Me voilà aujourd’hui pour vous présenter le lancement d’une nouvelle version du spectacle avec une formation de 6 musiciens live avec 2 ou 4 danseurs additionnels.

En collaboration avec une nouvelle production, nous nous lançons dans une série de dates exceptionnelles avec une nouvelle manière de présenter l’oeuvre musicale de Michael Jackson.

Les musiciens seront en live intégral, mais moi, je resterai – comme toujours – sur le play-back de la voix détachée de Michael Jackson, comme je l’ai toujours fait pour les raisons que vous connaissez, accompagné par des choristes.

Le choix du play-back est d’ailleurs précisément expliqué :

LIP-SYNCING

Le playback est un choix artistique assumé : il garantit une performance dansée précise, intense et fidèle à l’univers de Michael Jackson.

Ben Jack’son privilégie un spectacle parfaitement maîtrisé en play-back à un chant en direct (live) fragilisé par des chorégraphies exigeantes — un choix que Michael Jackson lui-même faisait régulièrement sur scène. Le public — très exigeant — apprécie ainsi d’entendre la vraie voix de Michael Jackson.

La 1ere date est annoncée pour le samedi 27 Février au Casino de Blotzheim ( Alsace ) .

RESERVER VOTRE PLACE

At my shows or book-signing sessions, you come and ask me questions about Michael Jackson, what’s going on in his world, his artistic legacy, but also about my own career and my personal tastes.

Whenever I have the time, I always reply with pleasure and sincerity.
Whilst we wait for the next interview to be published, here is a short compilation of the questions I’m asked most frequently.

What do you think of the AI-generated images of Michael Jackson on TikTok or other social media platforms, and the reimagined music videos?

I don’t use TikTok, Instagram or Facebook to communicate, but I’m aware of what’s going on.

We have recently learnt that Michael Jackson’s estate wishes to take steps to prevent platforms from broadcasting some of these computer-generated images.
Personally, I think it’s a good thing.

Nowadays, some creations produced using artificial intelligence are so realistic that they can easily fool the public. We come across fake behind-the-scenes photographs, unlikely encounters that never took place, or even entirely fabricated video clips.
The problem is that all these creations can end up blurring the line between fiction and reality.

And I don’t think that’s particularly beneficial to Michael Jackson’s artistic and historical legacy.
New generations of fans may mistake these images for genuine documents and, as a result, base their understanding on completely inaccurate information.
So I’m against this practice 😊

What do you think of the Michael biopic?

I feel that, unfortunately, a great many details are missing, some of which I believe are essential to fully understanding Michael Jackson’s story and life.

I am, however, aware of how difficult it is to summarise nearly thirty years of such an exceptional career in just two hours of film.

We inevitably have to make choices, take shortcuts and, at times, make concessions. I would, however, like to pay tribute to Jaafar Jackson’s exceptional performance, which deserves to be highlighted!

I am now looking forward to reading the second instalment, in the hope that it will provide further detail, correct certain inaccuracies and give greater prominence to key characters in the story.

What do you think of the many lookalike shows, tributes and homage acts currently on tour – both official ones, such as the musical, and unofficial ones, such as yours?

For me, what matters above all else is the intention and sincerity behind the approach.

I sometimes ask myself certain questions: who was there even before he passed away? Who continued to support him and champion his work during the most difficult times? These are things that I personally consider important.

But as for the new artists who are paying tribute to Michael Jackson, I think it’s a very positive thing!
In France, there are currently at least thirty Michael Jackson lookalikes and tribute shows.
And I think this diversity is brilliant.
Every artist has their own personality, approach, artistic vision and way of paying tribute to the King of Pop.

Some offer large-scale stage productions, whilst others present more intimate performances, suitable for private events, festivals or cultural gatherings.
This diversity makes it possible to meet different expectations and reach a wide range of audiences.
Every show offers another opportunity to discover, or rediscover, Michael Jackson’s work.
And that’s what really matters!

Personally, I prefer the Cirque du Soleil show, *One*, to the musical *MJ Musical*, although I do recognise that the musical is very well conceived and staged. I still prefer to hear Michael Jackson’s voice.

What’s your favourite car make and why?

Without hesitation: Mercedes-Benz!

I particularly appreciate this make for the reliability, build quality and durability of its vehicles.

It is, in fact, hardly surprising that Michael Jackson himself owned several Mercedes cars during his lifetime.

A little anecdote: back in 2002, there was even talk of creating a Mercedes model named after Michael Jackson.

Unfortunately, this project never got off the ground.

Who would you dream of meeting after having met three members of the Jackson family: Michael, Joe and Jermaine?

To be honest, I don’t particularly «dream» of meeting someone.

I enjoy meeting people, having heartfelt exchanges and genuine conversations, but I have never been one to idolise anyone.

For me, a meeting is, above all, an exchange between two people.

That said, I have to admit one thing: once you’ve been lucky enough to meet such famous people, it becomes rather difficult to be impressed by anyone else!

Are you interested in the people who worked with Michael Jackson?

Not particularly, no.

Of course, I am familiar with some of the names and am aware of the role that many professionals have played in bringing his projects to fruition. But I am not particularly interested in their individual career paths.

Why?

Quite simply because they were, first and foremost, colleagues and professionals working on Michael Jackson’s artistic projects. Some had a very close working relationship with him, whilst others were involved on an ad hoc basis, depending on the production. Throughout his career, Michael Jackson worked with hundreds of people: musicians, sound engineers, choreographers, dancers, technicians, directors, tour crews and many others besides.

It would probably take a lifetime to recount in detail each person’s career and contributions! I am, of course, in no way questioning their expertise or the importance of their work.

But in my view, Michael Jackson remained the conductor of his own artistic world. He knew how to surround himself with talented people, draw on specific skills and bring together the best professionals to bring his ideas to life. This is precisely what also defines a great artist: the ability to transform a personal vision into a collective work, whilst retaining an instantly recognisable artistic identity.

The final result was his signature, her personality and its requirement.

I sometimes get the feeling that some of his former colleagues now attach a little too much importance to their own role in his work. To illustrate my point, I often use the medical field as an example.

When you have an operation, you usually remember the name of the surgeon who operated on you.

However, behind the scenes, many professionals contributed, directly or indirectly, to the success of this operation: nurses, nursing assistants, anaesthetists, radiologists, clinical chemists, pharmacists, department heads and many others.

Everyone has essential skills and plays a part in the final result.

However, the patient generally associates the procedure with the surgeon who was in charge of it.

As far as I’m concerned, there is a certain similarity with Michael Jackson. He was surrounded by talented teams, whose contributions could be decisive, but he remained the central figure, the visionary and the principal architect of his artistic identity.

Above all, it is his work, his world and his legacy that I wish to continue to highlight.

Which leisure activity or sport do you find terribly boring?

Going fishing in a Norwegian fjord the day after a show.

It was Houcine from Star Academy 2 who surprised us by popping into the dressing rooms after a show.

Houcine is a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and has even put together his own Michael Jackson tribute show.

Gérard Sibelle has passed away, but he will live on forever in the hearts of many in the performing arts. His kindness, his humanity, his wit.

I wanted to pay tribute to him by publishing this extract from my university dissertation.

As I wrote those lines, I was smiling; today, I’m crying.

13 August 1994 – in a dressing room in Ruoms.

My Pygmalions: Gérard Sibelle, head of promotion at RMC, producer, talent scout and creator.

Gérard Sibelle is a very charismatic man.

The RMC office is situated on the second floor of an upmarket building on Rue de la République.

The secretary is keeping me waiting; my hands are sweaty.

He gave me a warm welcome; we spoke about Nantua, the Ain, Bourg-en-Bresse, and his current protégé, the artist Laurent Gerra, and offered me – an unexpected stroke of luck for me – the chance to be the support act for stars of yesterday and today, as he put it.

That day, he went on to explain his proposal by asking me three things:

I am available on 9 October 1993 from 3 pm to 7 pm.

If I’d like to play in front of 2,500 people

If I know Dave...

He offered me a generous fee after I answered «yes» to those three questions, and that’s how I found myself celebrating the 10th anniversary of Part-Dieu station on Radio Monte Carlo’s stage truck, as Dave’s special guest.

The term «American headliner» has nothing to do with the nationality of the person I’m impersonating: it’s the expression used to refer to the artist who will perform just before the main act

.I watch Gérard Sibelle every time, and I learn a great deal

Later, from 1993 to 1999, with a single phone call he booked me onto major stages to support these American stars – singers whose glory days were behind them but who still attracted a sizeable audience (Herbert Léonard, Dave, etc.) alongside boy bands and the latest female singers (Alliage, G-Squad, Larusso).

Gérard Sibelle manages me on these stages, and I quickly notice the respect he commands, thanks to the rigour and precision of his work on the ground.

Indeed, I am learning the ins and outs of the trade and the hierarchy of tasks and people within this regional show business scene.

For example, when I arrive behind the stage, I locate my dressing room and check how far it is from the stage. After greeting everyone, I head straight to the control room to hand over my soundtrack, along with a carefully written lighting cue sheet in large print (as the stage managers work in the dark once the auditorium lights have been switched off).

I watch, I learn and I keep quiet.

My job was to turn up on time for «soundcheck» – a word I pretended to understand once or twice back then, before anyone explained what it meant to me.

«Balances» are the moments a sound engineer sets aside for you to test your audio track and adjust the volume balance between the monitor speakers (the speakers at your feet) and the front-of-house speakers (the speakers positioned on stage facing the audience).

Rehearsals are used to go over my entrance, the interludes, and my exit – which is also crucial for a performance.

November 2019 – Maison du Peuple, Pierre Bénite.

I will never forget you.

I learnt a great deal from him as a professional, but he also knew how to speak to people on a personal level, from one human being to another.

Because, in fact, the first thing he’d ever ask when he met you was, »How are you?», a genuine »how are you?«…

Thank you, Artist.

Thinking of his family, Théo and Thomas.

Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to take part in a brand-new television programme.

During that recording, I had the good fortune and honour of meeting some of my idols, with whom I even shared the stage for the duration of the programme.

I might as well tell you that it was quite a special moment for me!

Before I reveal the broadcast date in a few weeks’ time and tell you a bit more about this wonderful adventure, I’d like to share a few memories of that day with you.

And what could be better than a few selfies? I’ll be sharing them with you regularly here on the blog!

To start with, here are my first two encounters: Jamy Gourmaud, the unforgettable face of *C’est pas sorcier*, and Laurent Baffie, who needs no introduction….

.Two people I was really pleased to meet…

Other artists were there to give their performances…

In 2007 and 2009, I created and organised two major events in Villeurbanne, near Lyon, entirely dedicated to Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson Night I and II. I wanted to use the name of the party organised by NRJ on the eve of the concerts in Lyon and Paris. A simple title that resonates with people.

My aim was to bring together the Michael Jackson fans centred on their shared passion, through shows, dance and singing competitions, exhibitions, get-togethers and various events.

Nearly 700 fans at each event

The first Michael Jackson Night took place on 6 October 2007, followed by a second edition on 10 April 2009.

Each event was attended by around 700 people, from all over France, but also from Belgium, Switzerland and Monaco.

Up to 80 artists and participants One after another, dancers, singers, lookalikes and comedians took to the stage. The first edition featured around 4 hours and 30 minutes of entertainment, whilst the second ran for nearly 8 hours of entertainment.

A human story centred on Michael Jackson

Every night, Michael Jackson performed for around eight months of preparation and involved around forty people on the day of the event.

Beyond the figures, what I remember most of all are the hundreds of enthusiasts gathered in one place to celebrate music, dance and the world of Michael Jackson.

I had personally asked Aphrodite Jones, a famous American journalist, to send me about ten copies of her book: *MICHAEL JACKSON CONSPIRACY*, the plot against Michael Jackson. This enabled me to give these books away to the fans who were there.

For me, those two evenings remain an extraordinary experience, created by a fan, for fans.

France 2 was even there that evening for MICHAEL JACKSON NIGHT 1

REPORT: MICHAEL JACKSON II NIGHT

On the website, you’ll find a whole page dedicated to these events, featuring photos and articles.

MICHAEL JACKSON: THE NIGHT 1 AND 2

You might be surprised… But if I told you that I shared my dressing room at the Moulin Rouge with some lion cubs… You certainly wouldn’t believe me!

Of course, accompanied by a professional at the Moulin Rouge, we were lucky enough to meet these magnificent lion cubs just a few minutes before our performance on stage.

It naturally made me think of Michael Jackson and his wild animals – for the *Thriller* album, in his park or whilst on tour in South Africa.

Hélène Ségara is celebrating 30 years in the business with *Hélène Ségara & Friends*, an album on which she revisits her greatest hits in duets with artists including Julien Doré, Florent Pagny, Garou and Laura Pausini. The album was released on 28 August 2026.

I had the great pleasure of meeting her on a TV programme. She’d chosen me to represent her team, and we beat the opposing team 😉

She is one of those singers with a great voice – one of France’s greatest voices.

Today, 29 August 2026, Michael Jackson would have turned 68.

What would he be doing today? A film director? A songwriter for other artists? A business leader in the new technologies sector?

We’ll never know.

For his 68th birthday, I think I’ve got a surprise in store for you!

! Have you heard of Struts?

It’s London rock-pop with a blend of Freddy Mercury and Mick Jagger. .

And I reckon they’re big Michael Jackson fans!

Here they are performing their cover of ‘Stranger in Moscow’, or in a duet with Paris, or in a brilliant cover of ‘Dancing in the Streets’ – a Motown classic (Martha and the Vandellas)!

Enjoy!

Finally, Paul McCartney has just released the video for ‘Say Say Say’ in 4K quality to mark MJ’s birthday! What a brilliant and classy gesture on his part…

He remains the benchmark for French rap. He is more than a rapper; he is also a poet, and his lyrics are studied academically. I had the chance to perform my show in...

I had the chance to perform my show as the opening act for this great gentleman and later meet him again. With his kindness and sense of humour, I asked him, as I often do, to wear one of my costume jackets.

Of course, we talked at length about Michael Jackson, whom he naturally admires.

Here with my team of dancers and MC Solaar.

He also captures wonderfully, and with humour, what it is like to be an artist growing older…

A masterpiece: Sonotone

In 2008 and 2009, I no longer wanted to drink Coca-Cola Zero!

I was therefore given the opportunity to launch my own drink, a Swiss product made with green tea, presented in a 250 ml can featuring the colours of my “Dance, Passion & Fire” universe.

This project notably echoed the famous Michael Jackson Mystery Drink, launched several years earlier, in 1996, during his HIStory World Tour, in collaboration with his manager, Dieter Wiesner.

I wanted to create something fun as a nod to Michael’s drink, while also replicating the slim shape of its can.

This drink contained no guarana or added caffeine—just chilled green tea. Simple and not too sweet.

Available in 2 designs.

It was sold for €2 at the refreshment stands in every venue where I performed. Audience members could then have their cans signed at the end of the show.

A unique and short-lived adventure that remains a cherished memory from my journey to this day.

It is worth noting that Michael was not the first to launch his own drink. His father, Joe Jackson, had already released his own JOE COLA!

My performances include shows lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, for venues with a box office or open-air venues.

But there are also the performances known as «happenings», which I’m particularly fond of.

These are short performances, lasting between 3 and 25 minutes, designed to create a surprise in completely unexpected circumstances.

An interview with Nâdiya, a star of the 2000s.

'Wanna Be Starting Something' has been out of the show’s set list for a long time.

In fact, a 1½-hour set was usually the time limit. ‘Wanna Be Starting Somethin’ is a very energetic song, often placed at the start of the set, and one that demands a great deal of physical stamina. It now follows ‘JAM’ and ‘THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT US’.

A few days ago: rehearsing the song:

Wanna Be Starting Something: Tahiti – Place Toata.

It was the opening ceremony for the square in front of Puteaux Town Hall, at La Défense in Paris. .

Technical challenge: To make us dance on the water without slipping, thanks to a special coating!