A day after Michael Jackson’s sudden passing, a nine-year old Las Vegas native made an appearance at a popular Las Vegas Strip tribute show in full Jackson garb, demonstrating his adoration for the King of Pop.
Nine-year old “Nicolas” has been a fan of the King of Pop since he was five–the same age as Jackson was when he first energized fans of the Jackson 5 with his tenor voice. This “Pupil of Pop” has been refining his act over the years, primarily by watching Michael Jackson music videos. The fourth grader has won several talent contests at his East Las Vegas elementary school.
With his years of preparation, it was no wonder that Nicolas turned more than a few heads at the June 26 performance of American Superstars, a tribute show at the Stratosphere Las Vegas featuring impersonations of Elvis, Brittany Spears, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, and the King of Pop. The evening’s nearly sold-out show came barely one day after Jackson’s untimely death–he was on everyone’s mind that night. This helps explain why a moment of silence was called just before Jackson impersonator Frederick Henry took the stage. After the artist performed “Jam” (1991) then “Billie Jean” (1983) and “Beat it” (1983), the music was dialed back, Henry offered a personal tribute to the entertainer he admires and reenacts so well.
“I’ve toured fourteen different countries as Michael Jackson,” said Henry. “I have much love and respect for Michael. I’d like to applaud him tonight. Michael will live forever. Can I get an amen?”
The Jackson impersonator, just one-week into his gig at the Stratosphere, then walked into the audience and moved deliberately toward Nicolas, seated at a table with his grandmother. The young fan was not to be overlooked in his white t-shirt featuring the Kid from Gary, a sequined black jacket, and sparkly silver socks paired with dancing shoes.
Henry reached for the young man’s hand, but not the right hand – it bore the trademark sequined glove -and gently nudged him from the chair. Standing together, the pair of entertainers offered a spontaneous tribute to the departed mega star. The youngster moved like a mini-MJ in his black Fedora, it could scarcely conceal his pony-tailed hair nor Jheri-cured strands adorning his face and cheeks. For two minutes, the spotlight shone on him as he twisted, shuffled, and moonwalked, touching the brim of his Fedora and spinning around with that sequined glove nearly leaving light trails in the dark showroom. The spotlight shone on the two entertainers and their homage to the now-late elder statesman of pop. When the impromptu session came to an end, they stood together, a matching pair, like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. It was exciting, inspiring, touching. And the crowd gave it up with heavy applause.
After the show, the audience converged in the foyer for photographs with the cast. Nicolas, standing at just over four feet, could not be overlooked. Audience members, high on Jackson memories, politely asked for snapshots with the handsome performer. Of course, as with any performer, he acquiesced.
Somewhat shy like the megastar he emulates, Nicolas says only, “I like the way he dances,” when asked how his fascination with Jackson started. Not everything needs to be explained in detail.
As he waited quietly for the next photo request, a black armband tied around his left arm as a symbol of mourning, his grandmother noted she couldn’t even guess at how many times the two have seen American Superstars. “We used to go every Sunday,” she said.
Fortunately, Nicolas appears to be experiencing a bona fide childhood. Michael never had one. Not one week into summer, the Mini-MJ enjoys jumping into the family swimming pool. And that’s just where he was the afternoon of June 25 when his grandmother broke the news about Jackson’s death. Sadly, Nicolas will never get his wish to meet the icon he emulates.
However, with his talent, there’s a chance he’ll become a music icon himself someday—perhaps, in an American-Superstar-tribute-show sort of way.