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CNN Live Saturday

Michael Jackson on the Comeback Trail

Aired September 08, 2001 - 13:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: He may be 43 now, but that's not too old for the once mighty king of pop. That's Michael Jackson's theory anyway. Will his comeback attempt work? The audience, of course, will decide. More from CNN's Jodi Ross.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JODI ROSS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After all the hype and the hoopla, it seems Michael Jackson did not disappoint.

SUSAN SARANDON, ACTRESS: I don't think anybody expected him to really to perform that much. And he was strong and, you know, just wonderful.

ROSS: At an all-star concert celebrating Jackson's 30 years in music, famous faces from stage, screen and song came to see and hear the king of pop who hasn't performed in the U.S. in 11 years.

CNN's Bill Tush was on the red carpet.

J.C., 'N SYNC: Michael is making his comeback right now, you know. Well, he wasn't really gone in my mind, but you know, he's got some -- he's putting on a show for the first time in a long time and everybody wants to see it because, you know, he is the most talented performer out there.

GLORIA ESTEFAN, SINGER: This is historic, and the talent that is going to be up on that stage and people that are going to be doing duets and singing and, of course, the body of work, it's really mind- blowing.

ROSS: Whitney Houston, Marc Anthony and a Jackson 5 reunion were among the show highlights.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We want to thank our fans just for supporting us over the years. We really appreciate it. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today.

ROSS: A medley of songs from "The Wiz," as well as a tune from Liza Minnelli lent a theme to the night. And the post-concert party at tavern on the green felt a lot like Oz. Carnival booths, arcade games and tons of sweets.

(on camera): Here you'll find over 500 different types of candy served by who else? Singing munchkins.

(voice-over): Fun and games aside, the concert was a chance for Jackson to put himself back on the pop music map.

USHER, R&B SINGER: I think it was a great event altogether. And I think it's going to be very successful.

ROSS: For those who are too young to really remember.

BOBBY GILMAN, COUNTRY SINGER: They were a little before my time, but I love their music. I really do.

ROSS: And those who are old enough to never forget.

JANET LEIGH, ACTRESS: He has it, and more.

ROSS: The night was a thriller.

Jodi Ross, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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