| Move Like Michael Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Developed by | BBC |
| Presented by | Reggie Yates |
| Judges | Jermaine Jackson Jamelia Mark Summers |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Fever Media |
| Camera setup | Multi-Camera |
| Running time | Various lengths |
| Production companies | Fever Media Gogglebox Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC Three |
| Release | 14 December (2009-12-14) – 21 December 2009 (2009-12-21) |
Move Like Michael Jackson is a Britishtalent show made by independent production company Fever Media and Gogglebox Entertainment and broadcast onBBC Three. It aimed to find people who can dance like the pop singerMichael Jackson. The show aired months after Jackson's death in June 2009. Presented by television personalityReggie Yates, the programme broadcast the auditions of hopefuls as they perform in front of the show's judges:Mark Summers,contemporary R&B singerJamelia, and Jackson's elder brother and formerJackson 5 band memberJermaine.[1]
Entertainer Michael Jacksondied in June 2009, in his home inLos Angeles, California.[2] He was regarded as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century, and popularized several dance moves, including themoonwalk androbot.[3][4] Jackson adapted choreography from figures such asMichael Peters andJeffrey Daniel and used them his music videos.[3]
In creating the six-part series, the producers stated that they were aiming to find individuals "with the showmanship and technical ability of [Jackson]". Jermaine Jackson was drafted to judge the show,[citation needed] and said of his younger sibling at the time of production, "[He] inspired people across the world to master his moves and create their own unique routines." He added that he was "really excited and delighted" to be a part of the series and looked forward "to finding the UK's most talented and inspiring dancers".[5][6]
Auditions for the talent show were held in October and were open to any persons aged 16 and over.[5] TheMove Like Michael Jackson participants had to learn Jackson's signature dance move, the moonwalk, as well as create new Jackson-inspired dance steps for the series.[7] Karl Warner, executive producer for BBC Entertainment Commissioning, said that the show's production staff wanted to "hear from anyone who's ever been inspired by the moonwalk, theSmooth Criminal lean or the crotch grab and find out if they can move like Michael Jackson."[8]
