Michael Jackson would’ve turned 65 years old on August 29. To commemorate what could’ve been, the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas honored the ‘King of Pop’ with a special ‘Blue Sapphire Birthday Celebration’ along with their popular Michael Jackson ONE show – the show’s 10th anniversary.
It wasn’t just fans in attendance, either. Two of MJ’s sons, Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket) and Prince Jackson, made rare appearances as they greeted guests at the casino and even took part in an hour-long, public Q&A forum before fans were treated to a special performance by the talented ONE cast.
Happy birthday to Michael Joseph Jackson. How will you celebrate The King of Pop and keep his legacy alive, including carrying on his humanitarian spirit? pic.twitter.com/rMBjZq9vzA
— Michael Jackson (@michaeljackson) August 29, 2023
The remarkable night continued with a book signing by Michael Bush – who authored The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson – and a meet and greet with the original cast of ONE and several members of MJ’s estate. They ended the night with back-to-back Michael Jackson ONE performances – as per usual.
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Blanket Jackson Makes Rare Appearance on What Would Have Been Michael Jackson’s 65th Birthday pic.twitter.com/hAOq5D90aC
— People (@people) August 30, 2023
The famous Michael Jackson: ONE show was originally announced in mid-February 2013 and previews for the show began several months later – the world premiere was on June 29, 2013. Mandalay Bay and its creative team have worked extensively with MJ’s estate to ensure his legacy is properly represented.
PHOTOS: Michael Jackson's Sons Make Rare Appearance To Celebrate Dad
— Bayelsa Connect Blog (@BayelsaConnect2) August 30, 2023
Late American popstar, Michael Jackson's sons, Blanket and Prince, made a rare appearance at an event honouring their father. pic.twitter.com/P2gousQOnh
The show combines everything we love about MJ’s music with the incredible acrobatic display that Cirque du Soleil is known for. It takes fans on a journey through MJ’s career and highlights the mannerisms and style that made him famous. More than three dozen of his songs are featured during the 90-minute show.
For those interested in getting a closer look at what the hype is all about, the Michael Jackson: ONE show runs every Thursday-Monday at Mandalay Bay with two performances per night – one at 7:00 p.m. and another at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are generally between $69 and $200, but VIP tickets are available for $300+.
Fans will be blown away with a Michael Jackson experience unlike any other – taking place in a ‘riveting, state-of-the-art surround-sound environment’ that highlights MJ’s artistry and spirit. More than 60 dancers and performers wow the audience with aerial performances, driving acrobatics, and vivid choreographies.
Michael Jackson Lives On Through His Children
Michael Jackson shares two children – son Prince Jackson, 26, and daughter Paris Jackson, 25 – with ex-wife Debbie Rowe, but had a third kid – Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket), 21 – via surrogate. Bigi maintains the lowest public profile of the three, which is why his appearance on Tuesday was so rare.
Youngest son Blanket Jackson has made a surprise appearance at a ceremony to celebrate the 65th birthday of his late father – the king of pop Michael Jackson
— Việt Giải Trí (@vietgiaitrinews) August 30, 2023
See more: https://t.co/fxl3pC0Vcr#PrinceJackson #ParisJackson #BlanketJackson pic.twitter.com/BQPknoZdtT
Paris and Prince were present at Mandalay Bay’s ‘Michael Jackson Diamond Birthday Celebration’ in 2018 – where the Michael Jackson: ONE show celebrated its fifth anniversary and MJ’s 60th birthday. It was a special event that saw Paris and Prince accept the Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award in his honor.
Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t just a close friend of MJ, but was also the godmother of Paris – Taylor died in 2011 of congestive heart failure. She was a heavy activist for AIDS and HIV research and helped raise more than $230 million through her Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation – with Michael Jackson’s help.
Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor, 1993. pic.twitter.com/geH1TnK3GQ
— ???? (@smilexmj) December 16, 2020
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“I can recall my dad speaking with Elizabeth on a few occasions at our home in Encino,” Paris said of their close relationship in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE. “They would sit in the living room and have conversations … he supported Elizabeth and the cause with his time, celebrity, and donations.”
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