by ichael Jackson’s Influence on Music is Undeniable
Michael Jackson was truly one of the most influential pop artists of all time. From his iconic dance moves to his genre-blending sound, Jackson left an indelible mark on popular music that still resonates today. While Jackson passed away over a decade ago, his influence lives on through countless artists who were inspired by the “King of Pop.” Here are five contemporary singers who have openly acknowledged Jackson’s impact on their own music careers:
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake has cited Michael Jackson as one of his biggest inspirations from a young age. Growing up in Tennessee, Timberlake would practice Jackson’s dance moves for hours in front of the mirror. This influence is evident in Timberlake’s own talents as both a singer and dancer. Like Jackson, Timberlake seamlessly blends styles from pop to R&B to funk in his music.
Timberlake’s 2002 hit “Rock Your Body” pays direct homage to Jackson’s 1979 classic “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” through its infectious groove and danceable beat. Beyond the music, Timberlake’s live performances also show Jackson’s influence, with intricate choreography and flashy attire reminiscent of Jackson’s iconic concert spectacles. Timberlake even had the honor of performing alongside Jackson at Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert in 2001, singing and dancing to “Rock With You.”
For Timberlake, meeting and performing with his idol was a surreal experience. “I was so nervous I could barely breathe,” Timberlake recalled. Even today, Timberlake cites Jackson as his biggest role model and continues to channel Jackson’s signature showmanship in his own live shows and music videos. There’s no doubt Jackson left an indelible mark on Justin Timberlake’s career path.
Usher
Like Timberlake, Usher was also deeply inspired by Jackson from a young age. Born in 1978, Usher grew up during the peak of Jackson’s popularity in the 1980s. Usher has said he spent hours practicing Jackson’s dance routines and emulating his polished vocal style. This influence is audible in Usher’s smooth R&B sound and felt in his dynamic live performances.
Usher’s 2004 hit “Yeah!” pays direct homage to Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” through its infectious hook and danceable rhythm. Usher’s music videos also show Jackson’s influence, featuring intricate choreography and flashy costumes reminiscent of Jackson’s groundbreaking short films. Beyond the surface elements, Usher strives to capture Jackson’s ability to blend streetwise attitude with universal appeal through his lyrics and personas.
In a 2004 interview, Usher said of Jackson, “It was his artistry that made me want to be an entertainer… He set the bar for all entertainers.” Usher continues carrying on Jackson’s legacy as one of today’s most talented performers across music, film, and television. There’s no doubt Jackson played a seminal role in shaping Usher’s career path.
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars has cited Jackson as a key inspiration since he began singing as a child. Born and raised in Hawaii, Mars has said he would listen to Jackson’s Off the Wall and Thriller on repeat, studying Jackson’s vocal runs and genre-blending style. This influence is evident in Mars’ own music, which seamlessly blends pop, funk, R&B and old-school soul.
Songs like “Just the Way You Are” and “Uptown Funk” show Mars’ knack for crafting infectious pop hooks with a retro flavor reminiscent of Jackson’s Off the Wall era. Mars has also channeled Jackson’s iconic live performances through high-energy dance routines and flashy costumes on stages and music videos. During his 24K Magic World Tour, Mars paid direct homage to Jackson by recreating the zombie sequence from Jackson’s “Thriller” music video.
In interviews, Mars has called Jackson his “north star” and the artist who inspired him to pursue music professionally. “He made you believe you could do anything,” Mars said. For Mars, carrying on Jackson’s legacy of genre-blending pop with soulful roots is of utmost importance. There’s no doubt Bruno Mars’ multi-talented artistry was profoundly shaped by Michael Jackson’s boundary-pushing example.
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, cites Michael Jackson as a key sonic and visual influence on his dark, atmospheric style. While The Weeknd’s music explores more mature themes than Jackson’s, its cinematic qualities show Jackson’s legacy. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face” build atmosphere through sparse arrangements and Tesfaye’s vulnerable vocals in a style compared to Jackson’s later works like Dangerous.
The Weeknd’s music videos also pay homage to Jackson’s iconic short films. Clips for “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears” reference Jackson’s Smooth Criminal lean and intricate choreography. Tesfaye has said he strives to capture the same sense of mystique and drama in his visuals that Jackson pioneered. Even The Weeknd’s on-stage persona draws comparisons to Jackson’s, with Tesfaye often appearing androgynous or wearing bandages on his face like Jackson did during the Dangerous era.
While their styles differ, The Weeknd acknowledges Jackson’s influence in pushing the boundaries of pop through innovative music videos and live performances. For The Weeknd, carrying on Jackson’s legacy of genre-bending and surreal storytelling is an important part of his artistry. There’s no doubt Michael Jackson helped shape The Weeknd’s cinematic approach to pop music.
Chris Brown
Chris Brown is yet another contemporary artist who cites Michael Jackson as a major inspiration, both musically and performance-wise. Like Jackson, Brown is a talented multi-instrumentalist who got his start as a young artist blending R&B and pop. Brown’s vocal skills and dance moves also clearly show Jackson’s influence.
Songs like “Yeah 3x” and “With You” reference Jackson classics like “Billie Jean” and “The Way You Make Me Feel” through their infectious rhythms and Brown’s dynamic vocals. In concert, Brown recreates iconic Jackson choreography down to every spin and tilt. He’s even performed a Jackson tribute during televised awards shows.
Beyond surface elements, Brown strives to capture Jackson’s charisma and versatility through his chameleonic personas. In a 2009 interview, Brown called Jackson “a master at everything…the greatest entertainer that ever lived.” For Brown, carrying on Jackson’s multi-talented legacy through hit songs and energetic live shows is of utmost importance.
Over a decade since his passing, Michael Jackson continues to inspire new generations of artists to push pop music to new heights. Through singers like Justin Timberlake, Usher, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Chris Brown, Jackson’s indelible influence on dance, vocals, and performance lives on strongly. His boundary-pushing songs and short films also continue to inspire innovative music videos and live performances. While Jackson may be gone, his prolific catalog and artistic vision will undoubtedly inspire talent for many years to come.
