Who will be the next King of Pop?
Michael Jackson: 1958 - 2009
Local music experts weigh in on potential successors, with Justin Timberlake tops
By Jeanmarie Tan and Kwok Kar Peng
June 29, 2009 
TALENTED: Prince may not have enough mainstream appeal. PICTURES: REUTERS, AFP, AP
THE King is dead, long live - well, who will it be?
And is such a title still relevant in today's fast-changing, ever-splintering music landscape?
Some local music experts The New Paper spoke to suggested potential successors ranging from Prince to John Mayer to Robbie Williams to even American Idol alumni like David Cook, David Archuleta and Chris Daughtry.
But most pointed to the reigning Prince of Pop, Justin Timberlake, as the closest contender for Michael Jackson's crown.
Industry watchers have compared him to Jackson countless times in the past.
Music bible Rolling Stone even dubbed him the new King of Pop in 2003 after the roaring success of his debut album Justified.
BEST BET? Prince of pop Justin Timberlake. PICTURES: REUTERS, AFP, AP
Timberlake came to fame as the lead singer of boy band 'N Sync but went solo in 2002 and has since dominated the charts and sold more than 18 million copies of his first two albums worldwide.
Local musician X-Ho feels the Grammy-winning 28-year-old heart-throb is closest to the real thing.
He said: 'Every style from Justin was inspired by Michael. That's how music works, with a by-product rendering the original product redundant. Justin completely succeeds Michael, and he incorporates the boy band elements and is so relevant (today).'
Class 95 DJ Vernetta Lopez added: 'Look at (Justin's) track record. He started out in a group as well, though not with his brothers. He continued to have a wonderful solo career and he can dance too.
'Also, Prince should be recognised for his own type of skills. He does R&B, rock, pop, everything - he's an all-rounder.
'But (Justin's) mainstream appeal is stronger than Prince's.'
Also backing Timberlake is 91.3 DJ Suzanne Walker, who likes his sexiness and slick moves.
She said: 'The title (King of Pop) is still relevant and should stay because there must be one person who rules.
'There are already so many people who come and go...
'Give John Legend a few more years and he'll be the King of Soul. As for the King of Hip Hop, it's a tie between Lil Wayne and Eminem.'
Though 987 DJ Justin Ang praises Timberlake as a 'great performer and the best bet', he also suggests that perhaps the King of Pop title should be retired with Jackson's death.
'Whoever is the next King will be embarrassed because there's no way he can match up,' Justin explained.
Or, according to X-Ho, it may take another 10 years for a true contender to turn up and shake up the scene.
He spoke of how Elvis Presley was the King of Rock 'N' Roll in the '50s and Jackson was the King of Pop in the '80s.
Said X-Ho: 'Maybe these things happen in 30-year cycles. Maybe the next King will be the King of Video Pop.'
Indeed, many feel that there can only be one King of Pop - and that he's irreplaceable.
According to rapper Sheikh Haikel, to think of a replacement for Jackson is 'sacrilegious'.
Mr Lim Teck Kheng, marketing director of Universal Music, agreed, saying: 'His music legacy is so rich. There are a lot of talents but it's just hard to find someone to fill his shoes.'
There's no one big star
Though Timberlake is one of Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah's own idols - as is Jackson - he has his doubts about the succession.
Taufik said: 'He's probably a better dancer, but I don't think he has the same kind of influence...
'Music is quite niche nowadays, people are just into their own things... listening to specific genres or bands. There's no one big superstar.'
Unlike someone as iconic as Jackson, of course, who earned the undisputed title for the heights he achieved in his music career and the far-reaching impact he has on the new generation of musicians.
MTV VJ Utt said: 'I see the originality of MJ remaining relevant in our era, and the mystery and legend of the King of Pop will even grow.
'Be it for his music or dance moves, we see MJ's influence in many of today's hottest artistes and even the boy bands.
'Check out 'Mama say mama sa mama coo sa' in Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music and the catchy beats of Ne-Yo.
'Then look at Chris Brown's dance moves and also Justin Timberlake's.
'Many of them have mentioned they were inspired by Michael Jackson when they were young. This phenomenon will be there for many years to come.'
Source:
http://tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,206353,00.html? 
Who will be the next King of Pop? 
In my opinion there's no one who can replace michael as a king of pop (i'm not his fan though). M.J. changed the whole music industry with his dance moves and song styles during his era.. and i think justin hasnt really created that impact YET..
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