The Show (6-26-09)

MICHAEL JACKSON: King of Pop Dead (audio)

Michael Jackson died yesterday (Thursday) afternoon from cardiac arrest at U-C-L-A Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 50.

From the details disclosed thus far, Jackson went into cardiac arrest at the home he was renting with his three children in Los Angeles at about 1:00 p-m. In a statement made by his brother Jermaine last night, his personal physician was apparently with him at the time. Paramedics responded and rushed Jackson to U-C-L-A Medical Center. At about 2:30 p-m, Jackson was pronounced dead at the hospital. His body was flown in the early evening from the medical center -- which was engulfed by throngs of fans who'd spontaneously gathered around the facility -- to the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. An autopsy is expected to be conducted today.

The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery and Homicide Division is handling the investigation, but foul play is not believed to be involved. A police spokesman indicated that the division was chosen due to the media involvement.

Jackson family spokesman Brian Oxman painted a shocking picture in a telephone interview with C-N-N. He said the Jackson family has "been trying for months and months and months to take care of Michael Jackson. The people who have surrounded him have been enabling him. If you think that the case of Anna Nicole Smith was an abuse, it is nothing in comparison to what we have been seeing taking place in Michael Jackson's life."

click below:
michael jackson death.mp3

Michael Jackson Doctor -- MIA

We've learned law enforcement is looking for a doctor who lived at Michael Jackson's home -- and the doctor is nowhere to be found.

Law enforcement sources tell us a BMW belonging to the doctor was towed from Jackson's home last night.

Cops are looking to interview the doc.

A law enforcement source says the doctor gave Jackson an injection before he died.

Jackson reportedly may have OD'd on Demerol. As we first reported, family members were concerned that Jackson was taking too much morphine.

BEYONCE, KANYE, JAMIE: BET Awards This Weekend

Jamie Foxx hosts the B-E-T Awards, which air live from Los Angeles Sunday night. Scheduled performers include Beyonce, Kanye West, Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Mary Mary, Fabolous, Young Jeezy and Soulja Boy.

Beyonce and T-I scored the most nominations this year with five each, followed by Lil' Wayne, T-Pain and Keri Hilson, who each earned four nods. The O'Jays will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean will pick up Humanitarian Awards.

MEDIATAKEOUT: Usher and Tameka (audio)

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usher &tameka.mp3

ASHANTI: Wack in the Wiz?

Wondering how the critics are responding to Ashanti's performance as "Dorothy" in the new production of The Wiz? So far, the reviews aren't great.

The New York Times writes that the show is "busily energetic yet full of dead ends" and calls Ashanti "a pretty place-holder, an empty vessel in a sparkly dress."
Newsday adds that Ashanti struggles to keep up with some of her co-stars. "Ashanti proves not be a natural theater actor, and even more surprising, her silvery voice sounds thin and bland against the pros."
Not everyone is hating, though. The Associated Press writes, "With wide-eyed charm and a can't-miss voice, Ashanti makes the role her own while distinguishing herself among a skilled troupe of singers and dancers."