The status means that she has become the wealthiest member of her famous family, even outstripping her superstar brother Michael Jackson, who never reached billionaire wealth during his lifetime.

Over her career, Jackson boasts 27 top ten hits and has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. She also successfully forayed into acting with films such as ‘Why Did I Get Married’ and ‘The Nutty Professor’. Her touring income also makes up a large part of her net worth.

Variety Magazine reports that Jackson has amassed $458 million from touring, $260 million from her albums, $81 million from sponsorship deals and her acting roles have given her $304 million.

Along with such celebrities as Oprah and J.K. Rowling, Jackson joins her husband Wissam Al Man in the elite billionaire’s club.

Check out Janet Jackson performing her hit ‘Rhythm Nation’ on Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 below:

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/londonnewsdesk/view/76401/ Tue, 21 May 2013 22:19:14 +0100 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/londonnewsdesk/view/76401/ It has been revealed that the family of Michael Jackson approached concert promoters AEG Live twice earlier this year in hope of settling the 'wrongful death' trial without the extensive court dates and appearances.

Jackson's family filed a suit against AEG bosses in which they accuse them of ignoring the fact that the King of Pop was seriously ill during his rehearsals for the proposed 'This Is It' 50-date tour and it is now in its fourth week.

Katherine Jackson's lawyer, Kevin Boyle, told the jury that the 'Thriller' superstar's relatives tried to settle the case on a more low-key level in both January and March of this year, but their requests were ignored.

Marvin Putnam, an attorney for AEG, hit back at the claims and said: "We don't settle matters that are utterly baseless. We believe that is the case in this matter. I can't see why we would consider a settlement as anything other than a shakedown."

Meanwhile, associate producer Alif Sankey took the stand recently and explained that he "had a very strong feeling that Michael was dying".

Watch footage of Jackson's final 'This Is It' rehearsals below:

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/parallelpr/view/76357/ Tue, 21 May 2013 14:54:12 +0100 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/parallelpr/view/76357/ WAVEFORM FESTIVAL 2013 line-up at 21-5-13

HANGING GARDENS LIVE STAGE hosted by CAT’S CRADLE & BABYLON UNDERGROUND:
Orb Sound System; System 7; Astralasia; Zetan Spore; Infinite Collective; Axis Mundi; Orangafruup; Kalichakra; Flutatious; Daft Monk; Suns of Arqa; Buck Fillington vs Melc; OOOD (live Psychedelic/Techno/Electro/Breaks); Orchid Star; Markie B (Erb & Remedy); Lebrosk; B-Sub-Lime; Wiggzaro; Melosa; Bad Tango; Broken Eye; Motna; Shiny.

WAVEFORM PSY STAGE hosted by TRiBE of FRoG:
Mechanimal; OOOD; Neuroplasm; Re:Creation; Crystal Monkey; Peak; Subliminal System; Pickle; F'da F'da; Psychosonic; Timmer; Dr Psy; Wicki; Hypnocoustics; Occular; Flooting Grooves; PLUS an exclusive LIQUID SESSION feat. - Chameleon; Monk3yLogic; Mebjar; Liquid Ross vs Mike Logic.

ARCHANGEL^ ELECTRONICA STAGE & OM BONGO present – CONTENDER CORNER:
Barry Ashworth; Eddy Temple Morris; Rodney P; Squat Dom; Chris Liberator; Geezer; Dogshite; Undercover Hippy; Ipcress; Pablo; Llamaleaf; Seashoe; Ade; Agent Smith; Kitson; Dr Meaker; Vent; Unit 9; Apply The Breaks; Freshold & Retrix; ill Audio; Captain Flatcap; Dready Glen; Miss Grace; Lockdown; Jessi G aka Bombshell; Mary Miss Fairy; Havok; Neurodriver.

DOWNTEMPO STAGE hosted by GAIA CHILL & EARTHEART DRAGON CAFÉ:
Dr. Alex Paterson; Astralasia (Chill-Out Set); Mirror System; Sephira; Lunarsonic; Nova; Suns of Arqa; OOOD (live Chillout/Downtempo); Wadada & Angel-I (Suns of Arqa) present Stranger Music; Pete Ardron; Chillion; Globular; Dymons; Flooting Grooves; Cosmosophy; Toulliche; Bez23; Red Earth; Liquid Lounge; Arcturian Soul; Another Green World; Terra Nine; Tiffany Lunn; The Beaupreau Project; Michele Adamson; Laekyn; Naked Nick.

PROG & TECH HOUSE STAGE hosted by CHOONY’S HOUSE:
Alex P; CJ MacKintosh; Chad Jackson; Colin Dale; Dr. Alex Paterson; Jon Tyrell; DJ Ruby(Malta); Sally J; Disruptive Influence; Choonmaster; PTE; Paul von Goulding; Autolump.

SUN-MOON ARENA:
New for 2013…PsyArt Installation and Visuals set you on a Cosmic Ride to the Stars and back…feel the Ultimate Expression of our Reality.

GREEN VILLAGE:
New for 2013…Green Village featuring stunning views from the Top of the Hill; Healing Garden; Alchemy Temple; Stone Circle; Solar Showers; Worldshift Workshops, and Talks, and Holistic Market.

Much more TBC.

www.waveformfestival.com
http://psypressuk.com/2013/03/04/waveform-festival-2013-the-psychedelic-bonanza-is-back-for-its-7th-year/

The singer's last album came in the shape of 2008's 'Discipline', which hit No.1 in the US charts upon release.

Speaking to Billboard, Jackson revealed that a new "project" was in the works - but she added that fans shouldn't expect to hear new material soon. The singer said::

"I am working on a new project now. We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music. I am excited about the direction we are taking. I don't want to rush it…I don't want to put a time constraint on the creative process."

Referring to the 20th anniversary of her album 'janet', Jackson added:

"I can't believe it is already 20 years! I always write my music based on what is going on in my life at the time. I wanted to allow people in...I want my fans to really know me. The 'janet' album was sexual, and I was beginning to really discover that side of me."

The music mogul took to Twitter to muse about the upcoming season of The X Factor US.

After announcing the start date of audition stages and confirming details about the new panel,  Cowell dished out advice to people wanting to audition for the show.

He said: "We start x factor auditions in charleston on Tuesday. The new panel will be announced Monday. This is going to be an interesting show!

He added: And for anyone looking for advice on who too look to as an inspiration when you are auditioning for one of our shows. One name. Beyonce. And pink. And of course one direction. Who made it happen through sheer determination (sic)."

Cowell and Demi Lovato will return to the panel next season, with Britney Spears and L.A. Reid announcing their departure.

Cowell also reflected on his time at American Idol.

Randy Jackson announced he wouldn't be returning as a judge and mentor on next season's show - leaving behind current judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban.

Cowell added: "Randy leaving idol made me remember that Paula [Abdul] randy me and Ryan [Seacrest' had the best time. I miss them (sic)."

The chart-topping pair collaborated on Keys' hit track 'Girl On Fire', with Minaj laying down a rap verse for the remix.

Keys would "definitely" love the chance to team up with the 'Starships' songstress again.

She gushed to MTV News: "I saw her at the Met Ball actually and that was the last place I saw her. That's my girl and I definitely have lots of love for her ... she's a girl on fire."

Keys also spoke about long-time American Idol judge Randy Jackson's decision to leave the hit show once the current season has ended.

The stunning singer insists she won't be joining Minaj, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban on the coveted panel anytime soon.

She said: "There's no room for me."

Keys also spoke about her newest single.

She explained: "I actually just finished the video for 'Tears Always Win' last night.

"It's a girl and her working two jobs and she's got all these things going on. But the whole time, she's totally distracted because she's only thinking about how she feels [about her ex], almost at the point [where] you're thinking about the person, but you're also thinking about, kind of, your loneliness and how you feel. How're you gonna get through it? The video is totally beautiful, really unexpected. It has some Vegas pieces in it. I think the way it goes on, it really brings a relevance to the words and you'll really feel it. I'm loving it."

Speaking to In Touch magazine about his shock announcement last night (May 9), the hitmaker explained that he's become the face of the show so it will be a shame to see him go:

"That's so sad. I think he's amazing. I really love him a lot... for lots of years."

When asked if she would consider a judging position on the show, Keys confessed that her current schedule is so busy that it wouldn't allow such a role: "I don't know if I'd want to be a judge."

"I'm about to go to Europe for my tour and then I have Brazil and Rock In Rio with Justin Timberlake, which will be crazy... and Asia and Australia so, that's going to take me right on up through January."

Jackson made the surprise revelation last night (May 9) and told press that after 12 years of working on the programme he has decided to call it a day, but Minaj admitted that she is thoroughly enjoying being part of it and would do it all again if asked:

"That's a million-dollar question," she said when asked if she will return to the panel for the next series. "I have to say this all the time, but I want people to know it's genuinely from my heart. I love the people on Idol. I genuinely do. If I had to do this all over again, I would have done 'Idol.' Because it's fun, it's laughs."

Minaj added that the negative press can cloud the experience, referring to her spat with Mariah Carey earlier this year, but explained that she has loved every minute so far: "It's kind of sad that what people read all the time is only when something is negative. But they don't realize that we built a family. I feel happy here and I have to thank them for giving me this chance."

"They could have picked anyone in the world. And they picked me. So that's all I'll say about that."

Watch Minaj talk about her relationships with the other judges in a new interview here:

He issued a statement to E! about his surprise departure and confessed that he now wants to turn his attention to his own business ventures, and especially his company Dream Merchant 21:

"Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on 'American Idol' I have decided it is time to leave after this season."

"I am very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry. It's been a life changing opportunity but I am looking forward to focusing on my company Dream Merchant 21 and other business ventures."

It was also revealed today that fellow 'American Idol' judge Mariah Carey had dropped Jackson as her manager, citing 'hectic' clashing of schedules as the reason.

Watch Jackson talk about the impact 'American Idol' has on the music industry below:

The star sits on the hit TV show's judging panel alongside Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson.

Although she respects Urban's decision to perform on the show, Minaj insists she won't be following his lead in a hurry.

Speaking to MTV News she said: "I don't know if I want to wear the performer hat on Idol. I think kudos to Keith for doing it, but I just don't know if I want to wear that hat there."

Minaj also spoke about the calibre of contestants on the hit TV talent show.

She gushed: "All of these kids that are left right now, I don't want to see any one of them go now. To be completely honest, I feel they could all go out and make an album right now and be successful around the world. And also, they put in work, they put in a lot of work and they deserve to be there. I think that's what makes me happy.

She added: "The people we have left deserve to be there."

The 30-year-old singer rose to fame as the winner of the first season of the hit TV talent show in 2002.

Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj joined the coveted reality show's judging panel this season alongside Keith Urban and returning mentor Randy Jackson.

Clarkson is a fan of the new format.

Speaking to Parade, the songstress revealed: "The show needed to be freshened up a bit. I’m a huge Mariah Carey fan. If I had seen her as one of the judges when I was trying out, that would have been so cool."

Clarkson also joked about her go-to karaoke song in the interview.

She added: "Definitely Eminem! I love doing rap songs because I’m terrible, and that’s what makes it funny."

The songstress has been dubbed the 'Breakup Song Queen' because of her powerful rock-pop songs.

Clarkson is now engaged to talent manager Brandon Blackstock, so expects that her song-writing will now take a different turn.

She said: "I’m in a different place romantically, a new chapter, but I’m sure Brandon will piss me off at some point and I’ll write a song that will please people!"

The 'Super Bass' songstress joined the coveted reality show this season alongside Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and returning mentor Randy Jackson.

The series has been rocked by reports of a feud between its new female judges, with spats between Minaj and Carey shown at the audition stages of the new American Idol season.

Wayne has not yet tuned in to watch his friend Minaj on the show, but admits the star hasn't exactly sold it to him either.

He revealed: “Actually, I’ve never watched it. When I talk to her she’s always tells me, ‘You don’t wanna watch that, you’re not going to be into it."

The hip hop superstar added: “She knows me. … It’s kind of like a catfight where they be going back and forth type of thing, I’m not into all that."

Wayne admitted that although he isn't a fan of the TV talent show, he appreciates that it finds some impressive vocalists, adding: "The talent on that is pretty good I heard, though."

The 'Super Bass' songstress joined the coveted reality show this season alongside Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and returning mentor Randy Jackson.

Minaj is proud of the appointment on the TV talent show, not least because it sends a positive message to her loyal fans.

Speaking to Look magazine, the eccentric star revealed: “I’m the first black woman on the panel, and this is the 12th season, so to me, that was a big deal. I’m also the first rapper on the panel. That’s also a big deal. I look at it as a way to show my fans that possibilities are endless. You can do whatever you want to do.”

Minaj admits she's an honest judge, and tells wannabe singers the truth about their vocal talents.

She added: “If we sit up here and tell them everything that they’re doing is great then we’re setting them up for failure. This is not America’s Next Mom/Daughter Sweet Moment. If I really love someone I tell them the harsh truth. So, I do the same thing when I don’t like someone. I never want to take someone’s dream away. I just want to be honest.”

Carey and Minaj joined the coveted reality show's judging panel this season alongside Keith Urban and returning mentor Randy Jackson.

The series has been rocked by reports of a feud between its new female judges, with spats between the pair shown on the audition stages of the new American Idol season.

Minaj appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's show, where the host probed: "A lot of people don't like their co-workers at their offices, but your office is on television and so when you have skirmishes everyone sees them. And clearly, you and Mariah Carey do not like each other."

Minaj responded: "I wouldn't say I don't like her, I definitely don't think she likes me. I try, as I looked up to her for a long time, so I don't want to hate on this lady, but she had an issue from the beginning. We're having fun though.

She added: "I genuinely like going there, even Mariah and I, we really do have fun."

Minaj also took to a special outdoor stage to perform hits 'Va Va Voom' and 'Freedom' to a screaming audience.