Michael Jackson Hospitalized After Collapsing in N.Y.

NEW YORK — Michael Jackson collapsed on stage Wednesday while rehearsing for a national television special and was hospitalized suffering from apparent dehydration.

Jackson was in stable condition at Beth Israel Medical Center North where he was undergoing tests. A hospital spokesperson said he was being held overnight, and provided no additional information.

Jackson’s sister Janet rushed to his bedside. She left the hospital a few hours later without speaking to reporters. The whereabouts of Jackson’s wife, Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson, was not known. Her spokesman, Lee Solters, who also represents Michael Jackson, did not return a telephone call seeking comment.

Jackson had been scheduled to appear Wednesday night at the Billboard Music Awards. Tina Turner accepted the Billboard Hot 100 Award for career achievement on Jackson’s behalf.