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2001 News

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20/12/01 Invincible Certified Double Platinum in Australia

The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) has certified Michael Jackson's album "Invincible" 2x Platinum for selling over 140,000 units in that country. In Australia, singles and albums are certified Gold for 35000 units, and Platinum for 70000 units.

In related news, Alient Ant Farm's cover of Michael Jackson's song "Smooth Criminal" has been the #1 single in Australia for 9 weeks. In the recent Online Audio Chat, Jackson said that he loves the Alient Ant Farm's cover.

Source: MJIFC

19/12/01 Michael Jackson Hi-Fi Music System is Launched

A new Hi-Fi music system, officially approved by Michael Jackson, has been launched recently. This music system called "The MJ One" is now available for purchase online at the Buyer’s Shopping Network.

[MJIFC members: Check the website for discount offers]

Source: MJIFC

14/12/01 USA Today's Interview With Michael Jackson

The American newspaper 'USA Today' published an interview with Michael Jackson in its December 14, 2001 issue. Edna Gundersen's article, "Michael in the Mirror," includes an interview with Jackson, which took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Click here to read the interview

Source: MJIFC

13/12/01 Invincible and Butterflies on Billboard Charts

Michael Jackson's new album "Invincible" has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for net shipment of 1 million units. The album is currently at #25 on The Billboard 200 Album chart, after debuting at #1 on the chart six weeks ago. And following 4 weeks at #1 on Billboard's R&B Album chart, it now occupies the #5 position on this chart.

The track "Butterflies" is climbing up the Billboard singles charts. It is at #26 (from #30 last week) on this week's Hot 100 chart, and at #6 (up from #7) on the R&B Singles chart. Since "Butterflies" has not been released commercially, these chart positions are based solely on radio airplay.

Source: MJIFC

12/12/01 Michael Jackson To Appear At Los Angeles Concert

Michael Jackson will make a special appearance in Los Angeles, California, KIIS-FM's Jingle Ball concert, which will be held at the Staples Center arena on Wednesday, December 19, 2001. The concert will begin at 7:00 PM and will feature live performances by Shakira, Alicia Keyes, Five For Fighting Craig David, Lifehouse, Sugar Ray, Michelle Branch, LFO, and Toya.

Source: MJIFC

06/12/01 Statement Following George Harrison's Death

George Harrison, one of the four members of the sixties group the Beatles, died of cancer at the age of 58 last week, on November 29, 2001. Michael Jackson issued a statement the following day, expressing his sadness:

"The world has lost a great spirit in George Harrison, a great musician, songwriter, and friend. He was an inspiration to me, and I will miss him a great deal."

Harrison was the Beatles' lead guitarist who was also instrumental in introducing Indian musical influences into the group's musical style. Some of the Beatles most memorable songs, such as "Here Comes The Sun", were written by Harrison.

Source: MJIFC

05/12/01 Michael Jackson Nominated for 6 NAACP Image Awards

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) today announced nominees for its 33rd NAACP Image Awards. Michael Jackson received 6 nominations, including Outstanding Male Artist. The NAACP Image Awards are granted annually to honor individuals and projects that have helped promote "positive images of people of color."

The 33rd NAACP Image Awards include 41 competitive categories in the fields of motion pictures, television, music, and literature, as well as special Image Award Hall of Fame and Entertainer of the Year awards. The nominations are determined by 300 show-business professionals and NAACP officials who select five nominees for each of the 41 categories.

The 33rd NAACP Image Awards ceremony will be held at the Universal Amphitheatre, 1 Universal Drive, Universal City, California, USA, on Saturday, February 23, 2002. The star studded event will be taped for a two-hour prime time television special, which will air on March 1st on the American television channel FOX.

Michael Jackson's NAACP Image Awards nominations:

Outstanding Variety Series/Special: Michael Jackson - "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special" (CBS)

Outstanding Performance in a Variety Series/Special: Michael Jackson - "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special" (CBS)

Outstanding Male Artist : Michael Jackson - "Invincible"

Outstanding Music Video: "You Rock My World" - Michael Jackson, (Directed by Paul Hunter)

Outstanding Song: "You Rock My World" - Songwriter(s): Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, LaShawn Daniels, and Nora Payne, (Artist: Michael Jackson)

Outstanding Album: "Invincible" - Michael Jackson

Source: MJIFC