Vienna MJ Tribute Taking Shape

Organizers, including Jermaine Jackson, appeared at a news conference today, saying 25 artists were expected to perform at the concert honoring the late King of Pop.

“Just hold your horses,” Jermaine Jackson told reporters.

Sister Sledge, Akon, Angela Bassett and German-based boy band US5 are also scheduled to appear in a lineup honoring the pop star’s legacy by performing his songs.

“We will honor on this night not only the musician and artist Michael Jackson, but also the humanitarian,” said the show’s promoter George Kindel. “He’s really someone who changed the history of music.”

Today’s announcement left out a few A-listers, notably Madonna and Whitney Houston. In response to reporters’ questions, Kindel said the performance list was far from complete.

“This is not the final lineup,” Kindel said. “Maybe some of the names you mentioned you will hear in the next couple of days.”

Jermaine also hinted at some additional star power, saying organizers were in contact with Madonna and Houston as well as Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross.

The Sept. 26 tribute concert will be held outside Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Palace, selected, according to Jermaine, because his brother loved castles. Plans are to broadcast the concert worldwide.