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.
