Fans and stars flock to Jackson premieres

Michael Jackson is gone but a night celebrating the King of Pop proved that his legacy lives on.

London was one of 17 cities across the world which hosted simultaneous premieres of a film of footage from Jackson’s rehearsals for his 'This Is It' live dates.

Jackson, 50, died in June, just weeks before the 50-date residency at London’s 02 was due to start, but the film gives a taste of the spectacle he had planned to be his “curtain call”.

Many fans were close to tears as they left the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square after the 1am premiere.

Rapper Chipmunk described the film as “absolutely amazing”.

“It’s given me the package of what his tour could have been if he was still alive,” he said.

Former Blue star Duncan James, who hosted the pre-premiere entertainment show in Leicester Square, said the footage showed that Jackson had been ready to perform live for the first time in years and was in full control of the show’s preparations.

“He was a genius, an inspiration to many artists who will watch that film,” he added.

The Los Angeles premiere of Michael Jackson’s 'This Is It' was an emotional event attended by members of the performer’s family as well as the film’s director Kenny Ortega and stars including Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez.

There was a more celebratory mood in London where the evening featured 'Britain’s Got Talent' winners Diversity performing their own dance tribute.

JLS, who all wore Jackson T-shirts, were another hit with the crowd.

'The X Factor' runners-up described Jackson as their “biggest influence” and happily belted out a few bars of his hit 'The Way You Make Me Feel'.

Spice Girl Mel B told the crowd she had met Jackson only once but found him humble, down to earth and “very, very sweet”.

“He’s going to be sadly missed,” she said. “He was such an inspiration.”

The film’s release has been controversial as an investigation into Jackson’s death is not yet complete and some fans believe those close to the star could have done more to prevent his death.

J

ackson died on June 25 after being rushed to hospital suffering from a suspected heart attack.

The LA County Coroner has since ruled the death was homicide caused by acute intoxication with the sedative propofol.