Jun 25 (TheWrap.com) - When Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, he was on the verge of making a comeback.
His “This Is It” concert tour was supposed to return him to the limelight. But days before opening night, the King of Pop died from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol, which was administered at his home by Dr. Conrad Murray.
Murray, Jackson's personal physician, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the star's death. He was sentenced to four years in prison and released in October 2013, after serving less than two years.
Though the King of Pop has been dead now for exactly five years, his memory lives and his estate continues to rake in big bucks.
Here are five ways he continues to be remembered:
2014 Billboard Music Awards, ABC
1. In digital projection
Jackson's hologram shocked and aww-ed viewers by moondancing at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.
While many decried his virtual appearance as tacky, ABC saw a 13-year ratings high for the event.
2. In music
“XSCAPE,” an album compromised of eight of Jackson's previously unreleased tracks, was released May 13. It was his second posthumous album, following “Michael,” and moved more than 800,000 units.
3. In film
“This is It” - a comprehensive documentary about the life and times of the “Thriller” singer - was released only months after Jackson's death. It grossed more than $70 million dollars worldwide.
4. In the courtroom
Jackson's estate has been in court multiple times since the star's passing, most recently there was a lawsuit challenging the authenticity of his vocals on ”Breaking News,” “Monster” and “Keep Your Head Up” - all three songs were released posthumously.
5. In the Pitman High School gym/auditorium
Jackson's legacy endures not only in media, but also in the hearts of hearts and - perhaps more importantly - feet of his fans.
The best example of this might be the high school talent competition in Turlock, Calif. that saw a student flawlessly re-enact the Moonwalk from “Billie Jean.”
1/8: Michael Jackson impersonators hold hands as they take part in moment of silence and a prayer in front of fans gathered for the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, outside the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
2/8: Thousands of red roses, purchased by Michael Jackson fans through online campaign, adorn the entrance of the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale for the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
3/8: Sign, flowers and messages are placed outside the entrance of the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale commemorating the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
4/8: A group of fans hold a moment of silence for the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, outside the mausoleum where he is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
5/8: Michael Jackson impersonators perform after a moment of silence and a prayer in front of fans gathered for the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, outside the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale in Glendale, California, June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
6/8: Pablo Anthony Santana, a Michael Jackson impersonator from Las Vegas, Nevada, performs in front of fans gathered for the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, outside the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
7/8: Michael Jackson impersonators Rem Garza (L) and Lorenzo Coleman (R) perform in front of fans gathered for the 5th anniversary of Jackson's death due to drug overdose, outside the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
8/8: Kevin Garza, (C) a Michael Jackson impersonator, walk in front of flowers and signs placed by fans outside the mausoleum where Jackson is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Glendale commemorating the 5th anniversary of Michael Jackson's death due to drug overdose, in Glendale, California June 25, 2014. REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian
