MJ Studies Today CXXI
Abstract: This month, MJ Studies Today columnist Kerry Hennigan provides a personal view of the recently upgraded version of Michael Jackson’s short film for the song “Give In To Me.” Jackson’s 1991 album Dangerous provided a wealth of material ranging from the understated anthem “Heal the World” to undeniably sensual songs like “In the Closet” […]
Call For Papers
Michael Jackson remains one of the most influential artists of the late twentieth century, yet his work has rarely been approached through sustained formal and art-historical analysis. Scholarship has tended to orbit biography, scandal, or cultural defence, leaving the work’s aesthetic intelligence under-examined. This call invites contributions that approach Jackson form-first: as a unified aesthetic […]
Episode 87 – The Michael Trailer
In the episode, Karin and Elizabeth discuss the teaser trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, and compare it to the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. They explore the history and evolution of movie trailers as an art form, noting their shift from simple advertisements to sophisticated promotional […]
MJ Studies Today CXX
Abstract: This month Kerry Hennigan continues the discussion on artificial intelligence (A.I.) and its relationship to Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy. This important theme began with Karin Merx’s article “Echoes Without Presence: AI, Michael Jackson, and the Crisis of Cultural Authenticity” published here in the Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies on 18 November 2025 and […]
Episode 86 – Echoes Without Presence
In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the recently published essay Karin wrote, Echoes Without Presence: AI, Michael Jackson, and the Crisis of Cultural Authenticity. They discuss specific topics as mimesis, misremembering and disremembering and imagination. Feel free to connect and ask us questions. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 86 – Echoes […]
Echoes Without Presence: AI, Michael Jackson, and the Crisis of Cultural Authenticity
Abstract This essay investigates how artificial intelligence reshapes the legacy of Michael Jackson by analysing the growing proliferation of AI-generated simulations, deepfake vocals, reconstructed short films, and algorithmic “enhancements” through an interdisciplinary lens that combines postmodern semiotics, neuroscience, narratology, and embodied artistic practice. Although Jackson’s creative process was rooted in intuition, bodily intelligence, and whole-brain […]
MJ Studies Today CXIX
Abstract: This month’s MJ Studies Today continues the Halloween theme from last month. Columnist Kerry Hennigan considers the impact of the annual #ThrillerChallenge organised by Michael Jackson fans to redress what they consider a major deficiency in Billboard’s top singles chart: to get the “Thriller” single to number one across multiple formats and charts. Column […]
Episode 85 – Sentenced to Neverland
In this episode, Elizabeth and Karin discuss the essay, Sentenced to Neverland: Michael Jackson, Peter Pan, and Queer Futurity by Amy C. Billone. This essay is published in Michael Jackson: Grasping the Spectacle, edited by Christopher R. Smit. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 85 – Sentenced to Neverland Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives […]
MJ Studies Today CXVIII
Abstract: This month, MJ Studies Today columnist Kerry Hennigan looks back on events she attended in past years at which Michael Jackson’s contributions to the Halloween season were celebrated. From Hollywood to Los Olivos, and all over the world, fans have enjoyed the annual reminder that Jackson is not only the King of Pop, but […]
Episode 84 – Part 2 Margo Jefferson
In part 2 of our discussion about Margo Jefferson, we discuss articles from the Guardian and her essay in the catalogue of the On the Wall exhibition. REFERENCE AS: Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 83 – part 1 – On Michael Jackson” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 12 no. 4 (2025). […]