14 DAY TRIAL // Just a few days ago, 11-year-old Paris Jackson asked for the microphone towards the end of the memorial service held in honor of her father at Staples Center, to share with the world her pain at having lost “the best daddy ever.” This was just the beginning, the first stepping-stone for a career in the spotlight for her, as she and her two brothers are about to become the next Jackson superstars, several reports indicate.
Some of the media hailed Paris’ speech as the most moving, certainly most heartfelt moment of the memorial, saying she had shown incredible courage for speaking up when her sorrow must have still been overwhelming. Others branded it as cheap, blaming the Jackson clan for virtually “pushing” the young girl to address her pain in public and in front of over 1 billion viewers worldwide.
Lastly, some said this moment too had been arranged beforehand, with eyewitnesses claiming the family was urging Paris to speak during rehearsals. All of the above has prompted countless media outlets to speculate on whether the Jackson kids have not already become the next – and potentially very lucrative – cash cows of the family, with some – such as the Daily Mail – claiming that plans are already in motion to making the kids’ showbiz careers happen.
“Not only is Hollywood buzzing with rumors that the Jackson clan are preparing for the children to appear on stage in London next month, at the O2 arena for a musical celebration of what would have been Jackson’s 51st birthday, but there are even suggestions that a ‘virtual’ duet between elder son Prince Michael and a computer-generated image of his father is being considered. Meanwhile, the star’s family is also said to be mulling over releasing a song called ‘River Ripple’ that Jackson wrote with his children just before his death, and which is thought to feature their voices.” says the publication. At the same time, sources can confirm that all three children are extremely talented, which makes the Jackson family see nothing wrong with “giving them a platform to perform.”
Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, at least, sees nothing wrong with that. Speaking with ABC News in an exclusive interview (for which he was reportedly paid no less than $200,000), he reveals that, indeed, the children are talented, thus hinting that there is a high probability they might want a career in showbiz. “I keep watching Paris. She wants to do something. [Michael Prince II aka Blanket] can really dance. That’s what they’re saying. He can really dance.” Joe Jackson states, as Us Weekly can confirm.
As for who should get the custody of the children, there really is no doubt about that as far as Joe is concerned. Although arguably Michael would not have wanted his children to be raised by his father, but solely by his mother Katherine, Joe says they both should be in charge. “The grandmother, Katherine, and I. There’s no one else to do what we can do for them. We should keep them all together and make them happy. And feed them like they're supposed to be fed. And let them get rest... and grow up to be strong Jacksons.” Joe Jackson further states.
