Michael Jackson Hologram Performs At 2014 Billboard Music Awards [VIDEO]
ByAmber Belus
May 19, 2014 12:24 PM EDT
Michael Jackson's legend still lives on in the world of pop music. He took the stage last night in hologram form at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. He performed "Slave to the Rhythm," a track off his latest album "Xscape."
Many speculated if MJ would peform as a hologram prior to the event. It was not until two days prior that Billboard received the "go" from federal judge Kent Dawson. "Xscape" debuted last week at the No.1 spot in 50 countries.
"We tried to do as best we could what we thought Michael would have loved, and those of us who knew Michael really well, we had a good perspective on it," Epic Records CEO LA Reid told the Associated Press.
The act featured storm troopers sporting "MJ" on their chests, while Jackson donned red pants with a gold jacket. He looked very real and triggered both cheers and tears from the star-studded audience. The late singer received a standing ovation.
This was not the first time an artist was brought back from the dead. Tupac, who passed away in 1996, was revived for the 2012 Coachella Music Festival. The Daily News writes similar technology was used in 2007 to bring back Elvis Presley for a performance with Celine Dion.
Other major moments from last night's show as Justin Timberlake winning seven awards, while Robin Thicke received four for 2013's "Blurred Lines." Newcomer Lorde took two and performed her latest hit "Tennis Court."
Thicke attempted to win back estranged wife Paula Patton with his new song, "Get Her Back." Miley Cyrus and Wayne Coyne from the Flaming Lips covered The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."
Watch the video of Jackson performing "Slave to the Rhythm" below!
Did you watch the 2014 Billboard Music Awards? What did you think? Let us know!
