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Enhanced Michael Jackson ONE Immerses Fans in the King of Pop’s Unmatched Brilliance

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The latest unveiling drew notable attendees, including Jackson’s son, Prince, and estate co-executor John Branca. The most recent updates ensure that “Michael Jackson ONE” will remain a must-see for longtime admirers and new fans. And, beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 24, the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known News will air a presentation about the King of Pop, his genius and lasting legacy. The broadcast will feature Branca, hip-hop legend Chuck D, and more.

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2024

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown,NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Las Vegas, NV – “Michael Jackson ONE,” Cirque du Soleil’s dazzling tribute to the King of Pop, has entered a new era with groundbreaking technological enhancements, refreshed performances, and a renewed run through 2030. Premiering the updates at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the 90-minute spectacle continues to honor Jackson’s legacy with cutting-edge visuals, new choreography, mesmerizing drone displays, and newly designed costumes.

The latest unveiling drew notable attendees, including Jackson’s son, Prince, and estate co-executor John Branca. The most recent updates ensure that “Michael Jackson ONE” will remain a must-see for longtime admirers and new fans. And, beginning at 7:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Dec. 24, the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known News will air a presentation about the King of Pop, his genius and lasting legacy. The broadcast will feature Branca, hip-hop legend Chuck D, and more.

Premiering the updates at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the 90-minute spectacle continues to honor Jackson’s legacy with cutting-edge visuals, new choreography, mesmerizing drone displays, and newly designed costumes./Courtesy Cirque du Soleil/MJ Estate

Branca, who shared a close friendship with the late pop icon, recounted Jackson’s love for Cirque du Soleil in an exclusive conversation with Let It Be Known News during a VIP meet-and-greet. “His security didn’t want to go to San Francisco, where Michael wanted to see a Cirque show, so he asked me to drive him,” Branca said. “I was nervous, but we went, and he loved it. He was just as excited to meet the cast as they were to meet him.”

The Story and Characters

As noted in the production notes, the narrative centers on a character named Mephisto, a sinister media mash-up machine representing the relentless paparazzi and tabloid exploitation. Mephisto’s elite force, the Smooth Criminals, clashes with Michael’s dance corps, the MJ Warriors, who embody Jackson’s artistic strength and resilience. The four misfit characters—Clumsy, Shy, Smarty Pants, and Sneaky—guide the audience through a journey where they are led by Michael, whose presence is felt throughout the show via video, narration, and symbolic elements conveying hope, comfort, dreams, and belief.

New Enhancements and Cutting-Edge Technology

The state-of-the-art theater now features advanced high-tech drones and immersive digital panels, providing audiences with an unforgettable sensory experience. The innovations bring every moment to life, enhancing the production’s visual storytelling. “These new upgrades allow us to expand upon our storytelling,” said Mike Newquist, President of the Resident and Affiliate Shows Divisions at Cirque du Soleil. “We’re always seeking ways to keep the show fresh and exciting for our audiences, making sure each performance leaves a lasting, profound impression.”

Prince Jackson, the oldest son of the King of Pop, takes in a recent performance of Michael Jackson ONE with cast members/Courtesy Cirque du Soleil/MJ Estate

The show opens with “Beat It,” where Mephisto’s paparazzi stand menacingly on stage. Drones flash red and white as they soar through the audience, forming intricate shapes before returning to the stage. The Smooth Criminals descend from the ceiling, intensifying the battle between exploitation and artistry.

In “Leave Me Alone,” “Tabloid Junkie,” and “2 Bad,” the carefully crafted stage layout enhances the dynamic choreography. “Stranger in Moscow” features an intricate rope act symbolizing the loneliness of the Beggar Boy character from the iconic song.

“Smooth Criminal” captivates with an expanded ensemble performing breathtaking flips and spins. The performers wow the audience by flawlessly executing the Smooth Criminal lean. Later, the battle between the Smooth Criminals and MJ Warriors reaches a thrilling climax in this sequence.

The well-designed costumes add to the breathtaking visual elements. In “BAD,” Clumsy dons a bold blue leather outfit and earns a matching jacket by the song’s end. “Jam” bursts with bold red visuals, and dancers in white costumes, each marked with an “M” or “J,” assist Shy in navigating a challenging world.

Reimagined Numbers and Fan Favorites

Set to Jackson’s greatest hits, including “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Smooth Criminal,” the production spotlights some of Jackson’s fans’ favorite songs. Perfectly coordinated choreography and mesmerizing visual elements bring each of Jackson’s tracks to life.

“They Don’t Care About Us” remains a standout, with updated visuals highlighting contemporary struggles such as racism, violence, and climate crises, all of which Jackson strongly protested through song, film, and spoken word.

Another highlight, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” introduces performers manipulating illuminated diabolos, dressed in black PVC pants and military jackets. The addition of “Another Part of Me” features a unifying dance sequence that celebrates Jackson’s message of inclusivity.

The first single from the Bad album, “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” delivers an emotional duet, blending footage from Jackson’s Dangerous tour with live vocals. The fiery performances of “Dangerous” and “Dirty Diana” include shooting flames, while “Thriller” enchants with ghouls descending from the ceiling and costumes that honor the groundbreaking 1982 concept.

“Scream” features footage of Michael and Janet Jackson, while the finale, set to “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” turns the theater into a dynamic celebration, with dancers performing in the aisles and acrobats launching from trampolines.

A Magical Hologram Moment

Jackson’s hologram appears at one point, causing the crowd to roar its approval.

Jose Concepcion, the show’s dance coach, spoke passionately about his journey from Puerto Rico to Michael Jackson ONE. “I was a student competing in dance competitions worldwide,” he told Let It Be Known News. “When we saw the audition for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson show, we went for it. Getting that call changed my life.” Now responsible for maintaining the integrity of Jackson’s choreography, Concepcion added, “It’s of extreme importance for us to do justice to the great artist Michael was.”

Michael Jackson ONE celebrates the King of Pop’s genius with moonwalking on walls, reimagined videos on massive screens, dazzling choreography, and cutting-edge technology. “We’re always looking for new ways to honor Michael’s legacy,” Newquist said. “This production ensures that his artistry and message will continue to inspire and mesmerize audiences for years to come.”

Since its opening, the ever-evolving production has captivated audiences with over 4,500 shows and audiences exceeding 5.5 million. Michael Jackson ONE performs Thursday through Monday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and has recently extended its contract at Mandalay Bay through 2030. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit cirquedusoleil.com/michael-jackson-one.

Stacy M. Brown

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Remembering George Floyd

Published

4 days ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

Oakland Post

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OP-ED: Oregon Bill Threatens the Future of Black Owned Newspapers and Community Journalism

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Published

6 days ago

May 23, 2025

Oakland Post

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

For decades, The Skanner newspaper in Portland, the Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium have served Portland, Oregon’s Black community and others with a vital purpose: to inform, uplift and empower. But legislation now moving through the Oregon Legislature threatens these community news institutions—and others like them.

As President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents more than 255 Black-owned media outlets across the United States—including historic publications like The Skanner, Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium—l believe that some Oregon lawmakers would do more harm than good for local journalism and community-owned publications they are hoping to protect.

Oregon Senate Bill 686 would require large digital platforms such as Google and Meta to pay for linking to news content. The goal is to bring desperately needed support to local newsrooms. However, the approach, while well-intentioned, puts smaller, community-based publications at a future severe financial risk.

We need to ask – will these payments paid by tech companies benefit the journalists and outlets that need them most? Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors, and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption, and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Legislation that sends money to these national conglomerate owners—without the right safeguards to protect independent and community-based outlets—rewards the forces that caused this inequitable crisis in the first place. A just and inclusive policy must guarantee that support flows to the front lines of local journalism and not to the boardrooms of large national media corporations.

The Black Press exists to fill in the gaps left by larger newsrooms. Our reporters are trusted messengers. Our outlets serve as forums for civic engagement, accountability and cultural pride. We also increasingly rely on our digital platforms to reach our audiences, especially younger generations—where they are.

We are fervently asking Oregon lawmakers to take a step back and engage in meaningful dialogue with those most affected: community publishers, small and independent outlets and the readers we serve. The Skanner, The Portland Observer, and The Portland Medium do not have national corporate parents or large investors. And they, like many smaller, community-trusted outlets, rely on traffic from search engines and social media to boost advertising revenue, drive subscriptions, and raise awareness.

Let’s work together to build a better future for Black-owned newspapers and community journalism that is fair, local,l and representative of all Oregonians.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President & CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

Oakland Post

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Hate and Chaos Rise in Trump’s America

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains.

Published

6 days ago

May 23, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 1,371 hate and antigovernment extremist groups operating across the United States in 2024. In its latest Year in Hate & Extremism report, the SPLC reveals how these groups are embedding themselves in politics and policymaking while targeting marginalized communities through intimidation, disinformation, and violence. “Extremists at all levels of government are using cruelty, chaos, and constant attacks on communities and our democracy to make us feel powerless,” said SPLC President Margaret Huang. The report outlines how hard-right groups aggressively targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout 2024. Figures on the far right falsely framed DEI as a threat to white Americans, with some branding it a form of “white genocide.” After the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, a former Utah legislator blamed the incident on DEI, posting “DEI = DIE.”

Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains. Similar threats hit Jewish institutions and Planet Fitness locations after far-right social media accounts attacked them for trans-inclusive policies. Telegram, which SPLC describes as a hub for hate groups, helped extremists cross-recruit between neo-Nazi, QAnon, and white nationalist spaces. The platform’s lax moderation allowed groups like the Terrorgram Collective—designated terrorists by the U.S. State Department—to thrive. Militia movements were also reorganized, with 50 groups documented in 2024. Many, calling themselves “minutemen,” trained in paramilitary tactics while lobbying local governments for official recognition. These groups shared personnel and ideology with white nationalist organizations.

The manosphere continued to radicalize boys and young men. The Fresh & Fit podcast, now listed as a hate group, promoted misogyny while mocking and attacking Black women. Manosphere influencers used social media algorithms to drive youth toward male-supremacy content. Turning Point USA played a key role in pushing white nationalist rhetoric into mainstream politics. Its leader Charlie Kirk claimed native-born Americans are being replaced by immigrants, while the group advised on Project 2025 and organized Trump campaign events. “We know that these groups build their power by threatening violence, capturing political parties and government, and infesting the mainstream discourse with conspiracy theories,” said Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “By exposing the players, tactics, and code words of the hard right, we hope to dismantle their mythology and inspire people to fight back.”

Click here for the full report or visit http://www.splcenter.org/resources/guides/year-hate-extremism-2024.