Michael Jackson Tribute

Jermaine Jackson hosted a press conference earlier today to finally reveal part of the lineup for the Michael Jackson tribute he’s hosting in Vienna later this month: Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Akon and Natalie Cole will take the stage in Austria on September 26th. Sister Sledge, German boy band US5 and actress Angela Bassett, who portrayed Katherine Jackson in the film The Jacksons: An American Dream, will also appear at the tribute concert at Vienna’s Palace of Schönbrunn. According to Jermaine, the list of performers announced today represent only one-quarter of “The Tribute” lineup; he’ll reveal the remainder of the bill at press conferences this week in London, Berlin and Paris.

Many of the musicians, singers and dancers involved with Michael Jackson’s This Is It concerts at London’s O2 Arena will also perform at the tribute concert, including singer Judith Hill, who amazed fans with her version of “Heal the World” at the Jackson memorial concert at Los Angeles’ Staples Center in June.

Plus, thanks to the wonders of technology and video projection, Michael Jackson “will come on stage one last time” for a virtual duet with Jermaine Jackson, according to “The Tribute” Website. “Michael will return to us for one song. It will be a magic moment for all who loved his music,” Jermaine said. Michael’s mother Katherine and his three children will also reportedly attend the concert.

According to Reuters, more than half of the tickets to the Vienna tribute were sold before the performer announcement today. Chris Brown will be making his first official return to the stage since assaulting Rihanna in February. Brown, who was often dubbed “the next Michael Jackson” before that altercation, just last week professed his love of Jackson during an appearance on Larry King Live.-Rolling Stone

UPDATE

Chris Brown won’t be crooning “I’ll Be There” in honor of Michael Jackson.

The “Forever” singer has put the kibosh on any plans to perform at the M.J. tribute concert in Vienna, hours after Jermaine Jackson announced Brown would be among the headliners at the Sept. 26 show.

“Chris is not confirmed to perform or participate in any capacity for this show,” the publicist for Brown’s label tells E! News.

While we expect Brown to commence his comeback after racking up five years’ probation for beating Rihanna, we were surprised to hear his name listed with Mary J. Blige, Akon, Natalie Cole and Sister Sledge for the event. He would need court approval to head overseas and get a break from his 180 hours of community labor. Brown, 20, attended Jackson’s funeral and has cited the King of Pop as a major influence.

There was no immediate comment from organizers of the Jackson tribute, but Jermaine’s definitely got some ‘splaining to do.-E!