Chris Brown posted on his instagram that he was supposed to pay tribute to Michael Jackson’s Thriller by doing a number with “Beat It”, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”, “Billie Jean” & “Thriller”
However, his part has been cancelled for unknown reasons. Watch the rehearsals for the number here:
A lot of rumours among fans state that Sony Music and the Michael Jackson Estate have fallen out and disagreed on numerous projects which might explain not only this cancellation but also the disconnection with the promotion of Thriller 40.
UPDATE (22/11/2022):
The American Music Award Production Company broke its silence on the drama surrounding Chris Brown’s performance that was to take place during the ceremony on Sunday night, November 20, 2022.
On Monday, November 21, 2022, in a statement a DCP spokesperson clarified that the tribute being pulled was a matter of creative direction and no fault of Brown’s.
“Live shows change all the time, it’s the nature of this business; unfortunately, this element of the AMAs didn’t come together as we couldn’t align on the performance, to no fault of Chris Brown,” the statement read.
On Monday, Ciara got in on the conversation and shared a video that featured her in the same rehearsal space as Brown performing an impressive choreography for Thriller, leading on that she was also slated to perform for the tribute.
“MJ thank you for the inspiration you’ve given us all! Thriller 40th Anniversary. @ChrisBrownOfficial you’re a rare breed of this generation. Always fun to rock with you,” the Level Up crooner wrote.
MJ thank you for the inspiration you’ve given us all! Thriller 40th Anniversary. @ChrisBrown you’re a rare breed of this generation. Always fun to rock with you 💃🏽 pic.twitter.com/dzXgDzLMFk
— Ciara (@ciara) November 21, 2022
In the meantime, John Branca attacks ABC on TikTok for cancelling the tribute performance of Chris Brown (that’s right, you heard right, John Branca has TikTok when Michael Jackson doesn’t)
@john_branca I think Ciara and Chris Brown would have done a tremendous job of honoring Michael. It is an absolute shame that ABC pulled their performance — and they have demonstrated a lack of appreciation for black music. #michaeljackson #thriller40 #thriller #blackmusic #chrisbrown #ciara #michaeljackson #tribute #michaeljacksontribute #music #michaeljacksonfan #ama #americanmusicawards
Now, I am not a politician or working in the music business but by experience, nothing good comes from attacking. I am not sure it was wise for Branca to go that direction (or to have a TikTok account for that matter).
