With all the excitement over the recently released Michael Jackson biopic, many fans are in their MJ era once again. There’s no better place to be to celebrate the King of Pop than Las Vegas. What many might not realize is Jackson called Vegas home for a while and was reportedly in talks for a major Vegas comeback residency before his death.
With many great shows to enjoy and spots around the city that Jackson loved to visit, Vegas is the place to be to enjoy all the nostalgia. From “MJ Live” to Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson ONE” and others, diehard fans can fill a trip to Vegas with lots of Jackson excitement.
Michael Jackson Called Las Vegas Home For A Few Years
Jackson first moved to Vegas in 2006 into a rental mansion in Spring Valley. He called the house at 2785 S. Monte Cristo Way home with his three children – Prince, Paris, and Bigi – until the summer of 2008. According to Zillow, the $6,285,200 home is currently off the market and boasts 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and 16,461 square feet.
He then moved to another rental mansion, located at 2710 Palomino Lane, otherwise known as the “Thriller Villa.” He lived there until late 2008. “Thriller Villa” has been listed multiple times for sale since Jackson moved out. According to Zillow, this home boasts 7 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 27,259 square feet, and was most recently listed at $5,117,900.
Inside MJ’s Vegas Comeback That Never Happened
For diehard fans of MJ, talks of a Vegas residency in the mid-2000s was something out of a dream, but sadly it never materialized.
In 2005, the pop star tried to rebuild his public image and his finances. It was around then that talks of a possible comeback residency in Las Vegas began. There were talks with multiple corporations and venues for this residency but ultimately nothing ever worked out.
There were also reports that the residency talks included proposals for a 50-foot robot that shot lasers roaming around the desert, visible from the airport, to help advertise the show. So the wheels were turning for a big comeback, but it never came to fruition.
Jackson’s focus shifted to the “This Is It” shows in London, another comeback that didn’t happen because of his sudden death in 2009.
A Clip Of Michael Jackson Shopping In Vegas Is Circulating Online
A clip from the 2003 documentary “Living with Michael Jackson” by Martin Bashir has been circulating online more since the new biopic came out.
The clip that many social media users have shared recently shows Jackson at Regis Galerie, located inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, pointing at all the items he wanted to buy as he walked through the shop.
TikToker Chris Sapphire recently shared the clip on his page. “In 2003, during filming for ‘Living With Michael Jackson,’ Michael Jackson enjoyed a now iconic shopping moment at the Regis Galerie inside The Venetian Resort,” he wrote on the video. “Reminding the world that when you’re the King of Pop, even a shopping trip feels legendary.”
Many fans took to the comments to share their thoughts and their own stories.
“I was in Vegas that weekend, and saw him at New York Casino, he was surrounded by five security guards, a girl yelled out “Michael I Love You”, he tuned abound and said “I Love You Too,” I stuck my hand out and he shook my hand! My claim to fame, “I shook hands with Michael Jackson,” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “I was actually there the day Michael was there and standing in that crowd. When he exited I was able to say hi at him. He walked right past me. Memories.”
Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Michael Jackson ONE’ Brings The King Of Pop To Life In A Unique Way
For fans of Jackson who live or visit Las Vegas, “Michael Jackson ONE” is an absolute must see!
This breathtaking tribute, performed at Mandalay Bay, blends Jackson’s iconic music with Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatics and dance. This is not an impersonator type of show – this is a journey through Jackson’s legacy in a way you’ve never experienced before.
Featuring some of his most loved numbers such as “Dirty Diana,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Thriller,” “Billie Jean” and others, the choreography and stunts will have you in awe while reliving a time when Jackson’s music took over the airwaves.
‘MJ Live’ Is Another Way To Enjoy Michael Jackson’s Music While In Vegas
If you’re looking for a Michael Jackson impersonator to get your toes tapping, “MJ Live” is what you’re seeking.
This exciting show transports you back to the golden era of pop music with many of Jackson’s greatest hits. With electrifying choreography, spot-on costumes, and an undeniable talent of bringing Jackson’s aura to the stage, you might just forget that you’re watching Jalles Franca and not Jackson himself.
Franca is one of two performers who impersonate Jackson in the popular show (Santana Jackson is the other). This show is great for all ages whether you’re a diehard fan of Jackson or not.