*AEG, the promoter of Michael Jackson's planned comeback tour in London, says the rehearsal footage it taped at the Staples Center in the days before his death may become a feature film. Company CEO Randy Phillips says there are over 100 hours of documentary footage of Jackson preparing for his concerts, and there's talk of turning that material into a motion picture or a pay-per-view event, reports the Associated Press.
*Barry Manilow has reportedly agreed to escort Elizabeth Taylor to Michael Jackson's upcoming funeral. The singer was due to fly to California after his July 4 concert in Washington, D.C. to help Taylor through what is sure to be one of the toughest days of her life, according to "Entertainment Tonight." Paying tribute to Jackson earlier this week, Manilow, who performed a medley of the pop superstar's hits onstage at the American Music Awards in 1984 as the King of Pop sat in the front row, said, "He will go down as one of history's greatest entertainers. I was very happy to be in the world when Michael Jackson was in the world."
*Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says Michael Jackson had controversy in his life, but in death his art should be celebrated. He tells CNN, "his art spanned three generations and is worthy of all the tribute that he is receiving." The retired general said his most vivid memory of Jackson is of the young boy performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5. He said the Jacksons were "fresh, exciting kids with the 'fros in the early '70s and singing those wonderful songs." Powell acknowledges Jackson had challenges, but says "he's now passed on. Let's celebrate his art."
*Rihanna was spotted taking a tattooing lesson at East Side Ink in New York's East Village on Wednesday, report JustJared.com. Sources say she rehearsed drawing small umbrellas with R’s in the center.
*Us Weekly is claiming that Kanye West is a summer intern at The Gap. The magazine quotes a source who says the artist wants to learn everything about the business and is giving up his time free so he can pick up tips from the professionals. "He works all the time, and one Friday night recently he stayed until midnight," the source said. "He is learning the fashion business from the inside and trying to do it quietly."