Pop icon Michael Jackson's child molestation trial is expected to see the who's who of showbiz and broadcasting as witnesses.

Possible witnesses are said to include actress Elizabeth Taylor, singer Diana Ross, Tonight Show host Jay Leno, new age guru Deepak Chopra, broadcaster Larry King, producer Quincy Jones, basketball star Kobe Bryant, who himself faced charges of rape by a hotel employee, psychic Uri Geller and others.

Both the defendants and prosecutors released the names of possible witnesses to establish if any of the 240-jury pool was connected with the witnesses.

Attorneys, led by Jackson's main defender Thomas Mesereau Jr., are involved in selecting 12 jurors and eight alternative jurors.

Jackson is facing charges of molesting a cancer-stricken teenager after plying him with alcohol at his Neverland Ranch, charges he has denied categorically.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, the Jackson trial is expected to turn into a media circus given the defendant's huge celebrity status.

Although the prosecutors have maintained they have a strong case against the pop star, many believe the charges are more like a witch-hunt.

The latest known figure to publicly say the case against Jackson has no merit is Fox News anchor Geraldo Rivera, who believes the singer would be acquitted.