There Will Be No Encore
Are you starting to suffer from the effects of Michael Jackson fatigue? If so, grab you a pill because this is another MJ-related post.
Look, I was already a huge Michael Jackson stan before he died. My stanism has only heightened following his untimely death. What really makes me sad is after listening to his music (which I played regularly before he died) and watching his old performances it makes me realize there will truly never be another performer like him. It’s not something just to say to be nice; it’s the truth.
I’ve been reading list after list from various sites breaking down who could be “The Next Michael.” There is no next Michael. Only a bunch of people who are alright but make you yearn for the real thing.
I’ve read the names floating around, but with respect to each of their talent, none match up and shouldn’t be compared to Michael.
1. Beyonce
I read someone say Beyonce is the only artist delivering videos on par with those from the Michael Jackson catalog. As much as I love the “Freak’um Dress” and “Single Ladies” videos, I’m gonna vote no.
That’s not a diss to Beyonce, but I think far too many people are so stuck on branding an artist “the next…” that they and their better senses get beside themselves.
2. Janet Jackson
I have never liked comparing Michael and Janet. I love each for different reasons, and their performance styles have some similarities but each are very much their own artist. Besides, that’s far too much pressure for Damita Jo to live up to. She’s still trying to live up to the standard she set herself. Let’s not make it even more difficult for her by trying to get her to fill the void of her brother.
The Jacksons are a talented bunch, but let each do their own thing. No good can really come of any of them attempting to do Mike.
Need I say more?
3. Britney Spears
I like her and wish her well, but to quote B. Scott, “Bitch. Boom. Bye.” That poor girl can’t even keep up with her Janet Jackson impersonation anymore. The only thing she has that mirrors Michael Jackson’s life is the paparazzi swinging from her bra strap. That I hope she handles better than Michael. But as far as keeping up with the Jacksons, yeah, no. Fail whale.
4. Justin Timberlake
I knew this comparison was coming. It’s been around since Rolling Stone tried to christen him the new King of Pop. Folks aren’t tired of arguing this point in vain yet?
I don’t care if he bought Michael’s old clothes from a garage sale at Neverland, sang songs rejected by Michael on his debut album, and tries his hardest to sing with that certain hee-hee-hee flair as Michael did he will NEVER be Michael Jackson. He’s talented but he’s the sequel to Elvis, not Michael 2.0.
5. Usher
I think Usher is the closet thing we have to Michael as far as an artist who can sing and pull off extensive choreography, but vocally he isn’t as strong as Michael. As an innovator, he falls short, too. To his credit he has seen his own lookalikes, but it’s nothing on par with Michael Jackson. Let Usher be Usher and stop the comparisons.
6. Chris Brown
I appreciate Chris Brown making it acceptable for tall people to dance again, but Michael Jackson at 9 vocally ethers him at age 20.
This is just a rehearsel video and listen to his voice. Case dismissed.
7. Omarion
Second verse, same as the first.
I think Omarion is very underrated when it comes to his dancing. I actually find him to be more fluid than Chris Brown and Usher. But, he makes Chris Brown sound like Donny Hathaway. His second album was good, but the nasally tone in his voice makes it difficult for him to ever have the same effects on people as Michael.
I think people forget that beyond his dancing, Michael was an exceptional vocalist. His ballads alone can move a crowd. I would buy an album full of Michael Jackson ballads. Can you say the same from #’s 6 & 7?
8. Rihanna
Sampling an MJ classic doesn’t make you the heir apparent. They are both fashionable and known for their hair styles. That’s about it. Whoever thought to compare the two needs to stop eating those random tree berries.
9. Ciara
If you really pay attention to Ciara – at least Ciara when she first hit the scene – her dancing seems a lot more influenced by Michael than Janet. But, now that she’s failed using the Madonna hoe route (I like Madonna, but c’mon nah) for success, she’s teetering on new school Mya status, not female Michael.
10. Anyone Else You Can Think Of
…don’t bother. We will eventually find someone new who will change the game, but as for now, I don’t see any of the current players replacing their hero.
Not to mention despite only having a high school education Michael was educated, well read, and quite articulate. Have you listened to interviews with some of the aforementioned artists? Yikes.
And while I have your attention, check out this performance of Michael:
Ya’ll are so lucky I couldn’t get near his casket. I might have gotten arrested for trying to pull him out.
Dr. Kiti
July 13, 2009 at 11:08 am
I'm sorry, I couldn't even read through the entire post. I got stuck on Baby Daniel. He is killing 'em with his lil attitude! Woo, I'mma try to catch my breath and make it past Baby Daniel now. I should be able to go on now that that is off my chest.
Misty Knight
July 13, 2009 at 3:16 pm
whooo these gifs are frickin AWESOME! but yeah ditto tothe lot of it, there is nothing else to be said.
Anonymous
July 13, 2009 at 3:46 pm
LMAO. good post
Anonymous
July 13, 2009 at 7:59 pm
There will be no encore. That's all folks.
CYW-C
July 14, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I feel you on Omarion. Incredible dancer, not so incredible singer.
Misha5150ak
July 14, 2009 at 11:17 pm
There isn't any singer out today that could match the talent, charm and dance skill of Michael Jackson. That man was magic! Who else shuts EVERYTHING DOWN when they release a new, ORIGINAL, video on network tv that has EVERYONE talking about it the next day like Mike did?! Go ahead, I'll wait…
Sunset
July 14, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Once again, you've summed up all of my sentiments exactly. I can only add the following:
1) MJ was an amazing visionary who also graciously gave credit to his collaborators and influences.I've never heard any legit claims of him being a biter or taking cred. for someone else's concepts.
2) He was totally believable whether he was opining for a lost love or telling us how bad he was.
3) He was able to move between modern, jazz, and street dancing with ease and precision.
Sorry for being so wordy, but there is no parallel.
Ms. Tease
July 15, 2009 at 11:39 am
There will never be another Michael Jackson. PERIOD. He was so much more than an entertainer. He was a humanitarian, comedian, artist, the list goes on and on. The music industry is becoming more and more about who can sell the most records and who can be "different" enough to stand out *STRONGLY side-eyeing Rih, Bey, Lady Gaga, Keri Hilson and a bunch of other folk*. Michael did those things without even trying hard. His music, words, videos would be presented to us, as if saying "I love this. I hope you do too." and we would immediately fall under his spell. He was incredible, in every sense of the word. Losing him is like losing a family member.
Wonderful post.
Southern_Lady
July 15, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Agreed! Yeah, I've looked at that performance like 20x on Youtube. I love when he uses Janet's clip, "You know you want me!" Get it, Michael!
Anonymous
July 16, 2009 at 8:45 am
I didn't realize how hard you're swinging from Usher's jock. The closest to Michael…bwahahahahaha!
Anonymous
July 19, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I really have to give you props for putting such a good list together that is not only the truth yet funny as hell of why there will NEVER be a Michael Jackson. I totally agree 100%. I especially cracked up at the Juelz .gif and that Mad TV .gif under Rihanna's name. And you know what, I've actually seen many crazy stans of Beyonce, Chris Brown and Rhanna in particular think they stand a chance at impacting generations of people musically the way Michael has. Please! Ain't no way hell! This list needs to be passed around so those delusional morons will get a clue.
Anonymous
July 19, 2009 at 10:02 pm
^^Meant there will never be another Michael Jackson.
yet another black guy
July 29, 2009 at 3:15 pm
well as long as you can dance, sing AND cry about your childhood, then you CAN'T be talked about in negative terms with your (at best) inappropriate intimate relationships with minors. Guess I need to book some studio time.