Was Michael Jackson up to the challenge of the massive comeback concerts he had planned for this summer? We'll never know the answer to that question for certain, but rehearsal footage exclusively obtained by CNN may help quiet some of the darker rumors floating around. The minute-and-a-half clip, taped at L.A.'s Staples Center on June 23 — just two days before Jackson's tragic passing — shows the star running through part of 1995's "They Don't Care About Us" with a team of backup dancers.
Give it a look below. It's hard to extrapolate any definite conclusions about his physical state from such a short clip, of course, but just watch the way he moves. It's all there: the fluid footwork, the ease of motion, everything that made him the transcendent showman he was throughout his life. The smile that creeps onto Michael's face at the very end of the clip, when he knows he's nailed that routine, is simply heartbreaking. (If the cool lady playing guitar in the clip looks familiar, by the way, she's Orianthi, who previously turned heads performing with Carrie Underwood at this year's Grammys.)
Concert promoters reportedly may have recorded tons more rehearsal footage like this during Jackson's last days. If we ever get to see more of it, who knows what we'll find. For now, though, it's both reassuring and more than a little sad to see that Michael Jackson could still move like that, even at the end. What do you think of this clip? Do you want to see more of those final rehearsals?
More from EW on Michael Jackson:
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Michael Jackson's music dominate on iTunes and Amazon
Michael Jackson's musical legacy: Tell us how you remember him
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Jackson on TV: A classic artist, a revolutionary
'Thriller' at 25: Still Can't Beat It
Comments (1-30) of 124 Add your comment
Well, no. I see an emaciated presence who, yes can hit the timing but whose arms and legs move like a little old man. You don’t see that? A very reduced presence. And this is only 90 seconds.
He doesn’t really look good at all. His back-up dancers are wiping the floor with him! So sad…
He looked to be in better shape than the average 52 year-old, that’s for sure. I believe the rumor that he OD’d on sleeping pills or some other medication. He died young and from unnatural causes.
Um, his backup dancers are about 30 years YOUNGER than he is… not sad at all, it’s just what happens when you get old.
tO tRUE tONY, AND FOR A 50 YEAR OLD MAN HE LOOKS LIKE HE STILL HAS THE MOVES.
yay!!! that was good.
This was a REHEARSAL. He was not going “full out” in his performance, as is common for the big talent. They save their stuff for the performances. I hope they show more of this!
He looks good for a 50 yo man who is has health issues and takes drugs of who knows what sort of nature. I am a 50+, former athlete and know that what I could do so easily at 20 something is a bit more difficult on the old bod at 50. I think his comeback would have been spectacular. Too bad the drugs got him – so many entertainers have died that way.
Is he actually singing or is he just mouthing the words?
YES, I’d like to see MORE of this footage. It does make me feel a bit better–yet such a tragic thing/
The beat, rhythm, moves are all there oozing from every pore as natural as rain, thank the Universe, via Michael Jackson. Personally, not ever been to a rehearsal,none the less, MJ does look weary and filled with lackluster. R.I.P.
Would I like to see more video?… if it’s tasteful and respectful; an uber-soldier, uber-move maker gifted soul has passed away. Give due respect and compassion. XOXO, VG
His comeback would have been great! Rest in peace sir.
It was a rehearsal for God’s sake. If you listen closely, you can hear someone talking, ‘hold, audience clapping’. For anyone who has never attended a rehearsal, you have no clue what you’re talking about when you say he is moving slow, isn’t singing, etc. He and the rest of the performers are listening to the choreographer. Again, it’s a rehearsal not a concert.
I love watching Michael move on the floor, he’s so smooth into it…
He is really at peace now watching over us and to lead others in the spirit with his moves.
He looks like skeletor…
That was good!
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This is just so sad. He still had it-he still had the moves! I think his comeback would have been great!
This is great! He still had the moves. I think the show would have been great! (: RIP <3
Su regreso hubiera sido espectacular. No cabe duda que Michael nacio con talento. Se que ahora le danza y la canta a Dios en el cielo. A pesar de sus errores (quien no los tiene) es indudable el talento que poseia. Michael the KING of POP nadie te lo quitara.
I’m glad he died doing what he loved and not in the middle of some shake-down court case where the parents used him to make money.
He had a good life with few exceptions: Rest in Peace Michael we know for sure you will be rocking and rolling when we get there with you!
Yes, Karisha, whatever you say. King of Pop, that’s all that needs to be understood.
wow, that was awesome, any rehearsal footage of the moonwalk[if he indeed do that during one of his routines--to see the moonwalk for one final time, would be great & sad] R.I.P Michael
Michael, your rehearsal was great. No doubt you were born with talent. You are not dead you are now giving concerts in heaven I’ll cath you later when I get my ticket.
Love,
Karisha
Mercedes, Tx.
WOW!!! Thats an ICON !Michael Jackson will NEVER have competition.He IS & WAS the BEST!!I only Americans had been so judgemental.We’ve known Michael ALL his life and at the moment the media dug up lies,and trash THEY believed it!May GOD be his ONLY judge!
Michael, your rehearsal was great. No doubt you were born with talent. You are not dead you are now giving concerts in heaven I’ll cath you later when I get my ticket.
Love,
Karisha
Mercedes, Tx.
Wow, Selena, such judgment of all 300,000,000 million Americans at the same time accusing us as judgmental! Physician heal thyself!
Personally, I’m not a huge fan, but this American always thought that the charges leveled at him were bogus.
No offense, but he looks like a ghost there. And that wasn’t much of a clip. Didn’t really showcase anything great…not even good. Should have stayed UNRELEASED.
Meanwhile, who do you think should get the kids? VOTE HERE:
http://movies-tv-entertainment.blogspot.com/
He has never pulled of big moves for this song, we need to see thriller and billie jean to be certain on his capability. but still, he doesn’t look as frail as some people made out before his death, good on you mike prove the doubters wrong, you still had it, right till the end. R.I.P
Yes, I would like to see more footage. I’d also like to see the footage included in a tribute video DVD to honor Michael’s contribution to the industry, to the world, to us all. I pray that his legacy is protected always. In this rehearsal video, it shows that he was quite capable of pulling off a live performance. But we don’t know what he was feeling in his body. I don’t see the physically weak individual that he was reported to be. I have loved Michael and his family since their beginning. I named my oldest child his name (though I spell it differently). I still love the Jackson family and pray that they find peace and comfort in God as they continue to finalize matters to lay Michael to rest. Also, in the days, weeks and months to come as things (legal matters, investigations and such) arise and increase. I pray that all the fans be strong and encouraged. Not everyone loved him, but that’s okay, what matters most is that there of those of us who love him still!