A digital Michael Jackson? The tour that mixes tribute with AI
The news sounds like an episode of Black Mirror, but it is real. Estefan Jackson, the Mexican impersonator who has been impersonating the King of Pop for more than 30 years, announced that he will use artificial intelligence to ‘revive’ Michael on his new tour.
The show, called “Michael is back”, starts on April 25. The idea is to project videos where the body will be that of Estefan, but the face… will be that of Michael Jackson generated by AI.
“The image show is focused on AI and we are going to revive it in many videos. We are working with a company that makes very professional AI,” Estefan explained in an interview.
He explained that they will use technology similar to Motion Capture (those sensors that are placed on actors to create digital characters). “It’s going to be my body, but where Michael comes in, it’s with AI,” he added.
The language and permissions dilemma
One of the most curious details that they are still deciding is whether this digital Michael will speak Spanish. “It would be very strange,” Estefan admitted. The other option is to use a phrase that the real Jackson said at the Azteca Stadium during his concert in 1993.
“It’s something you already see on TikTok, but here it’s going to be for emotional moments,” he commented on this use of technology.
And the rights? According to the artist, they do not need special permits for this project. His argument: “Because it is a tribute”. A point that will undoubtedly generate conversation about the ethical and legal limits of using the image of deceased celebrities through AI.
Between the futuristic and the nostalgic, this tour promises to be a strange experience. Part heartfelt tribute, part technological experiment. One more example of how pop culture continues to look for new ways to connect with its icons, even when they are no longer there.
