I one hundred percent agree about the Jackson variety shows. It was a wonder to watch Michael become what he did back in real time. He may not of enjoyed it, but no perfectionist enjoys not having enough rehearsal time. I think most of his education there shows up in the videos that he did later.
And I'll add that I don't mind the pelvic thrust, but I do highly dislike the crotch grabbing. As far as I'm concerned it was unnecessary.
The only time it worked, for me, was when he used it to accentuate a pow moment in Heartbreak Hotel
You are very fortunate to have watched those shows in real time. I hope that we'll get an official worldwide release one day.
It was an example of Michael's acting ability which prepared him for 'The Wiz'; he convinced me he was having a whale of a time! I like to think it was the comedy, canned laughter, sets, and how rushed the process was, that Michael disliked. Rather than the dance numbers themselves. I'd still like to know who choreographed 'Get Happy'!
It was the dancing that lived up to the 'variety' title; from tap, to popping and locking (years before he met Jeffry Daniels), robot, the splits, and Broadway style routines that he would return to later on with 'Beat It'. It was interesting to see his hopping with the back leg, evolve into the skipping with the front. Of course, we can't forget the trademark, and my favourite, tornado spin! 'On the wall' was one of my favourite segments.
I also loved hearing him sing 'I'll Be There' as the closing. He learned to adjust his new voice to the old songs.
He was a warm and personable host. Probably the most that he ever interacted on that level with an audience.
His teen years were trial and error, and he stepped to the challenge with a smile on his face, and passed with flying colours!
I see so many posts wishing that Michael did more live singing, engaged with the audience more, tried different moves, stripped things down, etc. Truth is, he did it all. You just have to broaden your minds and be wiling to look closer to the root..
