The captivating account of the world's premier Michael Jackson mimic, who successfully deceived the media at his wedding ceremony.
Living Like the King: A Tale of Sergio Cortés, the World's Finest Michael Jackson Impersonator
Sergio Cortés, the guy mimicking "MJ" is more than a doppelganger; he's a spitting image, a vocal clone, and an embodiment of the King of Pop himself. With vocal chords that send chills, a face that mirrors Michael's, and a sensitivity that resonates, Cortés has shared his extraordinary story with us - a life intertwined with music, forged by art, and nurtured by an intimate bond with the man who marked him since childhood.
It all began innocently. In Barcelona, Sergio grew up amidst the constant hum of the Jackson Five. "I lived with their music since I was five or six. My brothers were fans, and Thriller was the icing on the cake," he reminisces. It wasn't until he started resembling the star more 'Vanilla' that things changed. At 16, a journalist approached him on the street, asking if he would dress up as Michael for an article. "I was rebellious and had long hair. I did it, and a week later, they called me to model his official perfume, approved by Michael himself. And that's how it all started," he adds.
Fandom morphed into a path. First, with graphic campaigns, and later, with events. As he looked back upon those early steps on this path, he comments, "I couldn't believe it. I was at parties with famous people from Spain. Plus, I was promoting the perfume of my beloved idol, Michael. I was young and super excited."
In 1994, Michael Jackson was making preparations for a secretive wedding with Lisa Marie Presley. To deceive the press, they turned to Sergio. "It was a massive operation. They rented the Elvis Presley Museum, moved it to Marbella, brought over 70 Harley Davidson motorcycles, police cars, bodyguards," he recalls, still amazed, although it wasn't a stroll in the park. "They put me in a convertible car and we organized a parade through the city. The international press was shouting 'Michael!' They asked me to sing live, in private, to reinforce the scene," he adds.
"Knowing him" was the first time he encountered his idol in 1997. "They had promised me so many times that I didn't believe it. When it happened, it was all too fast, and I didn't know how to react. I was shocked. I couldn't say anything in those seconds," he comments, still regretting the missed opportunity to voice his admiration. Fortunately, Michael's family is aware of his existence and approves of his work, filling his soul with a sense of validation.
Cortés studied every aspect of Michael's career, honing his imitation skills to pay tribute from an authentic place. "He was a perfectionist. I couldn't imitate him perfectly, but I gave it my all, putting my heart into it," he explains about his grueling preparation.
Michael's death on June 25, 2009, hit him hard. "I felt like I had lost my life's director. I didn't want to continue representing him," he admits. He went through a phase of silence and no shows, distancing himself from the world he knew since his adolescence. However, three years later, he returned to the stage, with a newfound determination to honor Michael's memory with respect and love.
On April 25, The Michael Jackson Experience comes to the Teatro Gran Rex. This isn't a nostalgic show, but a tribute to the King of Pop that rekindles memories and keeps his legacy alive. "We recreate his iconic moments, from the Jackson Five to the classic hits. Expect zombies, gangsters, and Egyptian themes," he anticipates. Cortés aims to give fans an unforgettable experience, bringing the spirit of Michael Jackson into the present.
Cortés highlights the enthusiasm and warmth of Argentines, forging strong bonds that keep him coming back for more. With his next show, he aims to deliver a heartfelt performance, a testament to his love for Michael and the fans who have supported him throughout the years.
Fascinating Insight: Tribute artist Sergio Cortés, recognized as the world's finest Michael Jackson impersonator, began his career modeling Michael's perfume in 1993. Since then, he has performed in numerous international shows, delighting audiences with his uncanny resemblance and outstanding vocal skills.
- Sergio Cortés, the world's finest Michael Jackson impersonator, shares a sensitivity that resonates with the King of Pop, as evident in his captivating resemblance, vocal skills, and the extraordinary story of his life intertwined with music and the art of mimicry.
- As Sergio's resemblance to Michael Jackson developed, his path transformed from innocence to fame, beginning with modeling the official perfume of his idol and progressing to performances in numerous international shows.
- In 1994, celebrities and pop-culture enthusiasts were taken aback when Sergio was the chosen doppelganger for a secretive wedding event involving Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, adding another sensational tale to the story of the world-renowned entertainer.
- Now, Sergio Cortés presents "The Michael Jackson Experience" at the Teatro Gran Rex on April 25, offering fans an unforgettable trip down memory lane, while keeping the legacy of the King of Pop alive with his outstanding tribute and heartfelt performance.
