Michael Jackson is being lined up for a Prince-style residency at London’s O2 Arena.
The capital’s shiny venue has become enormously popular with star performers since being revamped from its former Millennium Dome status.
Prince, 49, Take That, Justin Timberlake, 26, and Kanye West, 30, have all played incredible gigs at the venue, which this weekend hosts some group called the Spice Girls. And now Jackson, who is desperate to sort his cash-flow problems with a 2008 tour, is in the O2 frame.
An insider told me: “The general consensus is that Jackson has the fan base to attract enough gig-goers from all over the world to make this a huge success.
“Booking the O2 up for more than a couple of nights might seem like a big gamble on his and his promoters’ part, but just think of the history. People will flock to witness Jackson cover his back catalogue.”
It’s not just Jackson’s huge range of smash hits such as Thriller and Earth Song that is getting fans excited all over again.
The 49-year-old’s new album looks set to be a return to his old top form – after a wobbly few years – since working with super-producer will.i.am. The Black Eyed Peas dude, 32, told me: “There was never any question about working with him at all. Michael’s a legend.
“It’s always about the music for me. If I admire someone’s work, I’ll work with them. The stuff we’ve been working on is really exciting. We’re inspired.”
Meanwhile, live music promoter AEG Europe’s top dog David Campbell hinted the shows would take place next autumn.
Campbell said: “We have two big residencies booked for the fourth quarter of 2008.”
Another of the legendary names in the frame, I hear, is Whitney Houston.
Like Jackson, the 44-year-old has had her wobbles, but Whitney looked better than ever recently at Fashion Rocks where she introduced Sugababes.
Amelle Berrabah, 23, told me: “It was amazing to meet her and have her say she was a fan. She can totally come back.”
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