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LONDON - Reclusive pop star Michael Jackson plans a dramatic comeback bid later this month with a performance of his classic song Thriller, organisers of a music awards ceremony have announced.
The 48-year-old entertainer has been a virtual recluse since his acquittal on child molestation charges in June, 2005, dividing much of his time between Bahrain and Ireland.
Last month the World Music Awards announced that Jackson would appear in London to accept a Diamond Award that goes to artists who sell more than 100 million records worldwide, and this week they confirmed Jackson's intention to perform.
"Yes, it's his first performance in a long time," said a spokeswoman at Outside Organisation, one of the public relations companies publicizing the event. "It's something of a comeback if you like."
The choice of song coincides with the 25th anniversary of Jackson's Thriller album, one of the biggest-selling records of all time.
Jackson has said he planned to move to Europe in a bid to resurrect his musical career, and in April a record label said he intended to make a new album to be released in 2007.
Besides Jackson's eagerly awaited return, Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan will host the awards show on November 15, and recording stars Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli are slated to perform.
The World Music Awards are based on artists' sales as opposed to votes from the public or a panel of judges.
- REUTERS/VNU
