For Lenny Jay, performing Michael Jackson is not about imitation alone. It is about discipline, obsession, and learning how to embody one of pop’s most complete artists — a singer, dancer, visionary, and performer whose influence still stretches across generations.
That dedication sits at the heart of This Is Michael (purchase tickets here), the touring tribute production set to arrive at Capitol Theatre on 5 June thanks to Row One Asia. Framed as an immersive live celebration of Jackson’s music and legacy, the show promises more than a run-through of iconic hits. For Jay, every movement, vocal phrase, and production detail carries the weight of years spent studying the King of Pop’s artistry, from the explosive choreography of ‘Beat It’ to the fine balance of softness and grit in Jackson’s voice.
Ahead of the Singapore stop, Bandwagon Asia caught up with the Brazilian performer to talk about first hearing Michael’s music as a child, the patience it takes to master those unmistakable moves, and why This Is Michael aims to stand apart from the many tribute shows that have come before it.
View this post on Instagram
Before we talk about the show, let’s start from the beginning. When did Michael Jackson first enter your life?
I'm someone who discovered that I could be an artist through Michael's music. When I first listened to Michael back in the day, when I was seven years old, so a long time ago, it was an instant connection. I could feel all the passion and dedication he put into his music.
I used to listen to the songs every day in a loop, like over and over again. Then I started singing and doing all those MJ sounds like... You know, so that's what I've been doing since then, and I'm still in love with it.
What was the first Michael Jackson move you actually nailed — the one that made you think, okay… this could be something?
Actually, it was not just one move. I learned the 'Beat It' choreography when I was maybe 19 years old, and also the Moonwalk and other moves, but it takes time to get it right with all the details. I remember watching his videos like a thousand times and every time I watched them I was learning something new, a new detail, a new move that I couldn't see the first time. So it requires a lot of patience and dedication.
Everyone talks about the dance moves, but what’s actually the hardest thing to nail: the vocals, the movement or that Michael Jackson aura?
Michael was a complete artist in every sense. He was a great singer, a great dancer. He was a visionary, very creative, and he knew how to perform like no other. So when we talk about impersonating him, there is no easy task. Doing all of that at the same time is really challenging. It does require a lot of training, practice, and dedication, and we have to study it every day.
Michael Jackson’s voice is so distinct — what’s one thing fans don’t realise about how hard it is to sing like him for two hours?
Yeah, that's true. His voice was very unique, really hard to emulate. It has those soft and smooth tones, but also that airy and aggressive sometimes. And for me as a singer, that's the hardest part. He sings a ballad soft and slow, and right after, a rock song that will get your voice out of the comfort zone. It's just crazy.
I've been studying his voice for years and I'm still learning like every day. When I put myself into practice, I usually sing for five hours straight or more just to be ready for those two hours on stage.
View this post on Instagram
You’ve performed this show around the world, what makes This Is Michael hit differently from other tribute shows?
For me, it's a combination of every person involved with the show. Everyone is doing their best and we're all taking care of every single detail when it comes to production, outfits, lights, sound, band, dancers. You can feel all the passion and dedication put into this show to give to the fans something unique. This is Michael. It's not just another Michael Tribute show. It's an immersive experience on his legacy.
Purchase tickets for This Is Michael here. Use the code "bandwagon20" (purchase a minimum of 4 tickets) for a discount.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
1