Marty Thompson’s QuickHits Buzzblog

Neil Diamond will mentor finalists on an upcoming Tuesday episode of American Idol, which airs at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. He’ll also give a performance the following evening, although those exact dates have yet to be announced. In other Diamond developments, the singer has reunited with producer Rick Rubin for a new studio album, Home Before Dark, which is set for a May 6 release. A world concert tour is expected to follow.

The Jackson family may be weathering some tough times. According to the “New York Post,” most of them are barely scraping by after dealing with decades of bad financial decisions and promises allegedly reneged on by Jacko himself. From landing six-figure deals for one night performances, to stocking groceries and changing tires, the brothers of the infamous Jackson Five appear to have been hit the hardest in the family’s misfortunes. The paper says Michael Jackson made numerous promises to his siblings and even signed them to his record label, MJJ, but refused to release any of their music.

Here is a breakdown of the Jackson family and their individual status, according to “The New York Post.”

Father Joseph Jackson, 79 and mother Katherine Jackson, 77

Joseph reportedly manages various girl groups in Las Vegas, and Katherine is a housewife and the only family member in contact with Michael. Both have previously filed for bankruptcy

Janet Jackson, 41

Currently the most successful of the family. She is promoting hew new album, “Discipline.”

Randy Jackson, 46

Allegedly performs odd jobs like changing tires to support himself. He was Michael’s business manager during the 2005 molestation trial. He reportedly persuaded three friends to take out lines of credits against their homes to help Michael pay his attorney fees, and Michael reportedly stiffed them.

Michael Jackson, 49

Recently fought foreclosure on his Neverland ranch as well as the family’s Encino home. He allegedly makes repeated promises to his brothers while sabotaging any attempts by them to ply their musical trade.

Marlon Jackson, 51

Lives in San Diego, where he reportedly works stocking groceries at a Vons supermarket. Three years ago when he was forced to leave his foreclosed home and move into an Extended Stay America hotel with his wife, Carol.

La Toya Jackson, 52

Declared Michael guilty in 1993 during his molestation case. Works mostly in Europe and in the UAE judging beauty and singing contests. She lives in Beverly Hills with her wealthy boyfriend.

Jermaine Jackson, 54

Lives in his parents’ Hayvenhurst mansion as well as with his girlfriend in the San Fernando Valley. He reportedly does not have a regular income, and has more than five-million-dollars in federal, state and other liens against him, as well as a 1995 bankruptcy filing.

Tito Jackson, 55

Formed a blues band and plays at small venues for 500-dollars to 15-hundred dollars a gig.

Jackie Jackson, 56

The oldest son who started an Internet clothing business and is trying to produce records by his sons. Nothing has panned out.

Rebbie Jackson, 57

Married to successful businessman Nathaniel Brown. She is the oldest sibling of the family.

Sad news for BEATLES fans. THE BEATLES original groundbreaking engineer and PINK FLOYD producer NORMAN SMITH passed away last night.

Smith was the engineer on all of the recordings by THE BEATLES up until 1965 when EMI promoted him from engineer to producer. The last BEATLES album he recorded was “Rubber Soul.” SMITH engineered the sound for approximately 180 Beatles songs in all.

In 1972, SMITH, using his recording artist pseudonym of “HURRICANE SMITH,” had a transatlantic hit with “Oh Babe What Would You Say?.”