*NSync has defected from Michael Jackson's upcoming tribute to himself at Madison Square Gardens.
The show's producer David Gest announced in a press release Thursday that *NSync will not duet with the King Of Pop as planned at the Sept. 7 concert. (A second show is scheduled for Sept. 10).
"Due to scheduling conflicts, Michael Jackson and *NSync will not have time to rehearse the 'Dancing Machine' number with the Jacksons in the way Michael planned to present it," Gest said in the press release.
"Unfortunately, *NSync will be rehearsing their MTV Video Music Awards performance on Wednesday and Thursday while Michael will be rehearsing for his shows at the Garden. The two schedules just conflict and *NSync will not be in New York prior to that. Michael looks forward to working with *NSync in the future as he is a very big fan of the group."
Previously, Mary J. Blige dropped off the show. She was replaced by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado.
Jackson's brother Jermaine had initially announced he would be a no-show but has since agreed to appear in a reunion of the Jackson 5. Randy, who joined the group when they were known as The Jacksons, was also said to be a no-show, but he has since been convinced to join the festivities.
Performers who are still scheduled to appear include Canadian singer Deborah Cox, Destiny's Child, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Liza Minnelli, Ricky Martin, Jill Scott, and Luther Vandross.
Tickets for the show are trading at the online auction site Ebay for as high as $1,200 for floor seats to as low as the $150 range, although one pair of seats for Monday night's concert in section 324 brought in a high bid of $102 on Thursday.
