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5 winners, 5 losers from Jackson's memorial
Corey Feldman is seriously reconsidering his life's direction today after his M.J. impersonation at Tuesday's public memorial for Michael Jackson. But he's not the only celebrity who busted -- or even benefited -- from the ultra-hot world spotlight that afternoon.
TOP 5 BOUNCES:
1. JERMAINE JACKSON: The only Jackson brother to perform, he dazzled the crowd with his rendition of Smile, holding himself together perfectly until the final verse. Look for his hibernating solo career to get some fresh looks in the aftermath.
2. BROOKE SHIELDS: Ever since Tom Cruise attacked her for using prescription drugs to battle postpartum depression, Shields has seen a steady increase of public support. You bet folks were grabbing tissue as she struggled to hold her composure while speaking of her longtime friendship with Michael.
3. JENNIFER HUDSON: Forget the hokeyness of hearing Jackson’s spoken lyrics at the end of Hudson’s anthemic rendition of Will You Be There. After the 2008 murders of her mother and brother, the American Idol angel and Oscar winner -- baby bump showing -- is having a much better 2009.
4. LIONEL RICHIE: Just two days off an unexpected reunion with his Commodores bandmates in New Orleans, Richie took the stage in L.A. and delivered a classic, gospel take on his old hit Jesus Is Love.
5. SHAHEEN JAFARGHOLI/JUDITH HILL: Two names you probably hadn’t heard before, but you will now. Jarafgholi, 12, was a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year. He won a standing ovation Tuesday for his take on Who’s Lovin You? (And he got his picture taken with Lionel Richie, above.) Hill was the “mystery singer” who led performers during We Are the World and Heal the World. The Pasadena, Calif., vocalist was to be a backup singer for Jackson’s shows this summer, according to Rolling Stone.
TOP 5 BUSTS:
1. MARIAH CAREY: It’s not that her duet of I’ll Be There
with Trey Lorenz wasn’t perfect — it wasn’t and that’s something she
admitted Wednesday on Twitter. But we bet there’s no apology coming for
her neckline-plunging gown that wasn’t exactly funeral friendly.
Mariah, it’s a memorial; not a music video.
2. DIANA ROSS: The person who has always been credited (deserved or not) for “discovering Michael” should have been there in the front row. “I have decided to pause and be silent,” Ross said in a statement. “This feels right for me.” It feels wrong to us.
3. QUINCY JONES: The producer behind Off the Wall and Thriller also skipped the memorial. “I won’t go to any more funerals as long as I live,” Jones said after Jackson’s death. Okay, Mr. Jones. Let’s hope your friends feel differently.
4. USHER: The neo-soul singer’s performance of Gone Too Soon
took a turn for the worse when he started singing directly to Jackson’s
casket. And the pause at the end to stifle a sob, followed by a group
hug with the Jackson family? Even Hollywood wouldn’t buy that scripted
ending.
5. COREY FELDMAN: The '80s teen star/reality show reject just tried TOO hard to fit in, wearing a full-on M.J. wardrobe including fedora, dark shades and military-style jacket. We bet he had to get his ticket through the lottery.
[AP, Getty photos]
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Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times entertainment news editor Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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