Impersonating Michael Jackson

Since Michael Jackson's unexpected death on June 25, the pop music legend's 20-year-old music videos have shot to the top of the Internet's viral video charts. But what about the videos of people who are just pretending to be Michael Jackson? From tribute videos to puppet monkeys, TIME examines five of the best Jackson performances by people who are not, in fact, the King of Pop

The Prison Tribute

  • Print

In 2007, 1,500 inmates at the Cebu Detention and Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines learned, rehearsed and performed the dance routine featured in Michael Jackson's famous "Thriller" video. Their orange jumpsuits limited their costume options, but even without the zombie make-up they put on a pretty convincing act. The YouTube video of their performance has been viewed over 26 million times.

After learning about their idol's unexpected death, the inmates made another choreographed video, this time to honor his memory. The slower, more somber routine lasts over nine minutes and features some of Jackson's most famous ballads. It's not as catchy as the inmates' original video, but it is very sweet.

See the top 10 Michael Jackson moments.

How would you rank the "Impersonating Michael Jackson?" Re-sort this list »

Most Popular »

Full List »
  1. Facebook's Secret Code
  2. Why Does Google Search Love Examiner.com?
  3. Should Wild Animals Become Pets to Ward Off Extinction?
  4. The Job Market: Is a College Degree Worth Less?
  5. Has 'Climategate' Been Overblown?
  6. The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting
  7. Celebrity Chefs Show How to Lose Weight
  8. Calling for a New Stimulus, Obama Is Ready to Rumble
  9. India's Friends: Dinner in the U.S., Dessert in Moscow
  10. Mexico's Witness-Protection Program: What Protection?
  1. The Job Market: Is a College Degree Worth Less?
  2. Facebook's Secret Code
  3. Why Does Google Search Love Examiner.com?
  4. Has 'Climategate' Been Overblown?
  5. Should Wild Animals Become Pets to Ward Off Extinction?
  6. Study: Eating Soy Is Safe for Breast-Cancer Survivors
  7. Why Has Taiwan's Birthrate Dropped So Low?
  8. The Glee Factor: A Rise in Amateur Singing Groups
  9. Celebrity Chefs Show How to Lose Weight
  10. Calling for a New Stimulus, Obama Is Ready to Rumble
  • Print

Lists by Topic

Topics

Most Popular