Michael Jackson

In all fairness - and I really am all about fairness - MJ had a rough life. Granted he could have turned it around and changed certain things, but when you snatch someone out of their childhood, rob them of having a childhood, and stick them into the limelight at such a young age, what you get is what you get.

I don't think it was fair. I mean yes, both he and Janet are two of the most successful stars in the entertainment business and have had a long running; The Jacksons were very successful as a group. But at what price?

MJ had a lot of demons, but you can never say that man didn't have talent, he had more than talent, and it's sad to see someone so misunderstood and so talented being constantly bashed and mocked by the media. I don't think he deserved all of that. Yeah we all know about the negative stories we've heard, but honestly who really has a right to say who or what he is?

I think it's time for all of us to take a step back and think about the fact that, a lot of us do from time to time get caught up in an artist personal life, and we get the personal mixed up with the public. And we also seem to forget that while they are in the public eye a lot, these people do have private lives, personal lives, and as a human being we do not have the right to interfere with that.

How would you feel if it was you who's personal life was constantly invaded and you couldn't go anywhere without getting your picture taken, unless you went somewhere desolate and devoid of media implants? Some say that once you become famous, your life belongs to everyone else. I disagree. No matter where you are in life, your life belongs to you. And ultimately you are the only person that YOU have to answer to.

If MJ had decided he was done with showbiz and wanted to live out the rest of his life as a recluse, and stay home and raise his kids, I don't think I would blame him one bit. I think he wanted what anybody wants, to be happy, to be around people he cared for and vice versa; I just don't think he had the right outlets around him when he was younger, and being so young and constantly in the spotlight, that can take its toll on a person. We all need private time, alone time, time to reconnect. Maybe now he finally has that, and his spirit can be at peace.

His music will always be with us. And for his talent, his gift, and his music, I thank him. I grew up listening to his music and his music was a huge part of my childhood. He is truly an artist I will never forget.