Before the lights, the screaming crowds, and the spotlight center stage, Michael Jackson was in a room, perfecting every beat, every breath, every move. The now-viral rehearsal footage of “Black or White” from the ‘This Is It’ series shows a side of MJ most fans never get to see—focused, funny, and full of creative fire. With over 215,000 views, this rare clip is a masterclass in what made Michael Jackson not just a performer, but a perfectionist.
The clip starts with MJ stopping the music, laughing gently as he says, “Sorry, sorry, that was a mistake there’s no second verse.” What follows is pure gold. Backed by his elite team, MJ moves through “Black or White” with effortless energy, gliding across the stage and finessing every detail. It’s not just rehearsal—it’s reinvention. He isn’t performing for an audience, but for excellence.
Michael Jackson | Black Or White | This Is It Rehearsals | Center Channel
Fans are calling this rehearsal “goosebumps in motion.” Commenters praise MJ’s humility, his leadership, and how—even when just practicing—he performs like it’s the Super Bowl. One viewer wrote, “If this was him rehearsing, imagine what the real show would’ve done to the world.”
From here, it’s impossible not to transition to “Earth Song,” another powerful piece from the ‘This Is It’ rehearsals. Where “Black or White” delivers punch, “Earth Song” brings soul—an environmental and humanitarian cry that remains relevant today.
Michael Jackson – Earth Song (This Is It June 24, 2009) LAST REHEARSAL
Fans describe it as haunting, passionate, and “the most important message MJ ever delivered.” The two songs together show the full spectrum of who Michael was—bold, emotional, and unforgettable.
MJ’s legacy continues to grow across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, where fan accounts keep sharing these rare, behind-the-scenes gems. They remind the world that even when the spotlight is off, the King of Pop never stops being magic.