“Dancing with the Stars” Michael Jackson Tribute (VIDEO)

By Amanda Pendolino on October 21st, 2009

The late, great King of Pop was also a Lord of the Dance, so Dancing with the Stars did a tribute to Michael Jackson last night. According to ABC News, the show’s 16 professional dancers honored the late, great MJ with a performance combining classic ballroom and Latin styles set to “I Want You Back”, “Man In The Mirror” and “Thriller”. Jackson family members,, including Katherine, La Toya and Jermaine Jackson watched the tribute from the front row in the ballroom. Check out the video:

Dancer Mark Ballas said of MJ: “He’s just an inspiration to all of us.” The tribute started off with the famed moonwalk, featuring sparkly white socks and black shoes. There was also some obligatory crotch-grabbing, red leather jackets and single white gloves.

What do you guys think? I thought the “Man in the Mirror” dance was a bit boring — but who doesn’t love the “Thriller” dance, especially right before Halloween? Someone call Zac Efron — that song needs to be turned into a dark, edgy musical!

Also on the show, 27-year-old Olympic gold-medal swimmer Natalie Couglin who was eliminated along with her partner, Alec Mazo. “I guess I didn’t show it, how much I loved it,” Natalie said, “but I really did, and I’m sorry.”