[MJ comeback]

Michael Jackson is plotting a very serious return to the music industry, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. “This is something Michael is carefully planning. I think the album is going to be amazing,” a source told the paper. “From what I’ve heard, it will be as big as Thriller — and yet will take his music in a new direction to appeal to new, younger fans — but will still have those Michael touches his traditional fans love.” The smooth-talking source who speaks suspiciously like a music publicist went on to claim that the new sure-to-be huge album may feature appearances by Janet Jackson as well as some of Michael’s brothers. “Can you imagine what a sensation it would be if Michael and Janet toured together?” the source teased. “That is something that’s being discussed.”
Meanwhile, the New York Post is reporting that Jackson is in the city shooting a cover spread for Italian Vogue. The reclusive pop star is apparently tucked away at a Midtown hotel with his entourage and sat for three hours while stylists groomed his mane for the alleged shoot. Oh, and Jackson has also reportedly finally found his dream home in Ireland. Reports claim that Jackson forked over €20million on the Irish estate that he rented for three months last year. Banking on a major financial windfall coming his way soon, perhaps? So far Jackson’s long-in-gestation major comeback has primarily featured hand-shaking appearances. Last year, MTV News reported that Jackson had expressed interest in working with 50 Cent and Kanye West on new material.
[Photo: Hogan/Getty]
-- Elizabeth Goodman