Cotton to join Foxx in Jackson concert role

The presenter said she was “thrilled” to be part of the show which will see acts including The Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green take to the stage at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday October 8.

She said: “I was always a massive fan of Michael Jackson himself. Without him there’s a whole generation of performers and entertainers who might never have got their break in music.

“His contribution was crucial and his premature death a complete tragedy. I am really looking forward to enjoying the privilege of meeting his mother and other members of the Jackson family. It’s going to be a wonderful night and, thanks to the stadium’s roof, it doesn’t even matter if it rains.”

Foxx, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic Ray, said he was “honoured” to be involved.

He said: “Michael was larger than life and I have admired him, honoured him, joked about him, but always loved and respected him. I hope I honour his legacy in a way that would make him laugh and cry.”

The concert, called Michael Forever, also includes Motown veterans Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson.

There are plans for the concert to be broadcast in 2D and 3D to 30 countries around the world.