Michael Jackson Expected To Announce Comeback

The first 10 dates have been booked, and the length of the run would depend on demand for tickets, Billboard added.

The 50-year-old, still viewed as "The King of Pop" by his fans, has lived the life of a virtual recluse since his acquittal of child abuse charges at a 2005 trial.

Jackson's last album of new material was "Invincible," released in 2001, and his position as one of pop music's biggest acts has been increasingly overshadowed by bizarre behavior, a changing appearance and questions over his health.

Organizers have not disclosed details of the comeback, but Billboard magazine reported that Jackson's Las Vegas-style "residency" at London's 20,000-capacity O2 arena would kick off in July.

The first 10 dates have been booked, and the length of the run would depend on demand for tickets, Billboard added.

Jackson is expected to be at a press conference later on Thursday to confirm the dates.

Dozens of fans gathered at the O2 arena in the southeast of the British capital to catch a glimpse of their idol.

"Of course it's worth it," said Shuhena Begum, who traveled from the central English city of Birmingham to see Jackson. "My whole family is mad about Michael -- he's the greatest," the 21-year-old added.

She said much of the negative press about Jackson in recent years was unjustified.

"People are out there trying to look like Barbie dolls and yet no one says anything about them, but whenever it's Michael it's different."

SCEPTICISM

Even before a single concert has been confirmed, there is widespread scepticism that Jackson is capable of playing a potentially lengthy series of gigs.

British bookmaker William Hill has already offered odds that Jackson would not turn up for a run of concerts.

Jackson is one of the biggest musical acts of all time, with an estimated 750 million albums sold. "Thriller," released in 1982, is the best selling album ever.

If he can pull it off, the string of concerts at a single venue would be both lucrative and less demanding than a full-fledged tour.

But if the comeback fails to materialize, or is regarded as a flop, Jackson would find it harder than ever to resurrect a career that has lain lifeless for so long.

Jackson performed in London at the World Music Awards in 2006, but the much-hyped return was described by critics as a shambles after he sang, in a broken voice, just a few lines of his charity single "We Are The World."

Fellow performer Prince gave his profile a major boost with a successful 21-night stay at the O2 in 2007 which amassed a reported $22 million, and Britney Spears is due top appear there in June.

Jackson began his musical career with his siblings in the Motown group the Jackson 5 and went on release a string of hit solo albums.