Michael Jackson's children "very excited" to be at US X Factor
Prince Michael, 14, Paris, 13, and nine-year-old Prince Michael II, who is known as Blanket, joined their grandmother Katherine and uncles Jackie, Tito and Marlon as the TV show paid tribute to their late father, with all the contestants singing some of his biggest hits.Prince told host Steve Jones: "We're very excited to be here."
His sister Paris added: "Everyone was fantastic. I love this show very much."
Meanwhile, Katherine was reduced to tears by 19-year-old Melanie Amaro's rendition of Earth Song and later revealed the programme is her "favourite show".
She added: "I don't miss an episode of this show. I am so very excited to be here."
Marlon hailed the evening a "special night" and thanked 'X Factor' chiefs for basing the episode around his sibling, who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009.
He said: "This is a special night. We want to thank 'The X Factor' for putting on this special tribute on behalf of our family.'
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Show chief Simon Cowell described the Thriller hitmaker as "one of the greatest artists in the world" as he critiqued Melanie, who he is mentoring.
Following her performance, he said: "I couldn't think of a better way to pay tribute to one of the greatest artists in the world."
Meanwhile, a lock of Michael's hair is expected to sell for over $5,000 at auction.
The hair strands were removed from the drain after the star stayed at the Carlyle Hotel in New York in the 1980s and are now up for sale through auction house Gotta Have Rock and Roll as part of an online sale of pop culture memorabilia.
The hair comes with a certificate of authenticity.
