Rodrigo Teaser will headline a Michael Jackson tribute in Dubai.
The show, titled “Michael Lives Forever,” is set for July 18 at the Coca‑Cola Arena and will include guitarist Jennifer Batten and vocal director Kevin Dorsey. Teaser is recognised as one of the world’s leading Michael Jackson tribute artists, a status earned through years of worldwide performances.
Show lineup and production
The production brings together three key figures who worked directly with the late star. Teaser has previously collaborated with Jackson’s choreographer Lavelle Smith Jr, while Batten played on all three of Jackson’s world tours as his lead guitarist. Kevin Dorsey contributed as a vocal director for 25 years with Jackson.
Teaser says the concert will feature a live band, a decision he made after Michael’s passing. “When Michael passed, I thought ‘okay, let’s do a concert.’ Me and my wife produced a concert with a live band, and we thought that would be like a goodbye,” he explained. The live band is intended to recreate the full sound of Jackson’s original productions, adding depth and authenticity to the tribute.
Teaser’s journey and vision
Teaser began impersonating Jackson at age 9 and turned dance into a way to connect with people. He recalls, “As a child, I was so shy that I had problems at school too, because I was afraid to ask (questions). My mom said that at the same time, I was the type of kid that locked myself in my room and danced the whole day.” This early reliance on movement helped him develop a stage presence that resonates with audiences today.
“Michael passed through a lot of bad things, and even in those moments, Michael was never a bad person. He was not a guy that cursed or was rude.”
— Rodrigo Teaser, Tribute Artist
His career has taken him across South America, the United States, Asia and the Middle East, and he performed at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 before an audience of 40,000. “Once you perform something bigger than you’ve performed before, you are invited to bigger places,” he said, noting the growing demand for his tribute show. The recent “Michael” film, which became the highest‑grossing biopic of all time and the first to surpass $1 billion at the global box office, has reignited interest in Jackson’s music, adding momentum to the tribute’s appeal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Michael Jackson tribute concert featuring Rodrigo Teaser taking place in Dubai?
The tribute concert titled “Michael Lives Forever” is scheduled for July 18 at the Coca‑Cola Arena in Dubai.
Where is Rodrigo Teaser’s Michael Jackson tribute concert being held in Dubai?
The show will be staged at the Coca‑Cola Arena, a major indoor venue in Dubai.
Who are the key collaborators joining Rodrigo Teaser for the Michael Lives Forever concert?
The concert features guitarist Jennifer Batten, who played on all three of Michael Jackson’s world tours, and vocal director Kevin Dorsey, who worked with Jackson for 25 years.
What makes Rodrigo Teaser’s Michael Jackson tribute different from other tribute shows?
Teaser’s production uses a live band to recreate the full sound of Jackson’s original productions, and his prior work with Jackson’s choreographer Lavelle Smith Jr adds authenticity.
Has Rodrigo Teaser performed in the Middle East before this Dubai show?
Yes, Teaser has performed across the Middle East, including a show at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in front of 40,000 spectators.
