Billie Jean

"Billie Jean" is a 1983 hit single from Michael Jackson's Thriller album. A number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was also the number-one R&B single for nine weeks in the United States. The song was replaced at number one by another Jackson single, "Beat It" that April. It was voted best single of the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics' poll, and received two Grammy Awards in 1984 in categories: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best New Rhythm & Blues Song. It was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, along with "Beat It".

Choreography

"Billie Jean" is generally regarded as the pinnacle of most Michael Jackson performances and stage shows. The song has been the key feature of every concert, from the Victory tour through to the 30th Anniversary Performance at Madison Square Garden in 2001.

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The structure of the live "Billie Jean" routine has remained consistent; fans have even named moves that are regularly performed. These include the "Sidewalk" (where Jackson appears to "moonwalk" sideways along the stage, by slightly raising and crossing his feet whilst sliding them sideways), the "Cobra" (where Jackson pivots on his heels, followed by a slide of one foot from front to back, whilst keeping the upper body stiff), and spot spins. Obviously, the most famous move that Jackson performs is his "moonwalk", which occurs always at the bridge in the song. This move is generally never performed in any other song, although slight "moonwalk" variations are also found in "Stranger In Moscow" and "Smooth Criminal". Jackson also usually displays his incredible tapping ability during a "Billie Jean" set.

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In concert, "Billie Jean" is almost always extended for an extra two to three minutes with just the beat and bass line, whilst Jackson improvises an array of dance steps. Most fans consider this to be why "Billie Jean" rates as a favorite above other song routines, as Jackson "freestyles" the moves to an extent. Videos of "Billie Jean" performances are readily available on the internet, and on some released VHS/DVD's.

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It is important to note that the actual choreography of "Billie Jean" has not changed much since the Mowtown 25 performance, but has been enhanced through continual performance and improvement.

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