Juliano Valdi Reveals the Michael Jackson Song That Excited Him Most

There’s something quietly powerful about watching a young performer step into the shadow of a legend and not shrink from it, but rise to meet it. In Black Girl Nerds’ conversation with Juliano Valdi, who takes on the role of a young Michael Jackson, that sense of reverence and responsibility comes through in a way… The post Juliano Valdi Reveals the Michael Jackson Song That Excited Him Most appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Juliano Valdi Reveals the Michael Jackson Song That Excited Him Most

There’s something quietly powerful about watching a young performer step into the shadow of a legend and not shrink from it, but rise to meet it. In Black Girl Nerds’ conversation with Juliano Valdi, who takes on the role of a young Michael Jackson, that sense of reverence and responsibility comes through in a way that feels both personal and deeply intentional.

When asked if there was a particular song or performance that excited or intimidated him, Juliano didn’t hesitate. “Definitely ‘ABC,’” he said, pointing to the Jackson 5 classic that has long been synonymous with youthful energy, precision, and joy. But what stands out isn’t just his choice. It’s why.

Juliano zeroes in on the choreography, describing it with a kind of awe that reveals how seriously he approached the role. Recreating those moves was not just about getting the steps right. It was about honoring a moment in music history that has been replayed, studied, and celebrated for decades. The original “ABC” performance is about cultural memory. And stepping into that requires more than talent, it demands respect.

What makes Juliano’s reflection especially compelling is his emphasis on accuracy. He calls it “an honor” to recreate the exact choreography from the real music video, a detail that might seem small on the surface but speaks volumes about the production’s commitment to authenticity. In an era where biographical portrayals often take liberties for the sake of spectacle, there’s something refreshing about a young actor recognizing the weight of precision.

But there’s another layer here that elevates the moment beyond imitation. Juliano mentions performing alongside his “brothers” in the scene, and that detail adds emotional texture to the performance. The Jackson 5 was never just about Michael. It was about a group dynamic, a shared rhythm, a familial chemistry that fueled their magic. By highlighting that experience, Juliano reminds us that embodying Michael Jackson, even at a young age; is not a solo act, it’s also about that connection.

That sense of joy is just as important as the discipline. Despite the pressure of recreating something so iconic, Juliano describes the experience as “really fun.” That balance between responsibility and joy is exactly what made the original performances so magnetic in the first place. You could feel the work behind the scenes, but what came through on stage was effortless exuberance.

In many ways, Juliano Valdi’s approach reflects a broader truth about legacy. Honoring someone like Michael Jackson is not about trying to outdo or reinvent him. It’s about understanding what made those moments resonate and finding a way to carry that spirit forward. With “ABC,” that spirit is unmistakable. It’s youthful, it’s precise, and above all, it’s joyful.

Juliano taps into the feeling behind the performance. And in doing so, he offers a reminder that even the most iconic moments in pop culture can be revisited with care, intention, and a genuine love for the craft.

Michael is now playing in theaters.

The post Juliano Valdi Reveals the Michael Jackson Song That Excited Him Most appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.