American Idol is doing a special tribute to Michael Jackson on Monday, June 29th at 8 p.m EST. in honor of the King of Pop who passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

American Idol is re-airing the American Idol Season 8 Top 13 episode of Michael Jackson songs, originally aired on March 10, 2009 on FOX.

This was the first time that American Idol had done an entire evening of Michael Jackson’s music, and I’m very happy that Idol is doing this special in memory of MJ.

Gawd, I can’t believe Michael Jackson is dead. Here’s the list of songs that will be performed on Monday’s special tribute to Michael Jackson:

• Lil Rounds – “The Way You Make Me Feel” VIDEO

• Scott MacIntyre – “Keep the Faith” VIDEO

• Danny Gokey – “Pretty Young Thing” VIDEO

• Michael Sarver – “You Are Not Alone” VIDEO

• Jasmine Murray – “I’ll Be There” VIDEO

• Kris Allen – “Remember the Time” VIDEO

• Allison Iraheta – “Give in to Me” VIDEO

• Anoop Desai – “Beat It” VIDEO

• Jorge Nunez – “Never Can Say Goodbye” VIDEO

• Megan Joy – “Rockin’ Robin” VIDEO

• Adam Lambert – “Black and White” VIDEO

• Matt Giraud – “Human Nature” VIDEO

• Alexis Grace – “Dirty Diana” VIDEO

The news of Michael Jackson’s death sent shock waves around the world, with Jackson fans in complete shock and disbelief that the King of Pop has died. Michael Jackson was only two years older than me, and I grew up listening to MJ’s music from the time I was little. Our family used to watch the Jackson Five variety show on television when Michael Jackson and his siblings were little boys and girls (LaToya and Janet), and we’ve never wavered in our admiration and deep respect for the genius that is Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson fans are rushing to buy up as much Michael Jackson memorabilia as possible, and I don’t blame them one bit. I already have quite a lot of Michael Jackson music and the collection just keeps getting bigger. In my heart, Michael Jackson will live on forever not only as the King of Pop, but also someone who was born into the same family religion as I did.

If you ever watched the show on television years ago describing Michael Jackson’s early childhood and the abuse he suffered that was detailed in the story, you know what I’m referring to. I choose to remember Michael Jackson as not only the King of Pop, but also someone whose early childhood was very similar to my own – except for the music career part. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.

Tune into Fox on Monday to watch the American Idol Tribute to Michael Jackson.