It turns out that a year before Michael Jackson’s tragic passing in 2009, he signed a contract that allows Netherland Presentations to feature music from his albums Thriller and Off the Wall for a musical play.

According to TMZ, the production hit a major road bump last year when John Landis, director of the music video “Thriller,” claimed that they needed his permission to use the song for the musical.

A lawsuit is now pending. Howard Weitzman, legal guru for the MJ estate, told TMZ, “I’ve seen their creditor’s claim. I don’t agree with their request.”

Would you watch a Michael Jackson-inspired musical?

The cardiologist who was with Michael Jackson when he died in L.A. last year is now accused of acting “unlawfully and without malice” in bringing about his death.

A complaint filed by prosecutors stated that Dr. Conrad Murray acted “without the caution and circumspection required” when he administered a powerful sedative to the King of Pop in an effort to help him sleep.

A chronic insomniac, Michael Jackson tragically died after Dr. Murray administered the powerful general anesthetic Propofol along with two other sedatives to help him sleep.

After reviewing toxicology findings, the coroner ruled Michael’s death a homicide, but Dr. Murray made bail at $75,000. Soon after the charge was filed yesterday, Michael’s family members, hundreds of fans, and media members arrived at the courthouse beside Los Angeles International Airport. Dr. Murray pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces a four-year prison term.

Hollywood celebrities’ frenzy over pills—from sedatives to painkillers—has always been controversial, especially with the alarming number of stars succumbing to overdose and addiction.

What effect do you think Dr. Murray’s case will have on the almost hush-hush world of celebrity narcotics?

When I was watching the emotional speech of Michael Jackson’s kids at the Grammys, I noticed that they were accompanied by three familiar good-looking dudes.

Three seconds later, I was as giddy as a love-struck teenager. “Omigod, it’s 3T!” I squealed to myself. I worshiped this trio in the ’90s, when they were introduced to the world as Michael Jackson’s nephews who wanted a shot at the music industry. Although their singing was a bit nasally, their hit “Anything” captured the hearts of teenagers worldwide. Never mind the nepotism.

Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson’s careers never quite made it past the ’90s, with the imminent death of the boy band mania. The past few years, fans such as myself had to settle for the boys’ personal accounts on Youtube and Myspace, where we would stroll down memory lane with their videos and music.

They tried to make a comeback in 2004 with their independent album, Identity, but it proved unsuccessful. If you browse through their Myspace pages, you’ll see that the boys are now busy doing their own things, from film to music.

I’m recently hooked on Taj Jackson’s “I Think Of You” track, where you’ll see how his vocal range has improved since the mid-90s 3T mania.

I was disappointed when Lionel Richie didn’t have time to introduce them at the Grammys. When Paris and Prince Jackson walked in, the three boys were simply referred to as “their cousins.” Ouch.

With all my love and respect for the late King of Pop, there’s no perfect time for a 3T comeback than 2010. Where’s nepotism now that you need it?

One of the highlights of last weekend’s Grammy Awards was the Lifetime Achievement Award for the late Michael Jackson. Accepting the award are MJ’s two eldest kids, Prince and Paris, who made their first appearance since the late King of Pop’s memorial service last year.

“We’re proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson,” said Prince, trying to hold it together. “First we'd like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months and our Grandma and Grandpa for their love and support. We'd also like to thank the fans. Our father loved you so much since you were always there for him."

“Through all his songs, [our father’s] message was simple: love,” said Prince Michael, 12. “We will continue to spread his message and help the world.” He and his sister Paris, 11, were surrounded by their cousins (remember 3T?) as they gave their speech onstage.

"Daddy was supposed to be here. Daddy was gonna perform but he couldn't perform last year," said a teary-eyed Paris to an emotional audience. “Thank you, we love you Daddy.”

According to Daily Record, Lenny admitted to working with the King of Pop before he tragically passed away last year. “I got to work with Michael on a track that has not been released and it was the most amazing experience I’ve had in the studio,” he said.

While Sony BMG is busy taking down uploads of the clip, fans are busy spreading the song online. Listen to it here before copyright laws take it down:

What do you think?

Photo courtesy of US Magazine

Doctor Conrad Murray is disputing the affidavit. He says that while much of it contains facts, there are key details which are not accurate.