Pop Stars, Loved Ones Cash In on Michael Jackson’s Legacy

You know who's really asking for a karmic DDoS attack? Every last person trying to mine gold out of Michael Jackson's bones. On this list -- of which many are rumored to be partaking in a tribute album: MJ's survivors trying to milk his likeness into a long-lasting cash cow through merchandising, the holy trinity of Beyoncé, Mariah, and Madonna, this 12 year-old kid, comeback prince Robbie Williams, Lionel Richie, and of course LaToya Jackson. About as legit as the wax Jackson above. Death has never been more sacrosanct!

Such a horse race to fame and riches is a built-in part of the denouement that tends to follow celebrity deaths. Like that one time Princess Diana died and some jerk somewhere thought it would be a wise idea to slap together a tribute album for her. Then, said jerk asked Elton John to plagiarize himself. Stay classy, folks! Although Des’ree weaseling in this song onto the tracklist somehow proved invincible against such cynicism. Carey’s “I’ll Be There” on the Jackson tribute record could do the same.

Says a source on this tribute effort: “Some the biggest stars in the world have indicated they’d like to take part to pay their own respects and tribute to the King of Pop. This covers album is sure to be a massive worldwide hit with fans and could raise a fortune for Michael’s favourite charities.”

I think the bigger question here lies unanswered: Why is it that when one of the greats falls, the other greats/not-as-greats feel the need to tear apart their legacy by leaving their mark all over it? This is Michael Jackson after all, not a fire hydrant. That said, a hat-tip goes to Janet Jackson. For not cashing in, but wisely using this opportunity to restart her own stalled career and moving on.