Michael Jackson’s family would encourage his children to become “performers”.

The late ‘Thriller’ star’s three kids – Prince Michael, 13, Paris, 12, and eight-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket – are under the care of his mother Katherine Jackson and are already showing strong signs of the same musical talents of their famous father and his brothers, who formed the Jackson 5 when they were children.

Michael’s brother Marlon Jackson revealed: “I truly believe that God blessed this family with the gift of music to make people happy all over the world.

“If the children want to become performers, that’s fine with me and my mom, but they also have to get an education.”

Although the children are primarily looked after by Katherine, the rest of the Jackson family are also heavily involved in their care, with Michael’s sister Janet Jackson taking a particular interest in their welfare.

Michael’s brother Tito Jackson added to In Touch magazine: “Janet will do anything that she feels is necessary for her niece and nephews.”

The two elder children’s mother, the ‘Billie Jean’ hitmaker’s second wife Debbie Rowe has virtually no contact with them, while Blanket’s mother is unknown.

Source: BANG Showbiz

The late ‘Thriller’ star – who died from an acute Propofol intoxication last June – was honoured with a special musical tribute to mark being given a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award but organisers failed to invite his siblings, including those who performed in The Jackson 5 with him, to the star-studded music awards show in Los Angeles on Sunday (31.01.10).

His brother and former bandmate Randy tweeted: “So proud, my brother being honoured tonight with the Lifetime Achievement Award. My family would love to be there but, truth is, we weren’t invited.

“Do you want more truth? Let me be clear. When I said ‘my family’ I meant my brothers, sisters and parents.”

Michael’s three children, Paris, 11, Prince Michael I, 12, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II – aka Blanket – were there to honour their father but Randy is convinced the children were only invited as an afterthought.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Randy was incandescent. He believed the Grammys only thought of including Michael’s children at the 11th hour as dad Joe Jackson complained there was no family representation.

“The brothers were hoping to attend and wear their silver gloves and matching suits to honour their brother. They feel insulted and hurt that they have been snubbed in this way. Michael would’ve wanted them there.

“The Jackson 5 was where the magic began. They’re a huge part of his story and felt they had been horribly overlooked.”

The eldest children took to the stage wearing black suits with red armbands to accept the late ‘Thriller’ singer’s award – which he was given for his contribution to the music industry, while Blanket remained backstage with his grandmother Katherine Jackson.

A source said: “Michael’s children themselves decided just Prince Michael I and Paris would speak on stage and accept the award on behalf of their dad.”

Meanwhile, Michael’s older brother Tito – who along with the ‘Billie Jean’ star, Randy, and siblings Jermaine, Jackie, and Marlon had performed with The Jacksons – is being sued after allegedly failing to perform at a tribute show for his brother in the US.

Promoter Roy Isaac has told Tito to repay the £4,700 he was paid for the concert within 30 days or he could face legal action.

Source: BANG Showbiz

The remaining members of the group – Marlon, Tito, Jackie and Jermaine – announced their plans yesterday (09.12.09) for a reunion next year, and hope to recreate the sound that made them stars as the Jackson 5 before Michael went solo.

Jackie, 58, said: “For 40 years, we’ve had great support from our fans around the world. And we should give them a great tour.

Jermaine, 54, added: “We want to go out there, hit the road and just jam.”

His brothers also revealed they all knew Michael – who passed away from acute Propofol intoxication on June 25 – was dead before their parents got in touch.

Jackie was shopping when someone walked past and said “Michael Jackson died” not realising who he was.

He said: “I walked outside and I got a phone call from my mother – she told me that it was true.”

Jermaine “found out from CNN” and Marlon got a phone call from a friend who asked if his brother was alright.

He said: “As I was calling my brothers, calling my mom, my daughter downstairs said, ‘Dad, Uncle Michael is dead.’ It was unbelievable.”