Jacko's Neverland Treasures Up for Auction

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson's estate is bigger and healthier than it's ever been, the New York Times reports. A little over six weeks after his death, the late singer has raked in $100 million through merchandising and movie deals, and will likely earn another $100 million more before the end of the year. Jackson appears almost certain to overtake Elvis Presley as the world's top-earning dead entertainer. More»

Assemblyman pushes for study amid skepticism

(NEWSER) - Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is one of the most opulent estates in the US, and one California lawmaker can't resist the idea of turning it into a state park. "It will absolutely be a destination for many who admire music and the performing arts," said Assemblyman Mike Davis, who intends to push for the park's creation when the legislature meets in August, the LA Times reports. More»

'Tasteful yet profitable' marketing of singer's death rakes in $1B

(NEWSER) - Estate of Elvis Presley, watch out: You may yet be eclipsed by Michael Jackson. Jackson died on the brink of financial collapse, but a year later his estate is booming. Last year he sold 8.3 million albums in the US—more than any other artist—and the posthumously released movie Michael Jackson's This Is It grossed $261 million worldwide. The estate has made an estimated $1 billion over the last year, but observers disagree on whether Jackson's on track to surpass Presley as the ultimate entertainment estate. More»

Singer, tween sensation wants to move on to 'something edgier'

(NEWSER) - The tattoo was only the beginning: Miley Cyrus is ready to shed her pop ways and do "something edgier." The 17-year-old told a British TV show the pop album she's currently working on is "my last for a little while." Up next? A break, during which she'll explore other styles and hopefully change her bubblegum sound. "In a few years, as I grow up, so will my fans," says Cyrus. "I'll be able to have more of the sound of music that I'm into." More»

Teen queen snags artist of the year in an upset

(NEWSER) - Taylor Swift unexpectedly captured artist of the year honors at tonight's American Music Awards, preventing a sweep by Michael Jackson. The 19-year-old country-pop crossover sensation called being included in the same category as the King of Pop an "unimaginable honor." She won five awards; Jermaine Jackson accepted two of his brother's four trophies wearing a sequined glove on his left hand, the AP reports. More»