Jacko picks final 12 backing dancers for O2 gigs
May 19th, 2009 - 12:39 pm ICT by ANI
London, May 19 (ANI): American pop star Michael Jackson has finally selected the 12 dancers who would be backing him during his O2 arena gigs.
The backing dancers were picked after an X-Factor style competition to discover the most talented movers in the world.
As many as 500 potential candidates performed during the three days of intense auditions at the Nokia Theatre LA LIVE in Los Angeles.
Jackson, show director Kenny Ortega, and his dancer from the Dangerous and History tours Travis Payne were present throughout the auditions.
Those selected to perform alongside Jackson include US dancers Charles Kapow, Ricardo Reid, Tyne Stecklein, Misha Hamilton, Mekia Cox, Nicholas Bass, Danielle Rueda-Watts and Christopher Grant.
The selected candidates also include Timor Steffens from Germany, Australian dancer Shannon Holtzapffel, Daniel Celbre and Devin Jamieson from Canada.
“These are artists whose talent, dedication, skill and passion for performing with their idol is felt every hour of every day spent rehearsing,” the Sun quoted contributing choreographer Ortega as saying of those chosen.
“What is going to take place on that stage at The O2 arena in July will truly be inspiring,” he added. (ANI)
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Tags: american pop, backing dancers, choreographer, dancer, danielle, devin, gigs, history tours, jamieson, kapow, kenny ortega, mekia cox, michael jackson, misha hamilton, pop star, rueda, steffens, travis payne, tyne stecklein, x factor