Michael Jackson Possibly the Only One Not at This Is It Premiere

It seemed everyone in Hollywood wanted to see what This Is It was all about. Going on speculation and a glowing review from Elizabeth Taylor, a heaping spoonful of A-listers and others packed Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre for the premiere of the Michael Jackson concert film, comprising footage shot in the weeks leading up to his death as he prepared for a 50-date farewell-concert blowout.

"I'm sitting in the nokia theater in awe of the 'this is it' movie!" twittered Paula Abdul, just one of the stars who walked the red carpet before showtime. "So many emotions are coming up For me I can't believe He's Gone BRILLIANT."

Jackson's brothers were the blood-relative VIPs in a crowd that also included Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, David Cook, Paris Hilton, Neil Patrick Harris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Nigel Lythgoe and Berry Gordy Jr.

"Michael would have loved this turnout," associate producer and tour choreographer Travis Payne told the L.A. Times' Pop & Hiss blog as Jackson's music played in the background.

"It's time to celebrate Michael, to rejoice in all his wonderful messages of peace and love. People are going to enjoy seeing the Michael I always got to see."

"You see him onstage as if he were standing in front of a full house," added This Is It director Kenny Ortega. "I hope the fans find satisfaction, that fans will understand what Michael had planned for them."

Sony Pictures paid $60 million for the rights to more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage that was whittled into the 1-hour-and-51-minute film. Its planned two-week run will probably be extended if it's a major hit, but in the meantime it's opening in 99 countries by tomorrow and will expand to 110 this weekend. (pic & News: eonline.com)

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Kara Dio Guardi Will Be Back on American Idol!

Guessing which of the judges will be back on American Idol next season has become a popular game. And yeah, we're having trouble keeping track of the rumors, reports and whispers, too. However, we can tell ya that Kara DioGuardi will be back for season nine of the hit reality show...

"Her deal is done. There are no ifs, ands or buts," a source said. "Done. She will be back." No surprise, but the source reports that DioGuardi's new deal doesn't even come close to what the other judges are getting or, in Paula Abdul's case, asking for.

DioGuardi is set to start shooting a new season of auditions in the next week or so. Reps for DioGuardi and the show declined to comment. Even if Ms. Abdul is still hammering out a deal, we have a feeling all will be worked out in the end and all four judges will return. (Y!,Pic:http://qfichennai.files.wordpress.com/)

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Jackson delivers on `This Is It,' early fans say

"Michael Jackson's This Is It" has debuted to enthusiastic applause from fans attending the premiere of the film chronicling the concerts that might have been.

"This Is It" played like a concert at Tuesday evening's Los Angeles premiere, the celebrity audience applauding after each number. The film shows Jackson confidently keeping pace with dancers half his age, doing his moonwalk and other signature moves on such hits as "Thriller," "Billie Jean" and "Beat It."

Director and longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega (Or-TAY-gah) introduced the film to the Nokia Theatre audience, calling it the "last sacred documentation of our leader and our friend."

Showings of "This Is It" began simultaneously in 99 territories around the world Tuesday and Wednesday. (Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com)

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