I'm still rooting for the guy, despite his creepy freakishness, because I think he's a classic artist and I love to see people redeem themselves.

I still thing MJ creates a lot of excitement, and could have a big second half of his career.

I think there is a pattern to how we handle celebrities in our culture.  We build people up and then love to see them brought down.  If when a celebrity is brought down by scandal they express remorse, we forgive them.  The irony with Jackson is he denies any wrongdoing and was was acquitted.  So I don't think an apology will be forthcoming and therefore no public forgiveness.

I also believe how we define celebrity has changed.  In the past you had to have a skill, accomplishment or heroic deed to have your 15 minutes of fame.  Now people are elebrities just for being celebrities.  I'll use Paris Hilton as exhibit "A", or any reality show winner.

MIchael Jackson had and still has enormous talent.  I think it is more important that he get his personal life in order.  I dont think he will be able to regain his confidence on stage until he does.  Artistic expression depends on it.

All good points.

And you're right MZ, some of the best music comes from pain or anger.

Alanis Morissettes first album (and her last real successful album) is a good example. She was an angry young woman striking out with her music and it was a strong statement.

Now she's happy and her music is starting to suck So much so that they've taken to just redoing JAGGED LITTLE PILL acoustically!

He's no where near Cher.  Cher is more like Madonna - the constant chameleon.  In that case they can change their look and hit #1. 

Michael isn't washed up he's washed out!

I don't think he'll ever have a "big hit" again. JD mentioned his back trouble . . . it seems like he's always got something wrong with him now. He can't even walk from the front door of the court house to a waiting ride without an umbrella. If it's not one thing, it's another. I don't see how he could put in the time and energy to produce a hit album if all his medical problems are real. That's not even getting into the mental problems.

CP-
I don't think Mikey will be back. He may try but I don't see it. His last CD went into the crapper rather quickly.
The difference with Cher making a come back and Michael making a come back...Cher was never accused of sleeping with little boys.