Original Air Date:
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Guests:
Phil Walter
Oprah reflected on her historic 1993 interview to remember Michael Jackson.
Show Summary:
After the death of Michael Jackson in June of 2009, many MJ fans speculated that Oprah's silence was a statement about child abuse and accusations made against Michael in the past. With the airing of this episode as a way to remember Michael, his talent, and look back on the historic interview between the two in 1993, it should be clear that Oprah did in fact recognize what a great loss the world felt.
The historic interview between Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey took place live in primetime at the Neverland Ranch on February 10, 1993. At the time Michael sat down with Oprah, he had not done an interview in 14 years. Oprah reviewed clips from that very open meeting, while adding extra commentary and reflections.
Special Highlights:
Oprah spotlighted some of the most memorable moments from her 1993 interview with Michael Jackson. They included:
- Oprah shared about the nerves, pressure and excitement she felt about entering Neverland Ranch. She compared the experience to going to see the Wizard, as in Oz. Oprah didn't prepare questions before the live interview, so everything you saw was very real and candid.
- In the interview, Michael revealed his sadness from missing out on a normal childhood and the fear and pain he experienced from verbal and physical abuse from his father. Oprah commented that the fear and sadness was still present in Michael's eyes.
More Highlights:
- Oprah asked about the change in Michael's skin tone to which he explained defensively that he had a disease that destroyed the pigment in his skin. Oprah questioned whether she would be able to bring Michael back to a good place in the interview after upsetting him.<
- When asked about sex and dating during the interview, Michael revealed that he was old fashioned and felt very private about the topics.
- Oprah commented that after seeing Elizabeth Taylor and Michael together during the interview, she understood their connection and bond because of their shared history.
- Michael shared that he found inspiration watching the kids in the ghetto dance and shared some of his most famous moves for Oprah.
What to Take Away from the Show:
Oprah's historic interview with Michael Jackson could stand alone as an honest look inside the life of a music legend. Since Michael's passing in the summer of 2009, fans were looked to Oprah to provide more insight into the life of the man that many adored and were granted that wish in this episode. Sitting down and re-living the day in 1993, Oprah took herself back to 16 years ago to shed light on how she felt in the moment asking the questions, to reveal on what the opportunity meant to her now, and reflect on the impression she was given of the superstar. This episode provided Oprah viewers and Michael fans a way to remember the life and talent of Michael Jackson.
Products Featured in This Episode:
Michael Jackson - 'Number Ones'
Legacy Recordings
Michael Jackson Number Ones was originally released in 2003 and was re-released after Michael's passing in 2009. The album features 18 songs that reached #1 around the world. Sales of the record have continued to climb making this album one of the biggest sellers of 2009.
Michael Jackson - 'Thriller'
Legacy Recordings
Thriller was Michael Jackson's 6th album originally released in 1982. With 7 top 10 hits, Thriller has gone down in history as one of the greatest and best selling albums of all time. The record was re-released after 25 years to celebrate its success.
