Michael Jackson Pitched 2-Hour TV Show Concluding With Queen Elizabeth Knighting Him While Sitting With Elizabeth Taylor & Liza Minnelli

Michael Jackson wasn’t just content with being the “King of Pop.” He wanted to be a real royal. According to former Vanity Fair editor Greyson Carter, Jackson once pitched an idea so extravagant that even Hollywood might have called it over the top.

The plan? A two-hour, commercial-free television special airing simultaneously across all three major networks. It would conclude with Jackson sitting alongside close friends Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor as the Queen of England herself walked on stage and knighted him. 

Jackson was genuinely frustrated that he hadn’t received one already. According to those close to him, he would often demand: “I’m the biggest star in the world, why aren’t I Sir Michael Jackson? What’s going on?” 

Other entertainers had received the honor. Hollywood director Steven Spielberg was named an honorary knight in 2001. The same honor was given to comedian Bob Hope in 1998 for fostering Anglo-American relations, and Angelina Jolie was named an honorary dame for her humanitarian work. Jackson, who had won numerous Grammys and Brit Awards and sold over a billion records, felt he should be on that list.

He even thought his close friendship with Princess Diana should’ve helped bring him to the Queen’s attention. The two had bonded over their shared passion for charity work, and Diana had famously told him “Dirty Diana” was her favorite song. But their connection wasn’t enough to put him on the monarchy’s radar for knighthood.

Even among musicians, knighthoods have been reserved for figures with deep ties to British culture, like Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger.