Losing Michael Jackson

Posted June 26th, 2009 at 12:27 pm by Nicki Dugan, Blog Editor

 50 Comments / Filed in: Trends & News

It’s been a rough week, especially for those of us who grew up in the 1970s. First, we lost Ed McMahon, who we always hoped would show up at our doorstep with a big check. Then, came news of Farrah Fawcett, who always got the bad guy and launched a hair revolution among us. But it was the shocking news (confirmed, then unconfirmed, then finally confirmed) of Michael Jackson’s death that rattled the online world the most.

The passing of the King of Pop set multiple records across Yahoo!. On our front page, the story “Michael Jackson rushed to hospital” was the highest clicking story in our history. It generated a whopping 800,000 clicks within 10 minutes and news of his death saw 560,000 clicks in 10 minutes. Also, the news area on our front page experienced five times the amount of traffic it normally receives.

Yahoo! News set an all-time record in unique visitors with 16.4 million people, surpassing our previous record of 15.1 million visitors on election day. Four million people visited the site between 3-4pm Pacific time, setting an hourly record. We also recorded 175 million page views yesterday, our fourth highest after Inauguration Day, the day after the Inauguration, and Hurricane Ike.

In Yahoo! Music, a staggering 21,000 people left comments on a blog post about the music legend. And over on Flickr, more than 4,000 Michael Jackson-related images have been posted in the last day, including art images labeled as “in tribute” and photos of spontaneous memorials all over the world, such as this Thriller “flashdance” in San Francisco.

Also, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our search logs, revealing what our users were most curious about as they tried to reconcile the news:

• Michael Jackson – including variations of his name and nicknames
• Photos – especially for photos of his face and how it changed throughout the years; also, searches for “plastic surgery“
• Videos – both videos of Michael Jackson and his music videos
• Music – Jackson Five music and his solo work; also searches for his albums and songs
• Songs - including lyrics, especially for hits like Thriller, Man in the Mirror, Billy Jean, and PYT
• Questions – “did Michael Jackson die?”, “who is Michael Jackson?” (!!), “when did Michael Jackson die?”, “why did Michael Jackson die?”
• Cardiac arrest – and other medical terms mentioned in the news
• People – lots of searches for Jackson family members; notable friends like Quincy Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, his lawyer; ex-wives Debbie Rowe and Lisa Marie Presley; and his children
• Elvis Presley – not just because of the Lisa Marie connection, but people want to know how old Elvis was when he died
• Places - Holmby Hills, UCLA Medical Center, Encino, and his house location
• Hoax rumors – given that TMZ.com was the first to confirm his death, people wondered if it was all true. Then came rumors of Harrison Ford and Jeff Goldblum’s deaths.
• RIP Michael Jackson – was very prominent in Twitter
• Drugs – for the pain killer Demerol and other variations/spellings
• Celebrity death in threes – because apparently people are superstitious
• How to moonwalk – because nobody did it better

And that’s just from yesterday…

Michael Jackson’s death was clearly a seminal event. And unlike in the 1970s, we all have a remarkable tool that brings the world together — informed and connected — over those “I remember when…” moments.

Nicki Dugan
Blog Editor

Image from thechorompys

Tagged: news, yahoo! search

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50 Comments Add your own

Clau | June 26th, 2009 at 12:48 pm

Its events like this one that makes us aware of the great flow of information. We need to be aware that times are changing, 140 characters get spread around the web in a second. At the end of the day, the web remains a large collection of information indexed just as it has been for the last decade, but people and the way the interact with news and research has not stayed the same.
Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes look Yahoo!

Nicki Dugan | June 26th, 2009 at 2:41 pm

@Clau: Thanks for the sentiment – it’s a brave new world.

Thought I’d share a few questions that are now spiking in our search logs with everyone…

* Who is the girl in the Thriller video?
* Who is the most famous person in the world?
* Who bought Neverland ranch?
* When did Michael Jackson turn white?
* How did Michael Jackson bleach his skin?
* Who was in the Jackson Five?
* Who owns the Beatles catalog?
* How is Randy Jackson related to Michael Jackson? (not related)
* How much was Michael Jackson worth?
* How tall was Michael Jackson?
* Is the real Michael Jackson dead?
* Was Michael Jackson a muslim?
* What is Michael Jackson’s favorite color?
* What is Michael Jackson’s favorite number?
* Where will Michael Jackson be buried?

Elena Laughton | June 26th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

Okay, well, this is upsetting in a huge way. Michael was my age and I remember buying his 45’s when he and I were just little squirts. To top it off, I was born in Motown, which only deepens the connection. Through his genius, he created perfect songs and dance moves that are memorable forever. “I’ll be There” is one song from my youth that moves me deeply even today. How many of us were truly there for him during his tough times? Not me. But I still sat up and took notice when a smash hit like Billy Jean or Thriller came out and I found that I was thrilled to the bone. To say he was an icon in the musical world is an understatement of the most lame degree. Michael was a trailblazer at every turn that no one could possibly keep up with. None of us can know at this point if he overdosed or was helped down that path. I tend to think the latter. Either way, I will not get to see the news clips of his London performances and neither will you.
What else? This is seriously bad news, regardless of how you viewed Michael throughout his changes. He truly deserves his title, “King of Pop”, and I am very sorry to realize that he will never know how much he is loved and appreciated by so many. I for one, will launch a dedicated search for Michel Jackson anthologies in both audio and video.
To any and all readers, take good care of yourselves and please take the time to appreciate those whom you love and those who love you.
Elena

Tushar Sabhani | June 27th, 2009 at 12:55 am

He is immortal but stil his death is a big loss of energy in our lives. Michael jakson has been the most popular and loved celeerity cross all the countries of world and across all genrations
Since this earth is formed no entertainer so far has been able to match 1/4 of his global populairty

He is ANGEL who will reperesent MUSIC in this genesis of earth

Tushar Sabhani | June 27th, 2009 at 12:56 am

He is immortal but stil his death is a big loss of energy in our lives. Michael jakson has been the most popular and loved celeberity across all the countries of world and across all genrations
Since this earth is formed no entertainer so far has been able to match 1/4 of his global populairty

He is ANGEL who will reperesent MUSIC in this genesis of earth

Paul | June 27th, 2009 at 2:43 am

thanks for this post.
I love how you have shown the unseen side of when a major news story pops up. 21000 comments, just amazing that it can even take that many without collapsing.
About the 140 characters like twitter etc., not all online uses bother with that. I found out via the web, but a news service (abc australia) that I check out in the AM at work.

It also show the huge importance people put on celebrities – is that good or bad?

Steven Mandzik | June 27th, 2009 at 9:26 am

I think it’s just beautiful. There is so much to remember about this amazing and strange man. It seems like a large, and larger portion of the world is using the online social tools to connect.

It reminds me of the thousands of flowers placed around Princess Di’s manor (sorry can’t remember name). But in this case it’s digital flowers.

pepse | June 28th, 2009 at 1:26 am

http://www.infowars.com/google-thought-michael-jackson-traffic-was-attack/

SEXY-RED | June 28th, 2009 at 6:34 am

I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH MICHEAL I WAS SUCH A TRUE FAN I FOLLOWED YOUR MUSIC.AND I THOUGHT THERE WAS’NT ANYTHING YOU COULD’NT DO WHEN YOU MADE UP YOUR MIND.I WAS COMING TO LONDON TO SEE A SHOW NOW I WILL NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO SEE THE KING OF POP COME BACK TOUR.GONE TO SOON!!!!!

Zelda | June 29th, 2009 at 2:46 am

He was a great artist. It is hard to be such in focus of media during all life.

MAXWELL MBVAVARIRE | June 29th, 2009 at 7:40 am

MR MICHAEL JACKSON,MAY YOU REST IN PEACE,MAY GOD BE WITH YOU FOREVER AND EVER

THANK YOU SO MUCH WITH GREAT WORK THAT YOU DID HELPING LOTS OF PEOPLE,MAY GOD BE WITH YOU FOREVER AND EVER

LOVE

MAX

ginger | June 29th, 2009 at 7:57 am

I love you Michael and will miss you so much!!

Jennifer Hogben | June 29th, 2009 at 11:34 am

Dear Jackson Family!

I am so sorry about the loss if Michael he has been my favrit siner for a long time I don’t I even drest up as the you’er son I hope you I have whached all you!Micheal will always be my faverit singer in the world he is always whaching us alway’s naw and for ever! I feel so sorry for all of you!

Micheal’s biggist Fan Jennifer Hogben

myisha | June 29th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

most of all i want to send my prayers to micheal’s family. micheal will be trully missed. and i’m glad i was here to witness such a person as micheal. out of all the bad things people try to speak on him, he did way more good for this world then anyone else. so much a love to family.

Brain | June 29th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

MJ was a wierdo ! Yes, he was a performer with a big following, but so were many other past performers. And those past performers set landmarks in music and performance also, but they didn’t bleach their skin to make them look like a marble statue, and then deny they did it. They didn’t have surgery to their noses to make them look like the front end of Concord, and then deny it ! So come on, he’s not some pop icon saint that so many are trying to make him.

Brain | June 29th, 2009 at 4:42 pm

In about three months time, everyone will have forgotten him, and he will have become just another decomposed artist. (Unless they want to dig him up to do another “Thriller” video ! )

samantha | June 29th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

michael you touched everyones geration in my family i will alway love your music. R.I.P.

Menchie | June 29th, 2009 at 8:47 pm

I’m an 80’s baby. MJ had shaped a great deal of my youth.He’s been in my blood since his album “Off the Wall”, and i went ga-ga even more when his “Thriller” album came out, and like most teenagers during my time, I danced like crazy (day in-day out) to his music; glued to MTV, learned to moonwalk and strutt, and followed his every dance move. He’s the greatest moonwalker ever..yes, nobody can do better and smoother, like paper that gracefully danced in the wind…and the rest of the leaves followed.

MJ is irreplaceable, no one like him. I’m just one of the billions of fans he has all over the world. Losing MJ, is losing a part of me.

You will be forever missed by all Michael, we already do. May you rest in eternal peace.

Glenn Fernandes | June 29th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Michael was a real star. He was a confident person and so was his music. Loved his dancing style. Will miss you Michael!! For more in detail refer http://www.entertainmenttrend.com/devastation-magnificent-michael-jackson-king-of-pop-dead/

Sheela | June 30th, 2009 at 3:14 am

Truly the greatest artist of all times.

Will miss him soooo much.

I found this great mix of his songs on facebook.

Feel free to share link

http://www.sendspace.com/file/l02rbd

“A mix the H&H SoulSurvivors put together for Michael Jackson the king of pop. His tracks that have influenced us and in turn driven the way we work in the studio” (quote from Facebook)

Hope you all enjoy and will remember him.

Sheela

lucian | June 30th, 2009 at 5:21 am

Michael..i’m from Romania…I grew up with your music…i know it was hard for you to be famous..you wanna to have a normal life but…this means success..you had to destroy for fans…for us…i’ve cried so bad….when my mom has died i didn’t cry a tear…but for you …1000tears..we love you…please…Janet,LaToya,make justice with that doctor…That Demerol must not be administred to head hurts …Demerol is for something else…Michael..i don’t want to remember you dead..I will live with your music,not even now i didn’t believe you’re dead..this is the life…we love you and rest in peace my friend….your best fan,Lucian..

Denise Simmons | June 30th, 2009 at 8:00 am

Michael Jackson you will be missed. I grew up to your music and your whole family. It is heart breaking, I wish you where able to heal the pain you felt inside. May the Lord cover your family during this time.

Love

Denise

Body Detox Diets | June 30th, 2009 at 5:50 pm

I will surely miss Michael Jackson, he is really worthy of the name King of Pop and he is certainly one of the greatest musicians of all time.

Jane | July 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm

Michael Jackson is gone but his music will live forever. Peace man!

Liz Smith | July 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 am

For all the Michael Jackson fans out there – check out a full tribute to the King of Pop at http://billboard.blogs.com/michaeljackson/ .

Rest in Peace Michael- We will never forget you!

Fellow Singaporean Photographer | July 2nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm

I am an events photographer based in Singapore. Would had liked to attend a concert and was hoping for a photography opportunity. It’s sad news that there will not be any more shows.

christine | July 2nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm

I live in mesa az,I only wish that I had been one of Michaels speacial ladies or lady, he is loved and will truely be missed.Everyone who has ever belonged to him should consider themselves,very lucky.I was never fortunate to even go to a concert, but I would listen all the time,Michalel was born same year I was 1958,I wish everyone well and send my deepest regrets to all of his family.I cant be at the funeral,I wish I could ,I dont like them though. With warmest of wishes and Love.You Michael Will be Missed very Much,Wish I could bring you back,Miss you christine,

bex | July 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 pm

Im old school and i listened to rockin robin..and lestened to all your songs with my ear to the speaker.

Debanjali | July 3rd, 2009 at 3:41 am

I love you Michael, and I just can’t believe that you are not there. I love you so much. You deserved a lot more from life. You deserved to be loved more. I love you Michael and you will remain in my heart forever, the way you will remain in billions of other hearts.
RIP

Lynise | July 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 am

I was too young to understand the fascination with Elvis. But, I get it now with Michael’s passing. As long as the media and money is involved, their character will be continued to be scrutinized. Regardless of the positive things they may have done while living. But,these people accepted and benefited from the “celebrity” because they loved their occupation: singing. It comes with the territory. Anytime you reach a level of success and have to continously exceed previous expectations, your going to have critics and setbacks. Mike couldn’t handle the downside of his celebrity. Unfortunately, it led to his destruction with himself, some family, the media and fans. The brotha was strange, no doubt but extremely talented. But, people & the media need to realize he is human being who was given life, fufilled his purpose and return to heaven once God had called him home. He is nor ever will be God. So, I am ready like many of you to pay my respects but let him rest. Its time to move on. The only persons we should put on a pedestal is God and his son Jesus. But, we should give thanks to people who do extradionary things within our lives and fulfill our spirit. This is anyone you feel enriches your self worth. I loved Michael Jackson for his talent. It was rare and precious. So, I will remember him for that. Yeah, he had issues but we all do, were just not in the public eye. Would you really want to be this famous? Always trying to please someone in order to keep yourself feeling “accepted.” I’ll pass. We’ll, I’ve said my piece.

(We’ll see this type of media frenzy again with Paul MCCartney and Madonna)

Elena | July 4th, 2009 at 1:25 pm

I can’t get over it. The more I learn and try to comprehend the loss of this great artist, the more it hurts. I also feel guilty that I didn’t pay more attention to him when he was with us. Yes, Michael made some choices that many of us could not fathom, but his genius overshadowed any human failings. I will miss this guy for years to come.

rama | July 5th, 2009 at 2:57 am

Please sign here for Michael Jackson:
http://www.blussa.com/sign-petition.htm?petitionId=62
its is very important. Michael Jackson should not die :(

please send this letter to your friends. Michael deserves that.

gabriela | July 5th, 2009 at 4:58 am

WE HAVEN’T WORDS ONLY TEARS

The Rocks | July 6th, 2009 at 11:11 am

We recently released a Michael Jackson tribute cover of “The Way You Make Me Feel” on YouTube. It is located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F166o1QO6Y8. We will miss you, Michael, forever the King of Pop.

Mark | July 6th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

I wanted to pass this contest information on to the fans of Michael Jackson.

In honor of the life of Michael Jackson and his many fans Modern Edge is going
To giveaway a sealed Thriller 25th anniversary album. Here is the link to enter the free contest: http://www.modernedgesolutions.com/mjcontest.php

Bobby Mays | July 6th, 2009 at 4:05 pm

Anyone feeling like expressing yourself to the judge that gave the search warrant in Michael Jacksons molestation charges. He runs this blog santabarbarasheriffblog.blogspot.com/ Lets tell this guy whats on are minds RIP MJ Judge Adams what a creepazoid.

his is the same bastard Judge that signed the search warrant to search Michael Jacksons Ranch in Neverland .. which I always thought was extreme and uncalled for and like you said… racist. Ive worked on cases of accusations of child molestation before and never is a house searched like that. At best they arrest or charge and the accussed pleads his case. It was extreme excessive behavior of police and the judge. http://cjonline.com/stories/020304/pag_jackson.shtml
CJOnline.com – Police take items from Jackson ranch

shirley martin | July 6th, 2009 at 11:16 pm

dear jackson family,iam so sorry for youlls lost.i was a teenager when michael and his brothers appeared on tv.he was ten.i knew then with his style and moves and the way he singed ,he would reach great stardon. the only thing iam upset about is that they dont give michael his dues of what a great man he was and all the stuff he did around the country to help people. iam so sorry miss jackson about youre son my love goes out to u because he was youres and he was a very special person in my life.i always wanted to go see him in concert but never did but his musice and his great dance steps and style will live with me forever.for all the people that cast stones at michael why he was alive and now that he has passed and still saving bad things about him need to clean up their own back yard before they try to destroy others lives.his children will find out what a great and wonderful man heis and always will be .and how many people really lived mj.love always shirley

HELEN-GREECE | July 7th, 2009 at 10:05 am

I want to thank you for being with us and I’m sure you will never stop being in our hearts.My husband and I belong to the lucky generation that grew up together with you, and had the chance to follow your career almost from the beginning.My son, who is now 9, has been dancing to your songs since he was 4.My daughter, now 5, can recognise your voice even when she doesn’t know who is singing.I had no idea it would be so painful.We are all so deeply sad.It’s like losing a friend.We pray for your soul along with all the other fans of yours worldwide.May you rest in peace…GOODBYE MICHAEL…

John D | July 7th, 2009 at 1:38 pm

Jackson was definitely not the “Greatest entertainer of all time!” What a joke. He was an energetic chorus boy with the voice of a squeally young girl. His music was only slightly less boring than that of James Brown, the “Godfather of Sweat.”
In 1990, Jackson paid 2 million to a young boy in an out-of-court settlement. In 1993, he paid 23 million to another young boy. Jackson’s security guard testified that he saw Jackson performing oral sex on the boy. In 2005, Jackson lost a civil child molestation case and had to pay 20 million to a 3rd accuser. This funeral/memorial is really disgusting. If you listen to that irrelevant slob Al Sharpton, you’d think Jacko was the greatest thing since Christ. But let’s face it, Jackson is probably burning in hell right now.

jean | July 8th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

Just a note to say that Michael Jackson did his life like the song sang by Elvis “I DID IT MY WAY”. And that is a good thing. Not many have accomplished what he has and he went to soon, but while here he did DO it his way like Elvis and you can’t top that.
To his children and family GOD BLESS!!! We know this is a tough time, stay strong and just be there for each other and above all Smile and have faith!!!
HERE IS ONE BIG HUG FROM US TO YOU!!!(squeeze)

Nairobian Perspective | July 9th, 2009 at 3:24 am

He was a great performer, we shall dearly miss him, right from when i was a kid he influenced us in so many ways.Truly we need to heal the world and make it a better place and we all have a personal responsibility,

for a full text of Maya Angelou poem “We Had Him” please visit my sitehttp://siku-moja.blogspot.com/2009/07/we-had-him-poem-by-maya-angelou.html

Ashley is Cute | July 23rd, 2009 at 5:03 am

Michael Jackson was the greatest entertainer of all time. The Magic is gone:(

msanson | July 27th, 2009 at 12:13 am

Michael was the icon of the world and he’ll surely be missed, I’m hurt by the fact that the media is doing all these tributes for him now that he’s gone they did nothing for his cry for help. They always said that he was a shy man take this from a person who has to deal with shyness everyday that I breath just by thinking that there is somone out there that is always trying to belittle you or trying to hurt you it’s called past trauma. Everybody assumed they knew of what MJJ was gonig through,the truth is that nobody knew only because he held that special gaurd up for so long while he was being used by his own fame, fortune, and so called ontourage.

Dr BLT | July 27th, 2009 at 4:09 pm

The buzz keeps buzzing and the anticipation continues to grow. Dr BLT’s country remake of the Michael Jackson song will be released August 8, 2009.

Who would have thought this would work as a country song? Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean? Dr BLT discovered that it would a couple of days after Michael Jackson passed away, as he was sitting in front of a local Starbucks in Bakersfield, California, strumming his guitar to a country rhythm.

After running the idea by Big House frontman, Monty Byrom, and having Monty sing it back to him, he was even more convinced. So he’s taking it to the studio with rising Bakersfield country artist, Penny Marie. Here’s a sample

Billie Jean (duet sample):
Dr BLT and Penny Marie
words and music by Michael Jackson (country arrangement by Dr BLT)
http://www.drblt.net/music/billie_duet_one_de...

see the story progress at:
http://www.drblt.net

and at
Bakersfield Sound Underground
http://www.bakersfieldsoundunderground.com

Marga | August 10th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Unfortunate death of Michael Jackson. A great loss. He rest in peace./Lamentável a morte de Michael Jackson. Uma grande perda. Que ele descanse em paz.

carol kesling | August 10th, 2009 at 9:51 pm

missing you each & everyday!!!!! this world was a much better place with you in it… but you were just on loan to us, now you belong to god once again…may he keep you and bless you allways!!!!!

Zanele | August 13th, 2009 at 4:05 am

Just when I was enjoying the fact that finally people were acknowledging Michael for his great music, but yet it seems that people have forgotten and moved on…*sign* For some of us fans it still hurts never did I get the chance to meet this wonderful and talented artist. He taught that I should always that if I want change I should always start with the man in the mirror. There have been many disputes over Michael’s skin colour, but I couldn’t have said it better myself “It doesn’t matter if you black or white”. I sit and gaze at his photos I can just hear him “In my darkest hour, in my deepest despair will you be there? will you still care? “

Dawood | August 20th, 2009 at 2:29 am

P Diddy had very precisely described the genius of Michael Jackson: “He showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life. He made me believe in magic.”

Check other notable tributes paid to Michael Jackson by peers:

http://www.tributespaid.com/category/m/michael-jackson

neena | August 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm

i love you sooo much MJ. you were the best. you wil be missed alwaysss :(

Nicole | September 16th, 2009 at 7:52 pm

Have you seen the guy on Youtube who sings a Michael Jackson song in like eight different parts and then edits them all together?

It’s hard to describe… but awesome to see and hear!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12QVtuB0_Q