Michael Jackson explained: the release driving the conversation

Over the course of two years, Jaafar Jackson learned how to channel the essence of the late Michael Jackson through movement and speech for the “Michael” biopic. Michael Jackson has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in Kuwait.

Key facts

• Over the course of two years, Jaafar Jackson learned how to channel the essence of the late Michael Jackson through movement and speech for the “Michael” biopic.
• She said how excellent I did and how much I embody Michael,” Jaafar Jackson said. “And there were moments she couldn’t tell if it was me or Michael.
• The 29-year-old nephew of the music legend spent years learning how to dance and speak just like the King of Pop.
• During an April 2 TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle appearance, Jaafar Jackson, who is also a singer and producer, was asked by guest co-host Willie Geist if he is really singing in the film.
• “When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track.

What we know

Going deeper, She said how excellent I did and how much I embody Michael,” Jaafar Jackson said. “And there were moments she couldn’t tell if it was me or Michael.

On the substance, the 29-year-old nephew of the music legend spent years learning how to dance and speak just like the King of Pop.

Beyond the headlines, During an April 2 TODAY With Jenna & Sheinelle appearance, Jaafar Jackson, who is also a singer and producer, was asked by guest co-host Willie Geist if he is really singing in the film.

“When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track.

It is worth noting that So it’s a blend of my vocal and Michael’s,” he replied.

By the numbers

At this stage, Nailing his uncle’s iconic moves took dedication, dancing for hours-long rehearsals “until my feet would bleed or would go numb,” the 29-year-old actor has said.

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What they're saying

“I honestly wouldn’t be able to pull this off if I didn’t have the support,” he shared.

The wider context

On a related note, Jaafar Jackson confirmed there are moments in the film where there is no backing track and it is only his voice. “It’s actually me singing, the a cappellas, which was really fun to do,” he said.

Going deeper, Jaafar Jackson added that the support from his family, including father Jermaine Jackson, has “been so heartwarming.”

On the substance, However, there was one reaction from a family member that he valued the most: praise from his grandmother, Katherine Jackson.

“To hear the reaction after seeing the film, especially (from) my grandmother...

More precisely, It’s definitely the highest compliment that I could get.

The bottom line

• The 29-year-old nephew of the music legend spent years learning how to dance and speak just like the King of Pop.
• Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based senior editor for TODAY.com who covers entertainment, pop culture and trending news.
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