Michael Jackson's TV special draws 25 million viewers; `Invincible' debuts No. 1

Jet, Dec 3, 2001

Michael Jackson is still on the throne.

When the King of Pop's two-hour show, "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Solo Years," aired on television recently, the CBS event pulled in an estimated 25.7 million viewers, according to preliminary Nielsen Media Research estimates. The special gave CBS its best Tuesday night in the ratings, excluding sports programming, since 1994.

What's more, it was learned that viewership for his special increased with every half hour!

The star-studded event featured a dynamic performance by Jackson and his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine and Randy known as the Jacksons. It was the group's first performance together since its 1984 Victory tour (JET,

Oct. 1).

During the musical extravaganza, Jackson took the audience down memory lane by performing such classic tunes as Beat It, The Way You Make Me Feel and Billie Jean, which he performed wearing his trademark glittered-glove.

Those who attended or performed at the event included Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Usher, Destiny's Child, Al Jarreau, Jill Scott, Shaquille O'Neal, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole and Liza Minnelli.

Acclaimed actress Elizabeth Taylor, Jackson's longtime close friend, escorted him to the affair. He was joined in his box seat by actor Macaulay Culkin and his parents, Katherine and Joseph.

Jackson's new album, Invincible, is also striking the right chord with fans. It entered the Billboard chart at No. 1 its first week.

You Rock My World, the album's first hit single, features comedian actor Chris Tucker. The second single release, Butterflies, a tender ballad, is also winning rave reviews.

Jackson's new project is his first album of original material in six years.

The hit-making musician is also thrilling fans all over the world as well. The album topped charts in the U.K., Germany, France, Australia and in eight other countries.