Actor Chris Tucker will accept an award on behalf of late superstar Michael Jackson at the Apollo Theater's annual benefit concert in New York on Monday night (14Jun10).
The late King of Pop and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin will be named Apollo Legends at the gala on 14 June (10), at the venue where Jackson launched his career with the Jackson 5 at the Apollo's Amateur Night in the late 1960s.
Organisers had initially planned to hand Jackson's trophy to the late star's family, but it has now been confirmed that Rush Hour star Tucker will take the stage in their place to accept the prize, according to New York Post gossip column PageSix.
Tucker was close friends with the late Thriller hitmaker and even appeared in his 2001 music video for You Rock My World.
The event, which will be hosted by Jamie Foxx, will also honour Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony for their charity work and see performances from stars including British singer Estelle.