Last Updated on October 3, 2023 by SPN Editor
On Tuesday, the 21-year-old Bigi Jackson, formerly known as Blanket, was joined by his 26-year-old brother Prince as the duo made an uncommon and notable appearance in Las Vegas.
The reason behind the visit of Bigi Jackson and Prince Jackson was to commemorate what would have been the 65th birthday of their late father, the iconic King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The brothers were spotted at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, a bustling location that houses the ongoing Michael Jackson ONE show by Cirque du Soleil.
Amid the glitz and glamour of the casino, the renowned siblings took the time to interact with their fans. Amid the excited crowd, one passionate Michael Jackson supporter presented the brothers with a picture of their father accompanied by an angel, symbolizing the legendary musician’s ethereal presence. During their interactions with the fans, Prince and Bigi Jackson shared some of their cherished memories of their globally adored superstar father.
In line with the celebratory atmosphere, Cirque du Soleil’s website announced that the event was also graced by members of Michael Jackson’s estate. They hosted a public Q&A session, an exceptional homage to the “Human Nature” artist’s “Blue Sapphire Birthday Celebration.” This interactive session allowed Michael’s adoring fans to engage with his loved ones and gain insights into the artist’s life and legacy.
Following the heartfelt conversations with devoted fans, the schedule promised an extraordinary treat for both the Jackson brothers and the audience. A captivating performance by the cast of the Michael Jackson ONE show awaited them, ensuring a night of unparalleled entertainment. Additionally, the event showcased a book signing session featuring Michael Bush, the author of the acclaimed book “The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.”
The festivities continued beyond expectations. A unique opportunity for fans to meet and greet the original Michael Jackson ONE creative team was organized. Representatives from the Grammy winner’s estate also made an appearance, adding an exclusive touch to the celebration. Fans holding tickets for either of Tuesday’s two shows were in for an extra treat – a delectable offering of cake and cupcakes prior to the main event.
Cirque du Soleil’s tribute to the iconic Thriller hitmaker promised to be a breathtaking experience, blending music and acrobatics into a seamless spectacle. The show was announced with great anticipation in February 2013 and later opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in Michael’s legacy. The 65th birthday celebration also doubled as the 10th anniversary of the mesmerizing Vegas residency.
“Everything [Jackson] does is with a childlike heart. For Michael, every day was fresh, every day was new, every day had to be bigger and better than the last one,” shared Michael’s close friend and choreographer Jamie King in a heartfelt statement. This sentiment beautifully encapsulated Michael’s approach to life and his artistic endeavors. Additionally, the executives behind the ONE show promised that it would stand apart from its predecessor, Immortal, promising a unique and enthralling experience.
The appearance of the Jackson siblings at the Vegas tribute show wasn’t an isolated incident. In August 2018, another rare appearance was made by Paris Jackson, now 25, and Prince, as they attended the “Michael Jackson Diamond Birthday Celebration” at Mandalay Bay.
On this occasion, the duo accepted the Elizabeth Taylor Legacy Award on behalf of their late father. The award honored Michael’s humanitarian work with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
The connection between the Jackson family and the late Cleopatra actress, Elizabeth Taylor, was profound. Paris Jackson revealed, “I can recall my dad speaking with Elizabeth on a few occasions at our home in Encino.” This personal connection added depth to their relationship. Paris emphasized how her father supported Elizabeth Taylor’s cause with both his time and contributions.
The character of Michael’s children was consistently lauded. A former bodyguard once described them as “well-mannered, well-behaved kids” who were remarkably level-headed. It was evident that Michael’s dedication to his role as a father bore fruit in the form of his thoughtful and grounded children.
At the poignant moment of Michael’s funeral in 2009, the young Paris Jackson, then just 11 years old, tearfully expressed her profound love and admiration for her father. She shared, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just want to say that I love him so much.”