Now, Latoya is center stage to introduce the tribute. Her delivery is kind of shouty and she’s just weird. I’m sorry, but this smacks of opportunism to me. She and Jermaine have been everywhere since Michael died. You’ll notice Janet is nowhere to be seen. Moving on.
Mark, Karina and Derek do a routine to “I Want You Back” where the guys fight over her; “Man in Mirror” starts with Chelsie on the judges’ table, then dancing with Dmitry, Tony, Edyta and Lacey. The guys are all wearing the black pants with white shirt and socks ensemble.
Cheryl & Louis start out “Thriller”, with Louis in a vest form of the Thriller Jacket. Man, that thing reminds me of elementary school. Eventually, everyone joins in, coming out of clouds of smoke and such. Anna T. has some vampire fangs in her mouth. The finale is a recreation of the iconic Thriller routine, with Derek in front. They’re all amazing, but Derek’s a standout. Thank goodness he’s feeling better. As a kid of the 80s, I’m delighted. Latoya and her fishtail train are jumping up and down in the audience.
