Style makeover for Michael Jackson

Sep 5, 2005, 12:00 GMT

Michael Jackson is reportedly undergoing a style makeover in Bahrain in a bid to re-launch his pop career, it has been claimed.

The eccentric star has been living in the Gulf state since being acquitted in his child sex abuse trial as a guest of the royal family - whom he has been friends with for many years - and is rumoured to have bought a luxury mansion there.

It was believed the 'Billie Jean' singer had relocated to Bahrain to escape the intense public interest in his life and to try and live in relative anonymity.

However, Michael C. Luckman, author of 'Alien Rock: The Rock 'n' Roll Connection', has claimed Jackson is living in virtual seclusion because he is overhauling his image to make himself more "macho" in a bid to perform again.

Luckman claims the singer, who recently turned 47, is undergoing an intensive exercise regime with a personal trainer, involving regular weight lifting, to bulk up and is ditching his trademark long wigs and penchant for wearing make-up so he appears less "weird."

The author claims Jackson is determined to change his appearance because he is currently in talks for a lengthy live residency at a top Las Vegas casino and is desperate for it to be a success.

He told America's New York Post newspaper : "Michael Jackson is headed to the stratosphere. Nothing can stop him now."

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