed Alonzo, who was hired to work on the production. “Even though it was just a walk-through with the dancers, his moves were dead-on—the same Michael Jackson we [saw] through the years in music videos.”
Janet Jackson made her first public appearance since the passing of her brother, Michael, at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday.
A grief-stricken Janet was brought on stage by host Jamie Foxx. She appeared in all white and spoke briefly.
“My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to speak with all of you and I’m going to keep it very short. To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love. Thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.”
Foxx and Ne-Yo closed the show with a rendition of the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There,” New Edition opened with a medley of Jackson 5 songs, Ne-Yo sang “Lady in My Life,” and Ciara performed “Heal the World.”
The King of Pop’s father, Joe Jackson, also made an appearance at the show, which was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The Stars endured the sweltering heat on the red carpet at the 2009 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday. Soulja Boy, Sean Paul, and Day26 paid their respects to Michael Jackson with their outfits.
An angelic Beyoncé wore a white wedding dress while performing “Ave Maria” and a cover of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” at the 2009 BET Awards on Sunday.
Ciara sang Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” at the 2009 BET Awards.
“There will never be another like him!” she tweeted.
What did you think of CiCi’s performance?
A great deal of hype has surrounded this year's BET Awards.
Since the passing of arguably the greatest entertainer of all-time, Michael Jackson, this weekend's buzz has been all about how Black Entertainment Television will re-vamp its annual awards show to pay tribute to the King of Pop.
From the show's beginning, it was clear this night's festivities would honor the 'Thriller' singer in more ways than one. But big names like Usher, Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown, who were all rumored to participate in the show were noticeably absent.
New Edition, includingbad boy Bobby Brown, kicked off with a medley of Jackson 5 hits, including 'ABC, 'The Love You Save' and 'I Want You Back.' They even nailed the choreography of the Jacksons in their performance.
2009 BET Awards host Jamie Foxx, wearing MJ's signature red leather jacket and white glove -- replete with dancers -- performed a short rendition of Jackson's 'Beat It.' The Academy Award-winning actor also moonwalked across the stage.
Keri Hilson sang her hit songs 'Turnin' Me On' and 'Knock You Down.'
Without any frills, NeYo sang Jackson's touching 1982 ballad 'Lady in My Life.'
'Akeelah and the Bee' star KeKe Palmer performed an accapella version of 'Who's Lovin' You' before introducing Foxx ,who then performed his number-1 hit song 'Blame It.' Snoop Dogg joined him on-stage to dance around, as did T-Pain and rocker
Travis Barker, who played drums, as the song turned into a rock 'n' roll version.
Rapper Soulja Boy performed his 'Turn My Swag On' single. Beyonce followed shortly thereafter and sang her version of 'Ave Maria.' Mary Mary were joined by Queen Latifah for their song 'God In Me.'
Foxx took the stage for a second time as a performing act, and this time behind the piano, for 'She Got Her Own' with Ne-Yo and Fabolous.
One of the night's highlights was Ne-Yo & Friends' blast from the past: Keith Sweat performed 'I Wanna,' Guy performed 'I Like' and Ne-Yo joined Bell Biv DeVoe to sing 'Poison.'
Ciara, adorned in a Jackson-esque blazer, performed his 'Heal the World' while Keyshia Cole teamed with Monica for a duet of 'Trust' and Jay-Z took the stage, shortly after his wife Beyonce won the award for 'Best R&B Female,' to perform his new single 'Death of Auto tune.'
BET President Debra Lee honored the humanitarian recipients Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean.
Academy-Award nominee Taraji P. Henson, who won the Best Actress award, joined her 'Baby Boy' co-star Tyrese who pretended to be 'Jodi' his character from the John Singleton flick.
Another highlight was the O'Jay's tribute. Not only did the legendary soul singers take the stage and sing 'Let Me Make Love To You,' 'For the Love of Money' and 'Used To Be My Girl,' but Tevin Campbell honored the group singing 'Forever Mine,' as did 'Johnny Gill, Trey Songz and Tyrese who sang 'Backstabbers,' 'Darlin' Darlin' Baby' and 'Stairway to Heaven.' 
Just when you thought the Real Housewives drama was ending — after New Jersey’s table-turning finale — Bravo has announced that The Real Housewives of Atlanta will return for its second season on July 30 (10 p.m., ET).
Returning this year are aspiring country singer Kim Zolciak, entrepreneur Lisa Wu Hartwell, the outspoken NeNe Leakes and budding fashion designer Sheree Whitfield. Meanwhile, Kandi Burruss, a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and former member of Xscape, will join the mix, becoming the official fifth castmate, replacing DeShawn Snow. According to the network, the newest Housewife’s storyline will involve balancing wedding planning, writing and recording a new album as a solo artist and being a mom. Burruss is friends with Wu Hartwell.
As for the veterans, Bravo notes that upcoming Atlanta episodes will document the development of Whitfield’s She by Sheree fashion line and her dating life, Zolciak’s life after breaking up with beau “Big Poppa,” and Leakes’s upcoming self-help book for women.
While Variety has confirmed that Janet Jackson is the first cast member to sign on for the sequel 'Why Did I Get Married Too,' Didntinviteme has learned that her other co-stars (Jill Scott, Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Malik Yoba, Tyler Perry and Richard T. Jones) will be returning to the film as well. The only one not involved in the production is Denise Boutte, who played Scott's friend in the film. The movie is set for release on April 2, 2010, the start of next year's Easter weekend. The first flick, 'Why Did I Get Married?,' which was based on Perry's stage play, grossed $55 million domestically.
Tyler Perry, who is currently working on Janet’s upcoming movie, Why Did I Get Married Too, has said he is “on no schedule” and will give Janet all the time she needs to come to terms with her brother Michael’s death.
Speaking at the Atlanta Urban League “Spirit of the League” awards luncheon where he was receiving an award, Perry said that Janet will be accommodated “fully and completely, according to whatever she needs.”
He added that Janet’s role in the movie will see her take on “a lot of heavy stuff to play and a lot of demands on her character [therapist and author Patricia Agnew].”
“At this point, I’m on no set schedule,” Perry said. “She’s an amazingly talented woman. I have no doubt, she’ll be up for [the acting challenges in the script].”
“Shooting the first film, there was a bond that formed between all of us,” Perry explained. “Even after the shoot, we’ve kept up with each other and we continue to talk.”
He added: “Janet will have all the love and support we can give her. That’s first and foremost.”
The world is mourning the loss of Michael Jackson. His music was universal and transcended generations. Thousands of fans gathered at the Eiffel Tower in Paris to pay their respects to the King of Pop. He will be honored at tonight’s BET Awards.
After three days to process the shock and grief, attendees at the BET Awards — a show thrown into "total overhaul" by the death of Michael Jackson — were preparing for what was sure to be a spectacular celebration of the King of Pop, put on by a dazzling collection of the artists he influenced most.
Fans lined up early Sunday outside the show's site as workers put the finishing touches on an outdoor stage near the Shrine Auditorium's entrance.
At the front of the line were Raia Lee and Lauren Jones, who had planned to watch the show on television but instead arrived shortly before 8 a.m. in the hopes of getting close-up looks at celebrities.
Already an affair of major star wattage, Sunday night's show was thrown under a white-hot spotlight in the wake of Jackson's death, adding attendees and guests, doubling the number of media requests and even lengthening the red carpet to accommodate all who want to take part.
It was not immediately clear whether any members of the Jackson family, who had been gathering at their Encino compound over the weekend, planned to attend or take part.
Producers of the annual awards show — which recognizes the best in music, acting and sports — say they scrapped their plans and revamped the show to meet the moment.
"It's a total overhaul," network Chairwoman Debra L. Lee said. "Luckily we have enough time to do that."
Previously announced performers, such as Beyonce and Ne-Yo, who worked on their performances for weeks, hoped to change them to honor Jackson, producer Stephen Hill said. Other artists who hadn't planned to attend the ceremony, including Usher and Justin Timberlake, tried to catch last-minute flights to Los Angeles to participate, Hill said.
Lee said the network would still present awards, but the show would be "more geared toward Michael Jackson."
Beyonce and T.I. were top contenders for trophies, with a leading five nominations each. She was up for best R&B female, best actress and video of the year. He was in the running for best male hip-hop, best collaboration and video of the year. Lil Wayne,
T-Pain and Keri Hilson were tied with four nominations each.
Hosted by Jamie Foxx, the BET Awards telecast was extended by 30 minutes to accommodate various Jackson tributes.
GET READY TO STRUT YOUR STUFF!
OXYGEN MEDIA LAUNCHES THE "DANCE YOUR ASS OFF CONTEST" ON YOUTUBE FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED ON-AIR DURING SHOW'S SEASON FINALE
The "Dance Your Ass Off" Brand Channel is EXCLUSIVE Home to Contest Submissions; Site Goes Live on YouTube Friday, June 12, Featuring Series Promos, Dance Videos and Contest News
Want to show the world how you TOO can dance your ass off? In support of Oxygen Media's much-anticipated dance/weight-loss competition series premiere of "Dance Your Ass Off" on June 29 at 10PM ET/PT, the network is launching a contest in which users can submit a video, exclusively on YouTubeTM, of themselves dancing their asses off for a chance to be featured on an Oxygen on-air promo during the show's season finale and a chance to win a 3-night getaway to Universal Orlando Resort. The "Dance Your Ass Off Contest" begins Friday, June 12 on www.youtube.com/danceyourassoff as part of the new "Dance Your Ass Off" brand channel on YouTube.
The "Dance Your Ass Off" channel allows users to upload their hottest weight-loss dance moves for fellow fans to enjoy internet-wide and be the exclusive home of the submitted contest videos. The channel also features music track downloads to be used in their video submissions including the "Dance Your Ass Off" theme song as well as Salsa, Disco and Hip-Hop tracks. In addition, the channel offers the "Dance Your Ass Off" Dance instructional video, show promos and trailers and contest/prizing details. The channel and contest run through August 17.
Oxygen brings the "Dance Your Ass Off" experience to its viewers also by allowing them to enter the contest by visiting the "Dance Your Ass Off" Move It To Lose It Tour in one of three cities: Orlando (Universal CityWalk - June 12/13), New York (Herald Square - June 29) and Chicago (Taste of Chicago - July 3-5), where their dance videos will be automatically uploaded to the brand channel.
Bringing dance and diet together, Oxygen's "Dance Your Ass Off" series features talented, full-figured contestants who will have to lose to win. Throughout the upcoming season, each contestant is paired with a professional dance partner who will train them for their weekly stage performances - ranging from Hip Hop, to Ballroom and even Pole Dancing! Then they shake and rattle their rolls in front of a live studio audience and a panel of expert judges. The judges score the routines, and then the contestants weigh in to reveal their weekly weight loss. The dance score and the weight loss are combined for an overall score, which determines who is sent home each week. The last dancer remaining wins the grand prize of $100,000.
"Dance Your Ass Off" is produced by 495 Productions with SallyAnn Salsano serving as executive producer and Joel Zimmer as co-executive producer, with concept by Lisa Ann Walter and Kate Rigg also serving as executive producers.
enty years ago Lenny Kravitz released his first big international hit, Let Love Rule. Around the same time, his daughter Zoë came into the world. Now she's following her famous dad into the world of rock 'n' roll with her band Elevator Fight.
"She's loving doing this music," Lenny Kravitz tells Didntinviteme while promoting his latest tour to mark the 20th anniversary re-release of the record in London. "It's a trip to watch."
In terms of advice about the rock world, dad keeps it to himself. "I have nothing to do with it, which is brilliant," he says. "She is just doing her thing, and it's really good. And everyone's chasing them to sign them."
Kravitz, 45, is completely supportive of his daughter, whose mom is actress Lisa Bonet, 41 – despite the shaky world of the music business. "Whatever she wants to do, I trust her fully," he says smiling. "She's got great instincts. She's much smarter than I am."
His daughter, who will turn 21 in December, has varied strings to her bow, in any case. "She has other things which is good. She's done six or seven films now," he adds.
Nothing to Prove
n a wedding fit for a princess, Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson wed her NFL player beau Hank Baskett at her onetime residence, the Playboy mansion in Los Angeles's exclusive Holmby Hills, on Saturday, Didntinviteme confirms.
At around 6:45 p.m., the Playmate and former Girls Next Door star, 23, walked down the aisle in a white dress, dripping in more than $100,000 worth of platinum jewelry by Michael Barin, including drop earrings, a pendant and bracelet. The groom also wore white, as did the groomsmen, while the bridesmaids were in lavender.
Among the hundreds of guests were former boyfriend and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and fellow Playmate Bridget Marquardt, who was among the bridal party.
The bride and groom married out in the open on a lawn, and there were white rose petals and flower wreaths decorating the aisle.
"She was beaming," says an eyewitness.
The wedding week kicked off with date night Monday evening at the premiere of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, where Wilkinson told Didntinviteme, "I feel great! We're just ready to say our 'I do's' and just go on our honeymoon and we're ready to be married." Her sole concern? "Tripping down the aisle," she admitted.
Wednesday afternoon the bride-to-be relaxed with some personal pampering and girl time with her mother, grandmother and bridal party at Face to Face Los Angeles, a salon in Studio City.
The happy couple announced some other big news earlier this month – their first child, due on Christmas day.
Stars like Cameron Diaz, Beyonce, Rihanna and more are embracing summer’s ripped jean trend and Kim Kardashian is no exception. The reality star took to her official website to blog about her new favorite piece of clothing. “Right now, ripped jeans are my absolute favorite thing!” she writes. “I have replaced my leggings look with a ripped jean look!” Kim showed off her new look while out to lunch in L.A. by pairing Bebe jeans with an Elizabeth and James over-sized blouse. Her Bebe jeans weren’t the only thing Kim saved on — she boasts that she scored her studded Louboutin booties for 60% off! And while Kim can have her pick of any designer jeans, the star says she is loving Bebe. “They are my new favorite jeans! They fit me so good!” she blogs. We are loving the ripped jeans look and are happy to see them replacing leggings. Tell us: Have you traded your leggings for ripped jeans?
TAMPA, Fla. – Billy Mays, the burly, bearded television pitchman known for his boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean, has died. He was 50.
Tampa police said Mays was found unresponsive by his wife Sunday morning. A fire rescue crew pronounced him dead at 7:45 a.m.
There were no signs of a break-in, and investigators do not suspect foul play, said Lt. Brian Dugan of the Tampa Police Department, who wouldn't answer any more questions about how Mays' body was found because of the ongoing investigation. The coroner's office expects to have an autopsy done by Monday afternoon.
"Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days," said Mays' wife, Deborah. "Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."
Tampa area media outlets reported that Mays was a passenger on a U.S. Airways flight that made a rough landing on Saturday afternoon at Tampa International Airport, apparently blowing its front tires in an incident that left debris on the runway.
Tampa Bay's Fox television affiliate interviewed Mays after the incident.
"All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping," MyFox Tampa Bay quoted him as saying. "It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head."
U.S. Airways officials said Sunday they could not immediately confirm that Mays was a passenger.
Born William Mays in McKees Rocks, Pa., on July 20, 1958, Mays developed his style demonstrating knives, mops and other "as seen on TV" gadgets on Atlantic City's boardwalk. For years he worked as a hired gun on the state fair and home show circuits, attracting crowds with his booming voice and genial manner.
After meeting Orange Glo International founder Max Appel at a home show in Pittsburgh in the mid-1990s, Mays was recruited to demonstrate the environmentally friendly line of cleaning products on the St. Petersburg-based Home Shopping Network.
Commercials and informercials followed, anchored by the high-energy Mays showing how it's done while tossing out kitschy phrases like, "Long live your laundry!"
Recently he's been seen on commercials for a wide variety of products and is featured on the reality TV show "Pitchmen" on the Discovery Channel, which follows Mays and Anthony Sullivan in their marketing jobs. He's also been seen in ESPN ads.
His ubiquitousness and thumbs-up, in-your-face pitches won Mays plenty of fans. People line up at his personal appearances for autographed color glossies, and strangers stop him in airports to chat about the products.
"I enjoy what I do," Mays told The Associated Press in a 2002 interview. "I think it shows."
Mays liked to tell the story of giving bottles of OxiClean to the 300 guests at his wedding, and doing his ad spiel ("powered by the air we breathe!") on the dance floor at the reception. Visitors to his house typically got bottles of cleaner and housekeeping tips.
Discovery Channel spokeswoman Elizabeth Hillman released a statement Sunday extending sympathy to the Mays family.
"Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth," Hillman's statement said. "Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend."
Janet Jackson and sister LaToya arrived at their brother's rented Holmby Hills mansion on Saturday as moving trucks carted off some of the singer's – and his children's – possessions.
A source told PEOPLE that the belongings of Michael Jackson's three children were being removed from the house and taken to the Jackson family home in Encino. The children have been holed up with grandparents – Joe and Katherine – at the San Fernando Valley house since the singer died on June 25.
Janet was at the home during the move, while LaToya showed up later in the day. Some of the singer's prized possessions were also being removed from the house for safekeeping, the source said, because there is concern that someone could break into the home.
Jackson's children – Prince, 12, Paris, 11, and Blanket, 7 – remained with their grandparents on Saturday as relatives came in and out of the Encino house. Jackson's parents have expressed their desire to keep the children, even though Prince and Paris's biological mother Debbie Rowe could gain custody if she chooses.
"They haven't heard from Debbie Rowe and don't know what’s going on in that respect, either," said a family source. "But Joe and Katherine really want the children."
The Jackson family issued a statement Saturday, conveyed by family patriarch Joseph Jackson. In full, it reads:
In one of the darkest moments of our lives we find it hard to find the words appropriate to this sudden tragedy we all had to encounter. Our beloved son, brother and father of three children has gone so unexpectedly, in such a tragic way and much too soon. It leaves us, his family, speechless and devastated to a point, where communication with the outside world seems almost impossible at times.
We miss Michael endlessly, our pain cannot be described in words. But Michael would not want us to give up now. So we want to thank all of his faithful supporters and loyal fans worldwide, you – who Michael loved so much. Please do not despair, because Michael will continue to live on in each and every one of you. Continue to spread his message, because that is what he would want you to do. Carry on, so his legacy will live forever.
In addition, Joseph Jackson wishes to personally convey: "My grandchildren are deeply moved by all the love and support you have shown for them and their father, Michael Jackson."
Joseph Jackson & Family
Michael Jackson, the onetime child star turned King of Pop, died in Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest in his home. He was 50 years old.
Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center not far from his rental mansion in the Holmby Hills. The cause of death wasn't known. An autopsy is set for Friday.
"It's a very sad day for all of us," Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, tells PEOPLE. " It's such a terrible shame. He was my friend." As for Jackson's three children – Blanket, 7, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael, 12 – DiLeo says, "The kids are very upset, but they are fine."
The entertainer was stricken Thursday afternoon and a 911 call was placed. "His personal physician, who was with him at the time, attempted to resuscitate Jackson, as did paramedics who transferred him," according to a statement from the hospital.
Frantic, Futile Efforts
With an oxygen mask over his face, Jackson was carted to a red ambulance and rushed to the hospital, arriving at 1:14 p.m. "A team of doctors including emergency physicians and cardiologists attempted to resuscitate for a period of more than one hour but were unsuccessful," the statement says.
Jackson had been busy rehearsing for a high-stakes comeback tour, set to start within weeks in England, with dozens of dates scheduled and tickets selling out quickly. To prepare for the rigors of performing, he was training with Lou Ferrigno, the star of the TV show The Incredible Hulk.
Questions About His Tour
There were some doubts among Jackson's circle about his ability to perform his upcoming concert schedule. "Michael is physically just not ready [for the concerts]," a source close to Jackson said last month. "He weighs even less than he did during his trial, which was almost nothing. He's 50 years old."
Famly members, including his mother Katherine, brothers Randy and Jermaine, and sisters Janet and LaToya, arrived separately at the hospital for a tense and tearful vigil. "First, it was chaotic [in the ER] and then absolute silence," says family lawyer Brian Oxman. "Everyone is just heartbroken. I'm heartbroken."
During the ordeal, Jackson's three children were left with a nanny, and plans were made for them to stay with Jackson's mother for the time being. "Mrs. Jackson loves the kids and she will care for them now," says Oxman.
By the evening, the family left the hospital in five-vehicle caravan for his mother's house in Encino. A teary-eyed LaToya was behind the wheel of a black Mercedes; she was followed by a grim-faced Janet in a droopy suede cowboy hat driving a tan Maserati. Jackson's father, Joseph, was en route to Los Angeles from his home in Las Vegas. Jackson's body was flown by helicopter to the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, where the autopsy will be performed.
Miss DeAnna Walter A.K.A. Sunny is a seasoned dancer from Queens, N.Y. and currently resides in the city of Angels. She has been on stage with Amerie, Britney Spears, & Beyoncé, just to name a few. She's currently on tour with N.K.O.T.B. I love my Sunny!!!
Here's Bee & Tyra on set of the Tyra Show after Bee's "Single Ladies" Performance. Both are serving face but who takes it? Cast your vote below:
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Will & Jada is pictured here sharing a nice moment on the red-carpet.
