the mommy avenger

While in Las Vegas, we were invited to experience MJ Live, and let me tell you — this show was a thrill from start to finish.

Now, I grew up in the ‘80s. Of course, I like some Michael Jackson songs — it’s practically built into who I am. His music was everywhere: radios, MTV, school dances, and family barbecues. It’s the soundtrack of a generation. That said, I’m not sure I would’ve been the kind of fan who camped out for concert tickets back in the day. But I do love new experiences, and I was genuinely curious about what this long-running tribute show had to offer.

So there we were, making our way to Harrah’s Las Vegas, where MJ Live has been dazzling audiences since 2013 — which, honestly, says a lot. In a city where shows come and go faster than you can say “Viva Las Vegas,” anything that lasts more than a decade clearly has some serious magic behind it.

We found our seats in the cozy theater, surrounded by fellow concert-goers of all ages — families, couples, groups of friends, and even a few people dressed in MJ-inspired fedoras and sequined jackets. The energy in the room was warm and buzzing. Still, I’ll be honest: I wasn’t expecting much. Tribute shows can be hit or miss, and while I knew the music would be fun, I didn’t think I’d be blown away.

Well… consider me blown away.

The moment the curtain rose, the room exploded with energy. The lights, the sound, the crowd — it felt like stepping straight into a concert. The performer stepped onto the stage, and within seconds, it was clear this was not just someone doing an impression. This was a full-on transformation. The moves, the voice, the wardrobe, the presence — it all came together so seamlessly that for a moment, you forget you’re watching an impersonator. It genuinely felt like Michael Jackson himself had moonwalked back onto the stage.

The band was phenomenal, the backup dancers electric, and the entire production had that slick polish you expect from a Vegas show — but also the raw, infectious spirit of a real concert. The music pulsed through the theater, and before long, the whole audience was moving, clapping, and singing along.

We were treated to all the greatest hits:
 Billie Jean — complete with the iconic glove
 Beat It — with the energy of a full rock concert.
 Black or White — uniting the crowd in one big, smiling chorus.
And even some throwbacks to the Jackson 5 days that had everyone swaying and reminiscing.

One of my absolute favorite moments was Smooth Criminal — that crisp white suit, the fedora tilt, and the lean (you know the one!). The choreography was flawless. Then came Thriller, and the entire theater erupted. The dancers, the lighting, the classic zombie scene — it was pure nostalgia mixed with goosebumps-level entertainment.

Somewhere in the middle of the show, I caught myself smiling nonstop — and I realized something: this wasn’t just about impersonating Michael Jackson. It was about celebrating what made him legendary — the showmanship, the music, the joy he brought to millions. And in that room, surrounded by cheering fans of all ages, it truly felt like the King of Pop’s spirit was alive and well.

The performer didn’t just sing; he channeled Michael. From the way he hit every note to the precision of each dance step, you could feel how much care and respect went into recreating these iconic moments. The live band added richness and depth to the sound, making every beat hit a little harder and every melody soar a little higher.

By the end, everyone was on their feet. The energy in that theater was pure happiness — people singing, clapping, dancing, and leaving with smiles that said it all. What started as curiosity turned into one of the most unexpectedly joyful nights of our trip.

If you’re in Las Vegas, MJ Live is absolutely worth seeing. It’s fun, high-energy, and family-friendly — a rare combo that delivers big on nostalgia and entertainment. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just someone who knows a few hits, you’ll walk out feeling uplifted, energized, and probably humming “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

⭐ MJ Live performs nightly at Harrah’s Las Vegas, and tickets are available at MJLiveshow.com.

Trust me — you’ll be tapping your foot and moonwalking (at least in your heart) long after the final curtain call.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}