Top 5 Michael Jackson Performances

Aug 15, 2010 11:46

CHALLENGE 21 BRAIN TWIN
Brain twins/triplets: dazzling_cullen & lady_rock
Fandom: Michael Jackson
Topic: Michael Jackson Performances
Top 5 Michael Jackson Performances









All these are performances that I considered to include but these were too special in their own way to leave out entirely.
 First row - I Want You Back // The Ed Sullivan Show (1970)
This performance is special simply due to the fact that this is very well the kickstart to Michael Jackson's career. He's just a kid, yet the way he moves and the way he puts so much emotion in his voice are far beyond his years. The world can clearly see the birth of a future superstar.

Second row - Billie Jean // Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary (2001)
I would have included the entire show if I could, considering how many times I watched it last summer. Each and every song he performed that night is just amazing. The reason Billie Jean stands out so much is because: one, this would be the last time Michael performs it in front of a live audience. two, because it clearly shows the epicness that the performance has evolved into over the years. Each move is flawless and seems effortless after decades of doing those signature moves.

Third Row - Will You Be There // MTV 10th Anniversary (1991)
Beautiful. That's all I can say about this one. Just those spoken words at the end are enough to move anybody to tears.




You know this had to be in here. An invite to perform at half-time on the Superbowl. I'd say he must've been nervous in front of all those people except we've all seen his sold-out concerts. Yet, Michael spent the past 24 hours rehearsing non-stop and did it pay off or what. I love the entrance with the toaster and the sparks. But, the best thing about this performance is how he just stands there for a good two minutes - doing nothing, but the whole place is screaming their heads off. 
When he gets to performing after taking off those shades like a boss, he nails every move. Jam is such a high-energy song and then of course, how can he leave out Billie Jean? But at the same opportunity, Michael still delivers his message - Heal the World. Grand-style of course. I mean, it's Michael Fucking Jackson at the Superbowl.




Smooth Criminal is perfection. The short film is my favourite piece...yes, more than Thriller. Michael easily translates the same epicness from the film onto stage. Just watch the audience go crazy and there's your proof.
But of course, the true genius of Smooth Criminal is the anti-gravity lean. A lot of people think it was special effects or wires whatever in the short film, but can you say that when he does that live on stage in front of your eyes? I know people who still aren't aware of how he does it and I'm fine with that, it adds to the magic of his performance - which we know has always been his goal.





Oh Michael, the way you make me feel. The brief TWYMMF section at the beginning of this performance is amazing. You get Michael Jackson to perform and you know he has to do at least one number where he's dancing. And well, all those thrusts and ducklips and the way he tosses his fedora. Enough said.
The real show of this performance, however, is Man in the Mirror. Very few artists have the ability to portray a message through their performance and Michael would be one of those performers. I'm pretty sure he's even singing it live because there was microphone trouble towards the end that assures me he isn't lip-syncing. And can I just say that those were amazing vocals that don't happen if you don't truly believe in what you're singing. Combine him singing with him moving around the stage. Those tornado-speed spins are impossible to capture in a picture. Every time he does a spin and lands on his knees, I literally get chills. He's so immersed in performing but it's easy to tell that his knees must hurt like hell every time he does that.
And the message in the song is beautiful: If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.





A lengthy 10+ minute performance BUT he never misses a beat, never looks tired, and never loses his graceful movements. This is the true definition of a flawless performance. He performed an entire medley, including The Way You Make Me Feel, Scream, Billie Jean and Dangerous.The Billie Jean performance here is probably one of his best because even though he has all the classic movements in there, he incorporates even more...moves we haven't seen before but that appear just as effortless. His moonwalk here is also probably one of the longest and best ones he's done. 
You don't want to get me started on his performance to Dangerous. Such complex choreography presented as if it were as simple as walking. He nails it every time but what makes this specific time even more perfect is that he has already been on stage for a while and is straight away going to perform Dangerous without any sort of break. But once again, it's flawless. This could very well be number one on the list.





If you don't know this performance, sorry but you really have been living under a rock your entire life. This is THE greatest performance in history. I'm not just saying that because Michael debuts the moonwalk this night in 1983. It's more because you put this man in the spotlight and hand him a microphone and he has the ability to set the stage on fire and have the entire place on their feet, dancing and cheering. The man doesn't need any lighting or special effects to enhance his performance. The next day, Michael Jackson's performance would have enough impact to have the entire world trying to imitate his moves - moonwalk, with Michael's grace. This night, Michael Jackson became a true superstar. The world's greatest entertainer.

"I'm totally at home on the stage. That's where I live. That's where I was born. That's where I'm safe"
-- Michael Jackson

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All screencaps are by me.

+ Enjoy ♥


da, :challenge21

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