Jaafar Jackson Sings His Own Vocals in Michael Biopic, Blended with Uncle’s Tracks

Key facts

• Michael biopic releases in theaters on April 24, 2026.
• Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, plays the titular role.
• Jaafar sang live on set, blending his voice with Michael’s tracks.
• He performed acapellas without backing track for some scenes.
• An official clip of Jaafar’s ‘Billie Jean’ performance dropped on TikTok on April 8.
• The film covers Michael’s life from the Jackson 5 to international superstardom.

A Family Affair: Jaafar Jackson Steps into the King of Pop’s Shoes

When the biopic Michael arrives in theaters on April 24, 2026, audiences will see the King of Pop brought to life by his own nephew, Jaafar Jackson. The 24-year-old actor and singer has taken on the monumental task of portraying his uncle, Michael Jackson, from his early days with the Jackson 5 through his rise as a global superstar. Jaafar’s casting has generated intense curiosity, particularly around one question: whose voice will audiences hear when the film’s musical numbers play? In a recent appearance on the Today show on April 2, Jaafar set the record straight.

Live Vocals and a Blend of Two Generations

Jaafar confirmed that he did indeed sing during the filming of Michael, but his voice is not the only one on the soundtrack. “When I was doing all the performances, I was actually singing out live in the microphone on top of Michael’s track,” he explained in a clip shared on Instagram. The result, he said, is “a blend of my vocal and Michael’s.” For moments without a backing track, Jaafar performed acapellas entirely on his own. “It’s actually me singing the acapellas, which was really fun to do,” he added. The approach preserves the authenticity of Michael Jackson’s iconic sound while allowing Jaafar to contribute his own vocal interpretation.

Fan Reactions: Excitement and Approval

The news of Jaafar’s vocal role has sparked enthusiastic reactions from fans online. “Just the news I wanted to hear!! We get to hear Jaafar’s vocals, let’s gooooo 🔥🔥,” one commenter wrote. Another fan agreed, saying, “Ugh, for once I’m not even mad it’ll be the actor singing!! That man has an angelic voice just like his uncle 🤍.” The positive response suggests that audiences are eager to hear Jaafar’s take on his uncle’s legendary catalog. The film’s producers have also released an official clip on TikTok on April 8, offering a glimpse of Jaafar performing “Billie Jean,” complete with his own moonwalk.

From Jackson 5 to Global Icon: The Film’s Scope

Michael promises to trace the singer’s entire trajectory, from his childhood as a member of the Jackson 5 to his unprecedented success as a solo artist. The film will feature many of his biggest hits, including “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Man in the Mirror,” all recreated through Jaafar’s performances. The biopic aims to provide an intimate look at the man behind the music, covering both his artistic triumphs and the controversies that surrounded his later years. With a release date set for April 24, 2026, the film is already one of the most anticipated music biopics in recent memory.

What Comes Next: The Road to Release

As the release date approaches, more footage and details are expected to emerge. The TikTok clip of Jaafar’s “Billie Jean” performance has already generated significant buzz, and fans are eager to see how the actor captures his uncle’s signature dance moves and stage presence. With Jaafar’s vocal blend confirmed, the film offers a unique auditory experience — one that merges the past and present. Whether it will satisfy the legions of Michael Jackson fans around the world remains to be seen, but early reactions suggest a warm reception.

The bottom line

• Jaafar Jackson sings live in the Michael biopic, with his vocals blended with Michael Jackson’s original recordings.
• The film covers Michael Jackson’s life from the Jackson 5 to his solo superstardom.
• An official clip of Jaafar performing ‘Billie Jean’ was released on TikTok on April 8.
• Fan reactions to Jaafar’s singing have been overwhelmingly positive.
• The biopic is set for theatrical release on April 24, 2026.