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| Michael Jackson News Fox News columnist Roger Friedman claims that the official version of events surrounding Tommy Mottola's departure is rather less interesting than the truth. In his column of 9th January, Mr. Friedman (whose heavy coverage of Michael Jackson has been very mixed in tone) writes: "According to sources at Sony Music, where the phones have not stopped ringing, Mottola only found out he was leaving when he arrived this morning at 550 Madison." Friedman's source says: "He was told to go see Sir Howard Stringer, and when he got there they handed him a press release." Friedman continues: "Mottola was then given a couple of hours to clear out his office. A deal for a record label was, according to sources, Sony's resolution of the last year of his contract. "Also swirling around 550 Madison: the news that Epic Records' beloved chief Dave Glew will retire, and that veteran Columbia Records exec Mel Ilberman will as well. Now the big question is who will replace Mottola, and speculation is already pointing toward Bob Bowlin, already part of the Sony corporate structure and a friend of Stringer and Kevin Kelleher, will assume Mottola's duties. Another rumor has it that former Warner Bros. Home Video head Warren Lieberfarb, who left his own post suddenly last month with no explanation despite much success, may be headed for the job. "Earlier it was reported that Mottola resigned this afternoon as CEO, although it is more true to say that Sony refused to give in to his contract demands. His contract was said to be ending in 2004. "The Japanese owners of Sony had a lot on their minds when it came to Mottola's future. The talented but volatile music executive personally forced out two of Sony's major stars, Mariah Carey (his ex-wife) and Michael Jackson." source: MJ News International Michael Jackson's "Invincible" received the lion's share of votes for favorite R&B/hip-hop album of 2002 in a recently completed Billboard.com poll. The Epic album pulled in 79% of 29,705 votes from zealous fans picking their favorites from among the top-15 albums of the year as ranked on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. With such an overwhelming turnout for Jackson, few other albums had the chance to make any headway in the poll, with the nearest finisher being Eminem's "The Eminem Show" (Web/Aftermath/Interscope), which grabbed 6% of the vote. Others who managed a showing were Alicia Keys with 3% for her J Records debut "Songs in A Minor," and 2% each for Ashanti's self-titled Murder Inc. set, Musiq's "Juslisen" (Def Soul), and Nas' "Stillmatic" (Ill Will/Columbia). Source: Billboard Michael Jackson recently recorded a special Christmas video message for the children of Germany. It can be found at the T Online web site. Parts of the video are expected to make their way to shows like Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood on Monday. It has already been shown on German and Australian television. A transcript of Michael's message is below... "Good evening children and Merry Christmas. When I create music I always hope that my music will give joy to many people. If that happens I am very happy. Giving joy makes one happy. Unfortunately there are many children that are not happy. In Germany and in other countries." During Christmas this is especially hard for those children because it is on Christmas when they see what they miss. for some it maybe just a small present, for some it maybe a warm meal, for some it maybe a family, for some it may be just a little bit of love. That is why I need your help. Let us work together and help those children. Let us reach out to those who are alone - LET US ALL TELL THEM : "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" This year it is only me speaking to you children in Germany and sending you a few little gifts. If you help me, then next year, we will do the same but in many more countries. We will speak together - maybe we sing together - and we will give gifts together. Let us think big. Let us find more people to join our effort. Here, all over Europe - and then - all over the world. We can do it! To all the grown ups I like to say this: To us, so many things seem important. Sometimes, we think we are important. But we are not: Nothing is more important then our children! They are the future. They can heal the world. It is our obligation to be there for them. To advise them. To motivate them. To help them. And to love them. Let us encourage them to go for their dreams. And let us as parents, friends and relatives help them to have good dreams. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR, TO WORKING WITH YOU CHILDREN AND TO CREATE AN ORGANIZATION THAT WILL HELP OTHER CHILDREN. I PROMISE YOU, IF YOU COME ALONG, IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD AND IT WILL BE FUN. MERRY CHRISTMAS. I LOVE YOU." source: MJ News International
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