The mother of Michael Jackson’s two children is reportedly poised to take full control of them in the wake of the superstar’s death.

Debbie Rowe was understood to have given up her parental rights to Paris and Michael Joseph Jr. after a custody battle in 2005, saying the music legend was a great father.

But it’s now emerged that a technicality during the court proceedings meant that she never officially handed over those rights.

It comes despite widespread speculation that Jackson’s mother Katherine would take custody of the pair.

According to TMZ.com, retired Judge Stephen Lachs, who presided over the hearing, had initially ruled that Rowe’s rights were terminated.

However, he later reversed this decision because the American nurse had not undergone a parental fitness investigation.

Lance Spiegel, the lawyer who represented Jackson, told the website that legally, the Department of Children and Family Services must conduct such an inquiry before a person can have their parental rights terminated.

It means that under California law, Rowe is now presumed to be the person who will get custody of Michael Jnr, 12 and Paris, 11.

The only way she can be denied custody is if a court determines that this would be “detrimental to the children”.

It’s reported that Rowe intends to apply for custody, although she is likely to have a fight on her hands.

If a bid is successful, she is expected to receive hefty child support payments from the tragic musician’s estate.

Jackson, who died aged 50 on Thursday, also has a third child, Prince “Blanket” Michael II, who was born via a surrogate mother.

Backstreet Boys star Howie Dorough has become a dad for the first time after his wife Leigh gave birth to a son.

Howie and Leigh, both 36, became parents to James Hoke Dorough at 2:30pm on May 6 when he was born weighing 4.5lbs.

The couple weren’t expecting the baby to arrive until June but a rep confirmed to PEOPLE that he is a healthy baby.

Howie’s father Hoke passed away in June last year after battling brain and lung cancer and the couple gave their new son the middle name Hoke in his honour.

The couple had previously said they weren’t going to find out the sex of the baby until the delivery but hoped for a boy to pass on the family name.

Howie previously said: “I think everybody would love a boy.”

He added: “We’re just hoping for a healthy baby.”

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Remember when I was just talking about Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams getting engaged? Well forget about that because sources are saying that the couple got married this past Tuesday. The pair reportedly had a small, simple ceremony in Savannah, Georgia. Mandy and Ryan only got engaged last month after dating off and on for about a year. A friend of Mandy has said that “She’s very very happy.” Another source close to Ryan also confirmed the news saying that the rocker is completely head over heels about her and is a changed man. Congratulations to the happy couple! I hope you live a long and happy life together.

People who saw and heard Sheryl Crow performed during President Barack Obama’s Inauguration wondered about her energy not knowing that the singer was nearly devastated by cancer. Crow, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, said it is always comforting to have good friends when you go through something as devastating as cancer. Part of Crow’s treatment program was minimally invasive surgery which made the fight even harder. Crow, who was seen at the recent “Unforgettable Evening” held to benefit EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund, talked about her own battle against cancer. The event was held to honor Courteney Cox and Gwyneth Paltrow for the role in spreading awareness about cancer.

Crow said Cox helped her a lot during those trying times after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She said the whole thing is personal to her because she has cancer but those who are supporting others are angels. Crow, who was a hit during Obama’s inauguration, said she may be there to honor her friend but she was also there because she is a big fan of Beyonce and she is so excited to see her perform.

Rock star Jon Bon Jovi has been sued not personally but as a co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul. Bon Jovi is not only the name of a rock singer but is also the name of a popular rock band. The group has been on the spotlight for years even with the entry of new and younger bands that they are considered one of the most successful acts on the music industry. It seems that the front man of the group, Bon Jovi, is in the headlines once again not for a gig but for being used in court.

The suit filed by Philadelphia Soul former sales manager Joseph Krause alleged that Bon Jovi and the other team owners failed to pay $125,000 worth of wages and commissions. Krause said the owners decided to stop the operations and granted two weeks’ severance for the staff. However he said he was never paid his previous season’s commission for the team’s victory in the Arena Bowl worth $83,359. He said he is also claiming his 2009 season commission worth $41,456 even though the 2009 season has been completely cancelled due to the economic downturn.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s marriage is still getting dragged through the mud as more rumors about divorce come out. On the latest cover of Star, the magazine claims that the couple’s fights are getting physical – screaming, pushing, shoving and throwing things. A source said “They love hard; they fight hard — and sometimes that has led to pushing and shoving. They throw things and scream and just go bananas. It’s been war in their house!” They also claim that JLo has been turning to an ally for a shoulder to cry on – her ex-boyfriend Diddy! We all know how he never completely moved on after her. This could get even messier than I imagined.

Up to now, no one is entirely sure just what situation Michael Jackson’s money is really in. Is he broke or not? After reports of health and finance woes, the new rumor is that Jacko is plunking down $100,000 a month for a lavish mansion in Los Angeles. The grand $38 million Bel-Air home boasts 7 bedrooms, 13 bathrroms, 12 fireplaces, a screening room, a guest house, sweeping staircases, pools, a sundeck and classic interiors. I’m not sure when he’s planning to move. Right now, the dethroned King of Pop is keeping a low profile in Las Vegas with his kids. Where does he get the money?

Some people, and a lot of celebrities, have some pretty dysfunctional families. And no one knows more about dysfunctional than Whitney Houston. The singer is reportedly being sued by her own stepmother. Whitney allegedly owes her step mom some money to pay off her condo. The whole thing goes back to 2003 when the singer’s dad died. Barbara Houston claims that Whitney “improperly kept the proceeds from John Houston’s $1 million insurance policy” after his death. According to the lawsuit, Whitney was supposed to use the money to pay off the remaining mortgage on her father’s condominium and that the money was supposed to be handed over to Barbara.

Closure for Jennifer Hudson and her family is finally getting close as Chicago police have arrested William Balfour for the murders of the Oscar winner’s mother, brother and little nephew. Balfour, who was married to Jennifer’s sister, has been in custody in Stateville Correctional Center on violation of parole and was transferred to Chicago police custody this past Monday after being served with an arrest warrant. He was then transported to the Wentworth Area where he will be held pending approval of charges by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Investigators presented evidence at a close hearing last month that Balfour had a gun matching the weapon used in the October 24th slayings.