MICHAEL Jackson turns 50 on Friday. Yes, the prince of Neverland, progenitor of potent dance moves, bona fide pop icon and one of the bestselling artists of all time who began his singing career at six, will now be half a century old.

At his peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, no one doubted he was the King of Pop.

But with a tumultuous personal life, eccentric behaviour and a 2001 studio album title which bombed, can he still lay claim to the throne?

American news sources such as Fox news and E! Online are already describing him as 'ancient' and 'not so fabulous'.

Unlike fellow pop star Madonna, who also turned 50 this year and is still going strong with regular albums and concert tours, Jackson has been in the spotlight with his weird behaviour and abuse allegations than with his music in recent years.

He recently made headlines when he almost lost Neverland - the fantasy-themed Californian ranch that was his private kingdom - due to a US$24.5 million (S$34.6 million) debt owed on the property.

Read the full report in Friday's edition of The Straits Times' LIFE!