Slave to the Rhythm / Michael Jackson HOLOGRAM (Talauega Brothers x Jamie King)

This is not weird and sad at all. In quite the buzz-garnering production, a hologram of Michael Jackson performed onstage during the 2014 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2014, in Las Vegas.

The video performance was produced by Pulse Evolution, Tricycle Logic and Optimum Productions. Jackson associates, the Talauega Brothers and Jamie King, were brought in to choreograph and direct the video. Holo-MJ performed Slave To The Rhythm, a track recorded during the Dangerous sessions and completed in 1998; it’s off of the second posthumous compilation album, Xscape.

This performance almost did not happen because of some pending legal issues. We were first shocked and mesmerized by the holographic return and performance by Tupac Shakur at Coachella. This production upped the ante as the intricate choreography, impressive stage production, and the craziness surrounding his death –combined for an unforgettable yet odd event.

Be sure to view it in high definition to soak in the creepy magic. Can somebody say UNCANNY VALLEY?!

–@teemunny