VIENNA (AP):

Next month's tribute to Michael Jackson on the grounds of a 17th century palace in Vienna will feature a three-hour, star-studded show to be televised live to a global audience of one billion people, the event promoter said yesterday.

George Kindel of World Awards Media said negotiations are ongoing with networks over rights to broadcast what's being billed as Jackson's main global tribute, and the pop legend's brother Jermaine is assembling the line-up of about 10 "of the biggest artistes of our time".

"Jermaine thinks maybe one billion people will watch the television show," Kindel said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It will be a very special evening for the millions of fans around the globe."

Austrian media reported that Madonna, U2, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston might be among the artistes performing 15-20 Jackson hits on a crown-shaped outdoor stage in front of Schoenbrunn Palace. But Kindel said the line-up is still in the works.