Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
Taped: September 7 and 10, 2001
Aired: November 13, 2001 on NBC
Dame Elizabeth attended two concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden, held on September 7 and 10, 2001, commemorating the 30th anniversary of her dear friend Michael Jackson’s legendary solo career. The concerts aired on NBC later that year as Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration.
She was seated next to Michael throughout the concerts, and took to the stage to introduce The Jacksons, who were performing together for the first time in almost two decades. “I’m so proud to be here tonight to honour the world’s greatest entertainer,” she said, “the most successful recording artist in the history of popular music, and most importantly, to me, my closest friend. Michael Jackson is a man of integrity, and sensitivity, who is a true humanitarian. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Michael Jackson and The Jacksons!”
She wore a Gianfranco Ferré tunic embellished with “black beads interspersed with large faux rubies and diamonds”. Her jewelry included her suite of Cartier diamonds and rubies, cherished gifts from Mike Todd, which she wore to the first anniversary party for Around the World in 80 Days, also held at Madison Square Garden.
The world would be forever changed the day after the September 10 concert, with the devastating September 11 attacks on the United States.