MICHAEL JACKSON - MICHAEL JACKSON WANTS TO JOIN LIVE 8

MICHAEL JACKSON is desperate to join the LIVE 8 line-up, and has been bombarding the organisers with pleas to take centre stage at the Philadelphia concert on 2 July (05).

The THRILLER star, who is awaiting the results of his child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California is convinced he would be a perfect addition to the charity extravaganza - particularly as he co-wrote the 1980s hit WE ARE THE WORLD with LIONEL RICHIE, raising over $90 million (GBP47 million) for famine relief.

An insider tells British newspaper the SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, "Michael's right hand man, FRANK TYSON, has written half a dozen letters to the organisers urging them to allow him to take part.

"The letters stress all the work that Michael has done to alleviate poverty in Africa."