Anthony: We have a প্রশ্ন from SJ Chams who wonders, "Do আপনি think you'll do another duet with Janet?"
Michael: I would প্রণয় to! It depends on the song, the time. When she's in one corner of the Earth, I'm in another place. It's very rare that our ships pass in the night. So it's not easy to do 'cause we're both very busy. But that would be very nice. I প্রণয় working with her. She's a true real professional and a wonderful sister.
Anthony: Excellent. Ah, we have Sheik 33 who wonders, "Who was your idol when আপনি were a child?"
Michael: I always went nuts for.... I mean, I could be asleep... In Indiana, at like 5 years old, I'd be asleep and it'd be late at night, like 1 in the morning, some প্রদর্শনী on, I remember seeing my mother run to my room, "wake up , wake up! James Brown is on! James Brown is on!" অথবা "Sammy Davis Jr.'s playing" অথবা "Fred Astaire! They got a good ফ্রেড Astaire movie on." "Gene Kelly's on right now!" And I'd sit there with my eyes just... I'd be awe-struck, just watching. So when চলচ্ছবি came out, I had a collection. [giggles]
Anthony: Yeah, I understand that আপনি have a, an extraordinary collection of a kind of old চলচ্চিত্র of all of the performers that আপনি like and, oh, the সঙ্গীত performances of the artists that আপনি admire. আপনি know, talk about some of those, and some of the stuff that you've got that আপনি like to watch.
Michael: Well, I .. I like to, um, before I do anything, it could be any situation, I প্রণয় studying the whole history of it before I take the first step to innovate. So, um, I প্রণয় studying any Vaudevillian, আপনি know, who came from that era, even though they didn't have T.V. Uh, but they, uh, they transcended into টেলিভিশন later on. I প্রণয় people like Jackie Gleason, Red Skelton, I'm crazy about the 3 Stooges, uh, anything Walt Disney... And far as performers, uh, I প্রণয় Anthony Newley, আপনি know, like I said, Jackie Wilson, James Brown. So.. They're incredible! I mean, when James Brown was "James Brown and the Famous Flames" he was so incredible. I would watch him and cry. I'd be crying and watching. I've never seen a person perform like that, ever.
Anthony: আপনি know, it must have been extraordinary for you, as a ... আপনি know, when আপনি were young and making records and getting to meet some of your idols, আপনি know, that must have been such a powerful experience.
Michael: Oh, it wa... It truly was. And to have them tell me that they ... they thought I was incredible, and all my life I thought they were, like, the best. It was the best...I mean, it was the best compliment I could get, and no award could be প্রদত্ত to me that could শীর্ষ that. আপনি know. When ফ্রেড Astaire অথবা Gene Kelly, who I knew very well, অথবা Frank Sinatra, told me I .. they think I'm amazing and I have an amazing career ahead of me.. As a child they would tell me this. 'Cause they were my neighbors. They lived দ্বারা me. And uh, I felt very honored and happy to hear those kind of words from these legends.
Anthony: That must have been very encouraging.
Michael: Yes, very.
Anthony: Now we have Mhagrice who is actually Margaret from the Netherlands, a 26 বছর old woman, says, "Is it true that you'll তারকা in Men In Black II, and will আপনি record a soundtrack for that film?"
Michael: Uh, I don't think we're doing a soundtrack, but I did a .. a guest appearance, like a Cameo, for Men In Black, uh, 2, and we're expecting to do part 3 as well. And it was a lot of fun, and exciting. Um, and it's one of my পছন্দ films of all time. Uh, I'm a big Men In Black fan. I প্রণয় it very much.
Anthony: Well, weren't আপনি .. Now, I understand you're also doing The Nightmare of Edgar Allen Poe. Could আপনি tell us a little bit about that?
Michael: Yes, that one's coming up. It's about the great prolific American writer, Edgar Allen Poe.
Anthony: Kind of a scary guy himself, too.
Michael: He's very diabolical, and very dark, and .. But he was a genius and it's... But his own personal life was very interesting, and that's what it's about, আপনি know. How he was, আপনি know... What he had to go through to create such ingenious work. It's a great story. But... and দ্বারা the way, make sure the অনুরাগী know, all tabloids should be out. Do not believe anything আপনি read in a tabloid. It's garbage and it's junk. We should have a tabloid burning, like a big mountain -- just set it afire.
Anthony: আপনি heard it first here from Michael Jackson.
Michael: Don't waste your time with it. It's stupid.
Anthony: Now we have Rapmaster JA writes in, who is actually Jason from Illinois. He says, "Michael, আপনি are undoubtedly the greatest artist in the history of the world. How do আপনি do the Moonwalk. It's the coolest সরানো I've ever seen?"
Michael: Gee, it's hard to explain on the phone [interruption from host]. I প্রণয় moves and dancing. I's like walking অগ্রবর্তী and backward at the same time, but not just walking, but as if you're on a conveyer belt. And it's, uh, it's hard to explain. If he was in the room with me, I could প্রদর্শনী him how to do it with my fingers, অথবা with my feet, but. Maybe he could see at the end of the জ্যাম video where I'm trying to প্রদর্শনী Michael Jordan how to do it. Only time I think I showed it.
Anthony: Now we have a Mark the Shark, uh, who asks, "How do আপনি do that lean on the video to Smooth Criminal?"
Michael: Oh, Smooth Criminal, well. That one happened ... it was in the middle of the shoot and it wasn't .. I choreographed it right at the moment. Took us an ঘন্টা to execute it. It's a special effect that we kind of lean as far as we can and, uh, we let the conveyor বেল্ট do the rest.
Anthony: Now Glenn from Toronto Canada asks, "Do আপনি feel a special spiritual energy when you're performing; do আপনি feel আপনি are connected to a higher force? Cause this is what আপনি make many feel when they see আপনি live?"
Michael: That's exactly what it is, you're connected to a higher উৎস and আপনি just go with the moment and আপনি become one with, আপনি know, the spirit. Not to sound religious অথবা anything, but it's a very spiritual... very much like religion, and it's a God-given gift and আপনি just go with it. And I'm honored to have been প্রদত্ত it. And, uh, as fun to become one with the audience. It's a one-ness, আপনি know?
Anthony: I was reminded of, ah, some of that when আপনি were talking about the way আপনি would work out your moves, আপনি know, listening to ... just listening to the সঙ্গীত and kind of disappearing into it. আপনি know, it has like a really mystical feel.
Michael: Thank you.
Anthony: Now Charlie sends in a প্রশ্ন and says, "What achievements in your life are আপনি the most proud of?"
Michael: Boy, uh, one of my biggest dreams since I was really, really little... I think around 7 years old, I use to always buy the গিনেস World Book of Records. [Giggles] আপনি know what the answer's gonna be right? I said, "Hmmm, I প্রণয় to dance and sing. Hopefully one দিন I can be in this book." And I believed that it was possible. So when Thriller became the biggest selling album of all time, and it was enlisted in the গিনেস Book Of World Records, and, uh, there's so many other lists... আপনি know, they've enlisted me in there like 7 different times now. It was my happiest time of my life. I was so happy.
Anthony: To what do আপনি attribute that level of ambition and possibility আপনি felt when আপনি were a kid. আপনি know, I think it's sometimes hard for people to feel... আপনি know, আপনি weren't, obviously, rich as a kid অথবা from some kind of fancy background, but still somehow আপনি were able to envision a life of success. What do আপনি attribute that to?
Michael: I attribute that to my parents who always taught us to persevere and believe in yourself, have confidence, no matter what আপনি do. Even if you're sweeping floors অথবা painting ceilings, do it better than anybody in the world, no matter what it is that আপনি do. Be the best at it, and have a respect for others, and be proud of yourself.. and to honor; be honorable, আপনি know.
Anthony: Absolutely. Now, you've been making records for a long time, you've been a force on the সঙ্গীত scene for many years. What do আপনি think are the biggest changes in সঙ্গীত that you've seen?
Michael: Biggest changes?
Anthony: Yeah, what's changed about the সঙ্গীত industry অথবা about, আপনি know, the সঙ্গীত that's out there. What do আপনি think is different?
Michael: Well, I think.. Ah, I don't think people thought the Rap সঙ্গীত would last as long as it has. And it has gone through evolutional stages -- there's আরো melody in it now, it's আরো acceptable, because melody will never die. Will never die. And the rhythm-- things are a little আরো rhythmic now. Because people want to dance. It's part of the human condition; it's part of our biological makeup. Our cells dance when we hear beats. আপনি notice a.. a one বছর old child will start moving hearing music. How do they know to move? 'Cause it's biological. It's not just hearing of the ear, it's feeling, আপনি know. And playing music, the ঘাস and the trees and the flowers... They're all influenced দ্বারা music. They become আরো beautiful and আরো vibrant in how they grow. সঙ্গীত is a very important and powerful substance, and all the planets in the universe make music. It's called সঙ্গীত of the spheres. They all make a different note; they make harmony. So there's harmony even in the universe as we speak.
Anthony: Now we have a প্রশ্ন from Holland, uh, Femka from Holland writes, "I প্রণয় the special editions from Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous." She loves you. And asks, "Why does Invincible... Why will Invincible be coming out in different colors?
Michael: Because we wanted the অনুরাগী to have some fun with it and collect them and, uh... It's a, uh, a Limited Edition, I think. And, uh, there's albums that I প্রণয় and I will buy them 5 times, even though I have the same cover. Like, 5 times 'cause I প্রণয় that album so much. So, imagine if they did a different color অথবা just changed the color, I would buy it 5 আরো times. We just wanted the অনুরাগী to have some fun with the pictures and with the রঙ and... Just to try something a little different. That's why we did it.
Anthony: Now we have TJ who's 17 and from Australia, wants to tell আপনি that, "You are still my hero," and says, "How do আপনি explain your ability to inspire so many people all around the world?"
Michael: I just do what I do and I প্রণয় doing it. And, uh, I প্রণয় art. I প্রণয় anything, any art. And, uh, if they're inspired দ্বারা it, I feel I'm ... I pray that I'm doing my job; what I'm here to do on Earth. Because I প্রণয় the fans, I প্রণয় the kids, I প্রণয় the babies, and that's what give me my inspiration, the children, the babies, the fans. I প্রণয় them very much.
Michael: I would প্রণয় to! It depends on the song, the time. When she's in one corner of the Earth, I'm in another place. It's very rare that our ships pass in the night. So it's not easy to do 'cause we're both very busy. But that would be very nice. I প্রণয় working with her. She's a true real professional and a wonderful sister.
Anthony: Excellent. Ah, we have Sheik 33 who wonders, "Who was your idol when আপনি were a child?"
Michael: I always went nuts for.... I mean, I could be asleep... In Indiana, at like 5 years old, I'd be asleep and it'd be late at night, like 1 in the morning, some প্রদর্শনী on, I remember seeing my mother run to my room, "wake up , wake up! James Brown is on! James Brown is on!" অথবা "Sammy Davis Jr.'s playing" অথবা "Fred Astaire! They got a good ফ্রেড Astaire movie on." "Gene Kelly's on right now!" And I'd sit there with my eyes just... I'd be awe-struck, just watching. So when চলচ্ছবি came out, I had a collection. [giggles]
Anthony: Yeah, I understand that আপনি have a, an extraordinary collection of a kind of old চলচ্চিত্র of all of the performers that আপনি like and, oh, the সঙ্গীত performances of the artists that আপনি admire. আপনি know, talk about some of those, and some of the stuff that you've got that আপনি like to watch.
Michael: Well, I .. I like to, um, before I do anything, it could be any situation, I প্রণয় studying the whole history of it before I take the first step to innovate. So, um, I প্রণয় studying any Vaudevillian, আপনি know, who came from that era, even though they didn't have T.V. Uh, but they, uh, they transcended into টেলিভিশন later on. I প্রণয় people like Jackie Gleason, Red Skelton, I'm crazy about the 3 Stooges, uh, anything Walt Disney... And far as performers, uh, I প্রণয় Anthony Newley, আপনি know, like I said, Jackie Wilson, James Brown. So.. They're incredible! I mean, when James Brown was "James Brown and the Famous Flames" he was so incredible. I would watch him and cry. I'd be crying and watching. I've never seen a person perform like that, ever.
Anthony: আপনি know, it must have been extraordinary for you, as a ... আপনি know, when আপনি were young and making records and getting to meet some of your idols, আপনি know, that must have been such a powerful experience.
Michael: Oh, it wa... It truly was. And to have them tell me that they ... they thought I was incredible, and all my life I thought they were, like, the best. It was the best...I mean, it was the best compliment I could get, and no award could be প্রদত্ত to me that could শীর্ষ that. আপনি know. When ফ্রেড Astaire অথবা Gene Kelly, who I knew very well, অথবা Frank Sinatra, told me I .. they think I'm amazing and I have an amazing career ahead of me.. As a child they would tell me this. 'Cause they were my neighbors. They lived দ্বারা me. And uh, I felt very honored and happy to hear those kind of words from these legends.
Anthony: That must have been very encouraging.
Michael: Yes, very.
Anthony: Now we have Mhagrice who is actually Margaret from the Netherlands, a 26 বছর old woman, says, "Is it true that you'll তারকা in Men In Black II, and will আপনি record a soundtrack for that film?"
Michael: Uh, I don't think we're doing a soundtrack, but I did a .. a guest appearance, like a Cameo, for Men In Black, uh, 2, and we're expecting to do part 3 as well. And it was a lot of fun, and exciting. Um, and it's one of my পছন্দ films of all time. Uh, I'm a big Men In Black fan. I প্রণয় it very much.
Anthony: Well, weren't আপনি .. Now, I understand you're also doing The Nightmare of Edgar Allen Poe. Could আপনি tell us a little bit about that?
Michael: Yes, that one's coming up. It's about the great prolific American writer, Edgar Allen Poe.
Anthony: Kind of a scary guy himself, too.
Michael: He's very diabolical, and very dark, and .. But he was a genius and it's... But his own personal life was very interesting, and that's what it's about, আপনি know. How he was, আপনি know... What he had to go through to create such ingenious work. It's a great story. But... and দ্বারা the way, make sure the অনুরাগী know, all tabloids should be out. Do not believe anything আপনি read in a tabloid. It's garbage and it's junk. We should have a tabloid burning, like a big mountain -- just set it afire.
Anthony: আপনি heard it first here from Michael Jackson.
Michael: Don't waste your time with it. It's stupid.
Anthony: Now we have Rapmaster JA writes in, who is actually Jason from Illinois. He says, "Michael, আপনি are undoubtedly the greatest artist in the history of the world. How do আপনি do the Moonwalk. It's the coolest সরানো I've ever seen?"
Michael: Gee, it's hard to explain on the phone [interruption from host]. I প্রণয় moves and dancing. I's like walking অগ্রবর্তী and backward at the same time, but not just walking, but as if you're on a conveyer belt. And it's, uh, it's hard to explain. If he was in the room with me, I could প্রদর্শনী him how to do it with my fingers, অথবা with my feet, but. Maybe he could see at the end of the জ্যাম video where I'm trying to প্রদর্শনী Michael Jordan how to do it. Only time I think I showed it.
Anthony: Now we have a Mark the Shark, uh, who asks, "How do আপনি do that lean on the video to Smooth Criminal?"
Michael: Oh, Smooth Criminal, well. That one happened ... it was in the middle of the shoot and it wasn't .. I choreographed it right at the moment. Took us an ঘন্টা to execute it. It's a special effect that we kind of lean as far as we can and, uh, we let the conveyor বেল্ট do the rest.
Anthony: Now Glenn from Toronto Canada asks, "Do আপনি feel a special spiritual energy when you're performing; do আপনি feel আপনি are connected to a higher force? Cause this is what আপনি make many feel when they see আপনি live?"
Michael: That's exactly what it is, you're connected to a higher উৎস and আপনি just go with the moment and আপনি become one with, আপনি know, the spirit. Not to sound religious অথবা anything, but it's a very spiritual... very much like religion, and it's a God-given gift and আপনি just go with it. And I'm honored to have been প্রদত্ত it. And, uh, as fun to become one with the audience. It's a one-ness, আপনি know?
Anthony: I was reminded of, ah, some of that when আপনি were talking about the way আপনি would work out your moves, আপনি know, listening to ... just listening to the সঙ্গীত and kind of disappearing into it. আপনি know, it has like a really mystical feel.
Michael: Thank you.
Anthony: Now Charlie sends in a প্রশ্ন and says, "What achievements in your life are আপনি the most proud of?"
Michael: Boy, uh, one of my biggest dreams since I was really, really little... I think around 7 years old, I use to always buy the গিনেস World Book of Records. [Giggles] আপনি know what the answer's gonna be right? I said, "Hmmm, I প্রণয় to dance and sing. Hopefully one দিন I can be in this book." And I believed that it was possible. So when Thriller became the biggest selling album of all time, and it was enlisted in the গিনেস Book Of World Records, and, uh, there's so many other lists... আপনি know, they've enlisted me in there like 7 different times now. It was my happiest time of my life. I was so happy.
Anthony: To what do আপনি attribute that level of ambition and possibility আপনি felt when আপনি were a kid. আপনি know, I think it's sometimes hard for people to feel... আপনি know, আপনি weren't, obviously, rich as a kid অথবা from some kind of fancy background, but still somehow আপনি were able to envision a life of success. What do আপনি attribute that to?
Michael: I attribute that to my parents who always taught us to persevere and believe in yourself, have confidence, no matter what আপনি do. Even if you're sweeping floors অথবা painting ceilings, do it better than anybody in the world, no matter what it is that আপনি do. Be the best at it, and have a respect for others, and be proud of yourself.. and to honor; be honorable, আপনি know.
Anthony: Absolutely. Now, you've been making records for a long time, you've been a force on the সঙ্গীত scene for many years. What do আপনি think are the biggest changes in সঙ্গীত that you've seen?
Michael: Biggest changes?
Anthony: Yeah, what's changed about the সঙ্গীত industry অথবা about, আপনি know, the সঙ্গীত that's out there. What do আপনি think is different?
Michael: Well, I think.. Ah, I don't think people thought the Rap সঙ্গীত would last as long as it has. And it has gone through evolutional stages -- there's আরো melody in it now, it's আরো acceptable, because melody will never die. Will never die. And the rhythm-- things are a little আরো rhythmic now. Because people want to dance. It's part of the human condition; it's part of our biological makeup. Our cells dance when we hear beats. আপনি notice a.. a one বছর old child will start moving hearing music. How do they know to move? 'Cause it's biological. It's not just hearing of the ear, it's feeling, আপনি know. And playing music, the ঘাস and the trees and the flowers... They're all influenced দ্বারা music. They become আরো beautiful and আরো vibrant in how they grow. সঙ্গীত is a very important and powerful substance, and all the planets in the universe make music. It's called সঙ্গীত of the spheres. They all make a different note; they make harmony. So there's harmony even in the universe as we speak.
Anthony: Now we have a প্রশ্ন from Holland, uh, Femka from Holland writes, "I প্রণয় the special editions from Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad and Dangerous." She loves you. And asks, "Why does Invincible... Why will Invincible be coming out in different colors?
Michael: Because we wanted the অনুরাগী to have some fun with it and collect them and, uh... It's a, uh, a Limited Edition, I think. And, uh, there's albums that I প্রণয় and I will buy them 5 times, even though I have the same cover. Like, 5 times 'cause I প্রণয় that album so much. So, imagine if they did a different color অথবা just changed the color, I would buy it 5 আরো times. We just wanted the অনুরাগী to have some fun with the pictures and with the রঙ and... Just to try something a little different. That's why we did it.
Anthony: Now we have TJ who's 17 and from Australia, wants to tell আপনি that, "You are still my hero," and says, "How do আপনি explain your ability to inspire so many people all around the world?"
Michael: I just do what I do and I প্রণয় doing it. And, uh, I প্রণয় art. I প্রণয় anything, any art. And, uh, if they're inspired দ্বারা it, I feel I'm ... I pray that I'm doing my job; what I'm here to do on Earth. Because I প্রণয় the fans, I প্রণয় the kids, I প্রণয় the babies, and that's what give me my inspiration, the children, the babies, the fans. I প্রণয় them very much.
