Invincible
The last dance
For years, Sony had
been pushing to buy
all of Jackson’s share
in their music catalog
venture. If Jackson’s
career or financial situa-
tion were to deteriorate,
he would have to sell his
catalog. Thus, Sony had
something to gain from
Jackson’s career failing.
Jackson was able to use
these conflicts as lever-
age to exit his contract
early. Just before the
release of Invincible, Jackson informed the head of Sony Music
Entertainment, Tommy Mottola, that he was leaving Sony. As a re-
sult, all singles releases, video shootings and promotions concern-
ing the Invincible album were canceled. Jackson made allegations
in July 2002 that Mottola was a “devil” and a “racist” who did not
support his African-American artists, using them merely for his own
personal gain. Sony disputed claims that they had failed to promote
Invincible with sufficient energy, maintaining that Jackson refused
to tour in the US.
Six years after his last studio album MJ released Invincible in
October 2001. To help promote the album, a special 30th Anniver-
sary celebration at Madison Square Garden occurred in September
2001 to mark the singer’s 30th year as a solo artist. Jackson ap-
peared onstage alongside his brothers for the first time since 1984.
The show also featured performances by Mýa, Usher, Whitney
Houston, ‘N Sync, and Slash. In the wake of the September 11,
2001 attacks, Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What
More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington,
D.C. The concert was aired on October 21, 2001, and included
performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson,
who performed his song “What More Can I Give” as the finale.
Invincible was a commercial success, debuting atop the charts in
13 countries and going on to sell approximately 10 million copies
worldwide. It received double-platinum certification in the US. How-
ever, the sales for Invincible were notably low compared to his pre-
vious releases, due in part to a diminishing pop music industry, the
lack of promotion, no supporting world tour and the label dispute.
The album spawned three singles, “You Rock My World”, “Cry” and
“Butterflies”, the latter without a music video.
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