SUPERSTARS TO MAKE JACKO TRIBUTE ALBUM

SUPERSTARS TO MAKE JACKO TRIBUTE ALBUM

Madonna, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Robbie Williams are among the host of big names planning to record a charity disc of Jacko's greatest hits. Other world-famous acts taking part include Whitney Houston, Usher and Brit schoolboy sensation Shaheen Jafargholi, with legends Stevie Wonder, 59, Diana Ross, 65, and Lionel Richie, 60, also expected to lay down tracks.
The idea came about after a succession of stars sung cover versions of the singer's hits at his memorial service. Producers are asking the stars to perform their favourite Jacko songs. Mariah, 39, will sing I'll Be There and Britain's Got Talent star Shaheen, 12, who wowed fans at the Los Angeles memorial with his version of Who's Loving You, will be asked to record that track and Jacko's 1970s smash Ben.
Madonna, 50, could be tempted by Beat It or Billie Jean, while other songs expected to be covered include Rock With You, She's Out Of My Life and Bad. And Robbie, 35, is being lined up to sing Man In The Mirror amid reports his former Take That bandmates could cover ABC, Working Day And Night or Don't Stop Til You Get Enough.
A source revealed last night: "The idea came from the memorial concert. Many fans asked if cover versions would be released and it seemed a wonderful idea. 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."
Robbie, 35, revealed yesterday he has already been working on a tribute to Jacko - who died suddenly on June 25, aged 50 - on his own new studio album. "It's all so very sad," he said. "I couldn't get a lyric to fit on one of the new songs, so when Michael passed away I rewrote it with him in mind."
It has already been revealed that Robbie and Whitney, 46, have been asked to play some of the O2 Arena dates that had been pencilled in for Jacko's 50-gig run at the London venue. A live tribute concert is also being planned at the venue, involving the singer's family and other guests, on what would have been his 51st birthday on August 29.

(Daily Star)