Blog of Dominique W.: LaToya Jackson

8/29/12 First I would love to start this post off by saying "HAPPY 54th BIRTHDAY, MICHAEL JACKSON!!!"
I am so happy I had the opportunity to celebrate Michael Jackson's birthday in his hometown and where it all began, Gary, Indiana. It was very first time traveling to Gary, Indiana and 2300 Jackson Street. My beautiful MJ sisters Raquel, Trish, Wendy, Nieesha, Kimberly and Charity traveled this long journey on Greyhound from New York City with me. We traveled through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Ohio to finally reach our destination. With all of the transfers, layovers and trials with Greyhound, we were blessed to have the most spiritual and fun time.

Photo courtesy of AP Once we arrived in Gary, we got changed into our outfits for the celebration and we were on our way. I wore my silver “Bad” tour outfit. Nieesha and Raquel rocked out the Jackson 5 Michael looks. Trish did her 70’s look, while Wendy and Kimberly sported beautiful sundresses. Charity was the only one who kept it simple and cute but looked like the most comfortably dressed one of us all.

When we were approaching the house, my stomach was tied in knots. I began to get chills when I saw it in the distance. I couldn’t believe the moment has arrived for me to see Michael’s childhood home in reality. It was just as I imagined and looked like how I saw it on television and books. It was such a small yet big house because so many people love to see where it all began for Michael and the Jacksons. Of course I had a spiritual moment that almost brought tears to my eyes. People were showing us so much love and took photos with us. I ran into so many familiar Facebook friends like fellow impersonators Carlo Riley, Mike Polk and Bre Lyle. It is so funny how Bre and I are both from New Jersey and we meet for the first time in Gary. Also our NYC/NJ MJ family was out there as well.

They began playing Jackson 5 tunes and of course that got us on our feet. My break out song was “Billie Jean.” I truly love that song so much and the crowd enjoyed me as well. When I did the moonwalk into the spin and then the toe stand, it drove them wild. News crews were focused on our crew because we rocked Gary. Then came the candlelight vigil and the family arrived. I was so excited to meet and greet all three of Michael’s beautiful children. I greeted Prince Michael and Blanket with a handshake which made them look at me in amazement as I resembled their father. Then I greeted Paris with a huge hug and told her how beautiful she is and she thanked me. It was so hectic I didn’t get photos with them or autographs but I do have a lasting memory of that day. Wendy, however, presented them with her phenomenal large colored drawing of Michael and the three children and her “Invincible” Michael inspired necklace. She also was the only one to get all three autographs. Can I say lucky? LOL Trish also had a funny moment with T.J., which is Tito’s son who has joint custody of Michael’s children. Only we will understand what was funny about that encounter. LaToya Jackson was also in attendance that night as well.

Photo courtesy of AP The “After Event” that was held at the Majestic Lounge was awesome as well, thanks to my new found friend Marshall for getting me there. I was able to perform in Gary and show the family and fans of Michael Jackson what Mikette had to offer. My friends were there and so supportive of me and I am blessed they were there. We also rocked out to Thomas Stone and Mike Polk’s performances as they both channeled Michael so well giving us all chills to the bone.

Our last morning in Gary we stopped back by the house to pay our last respects and left some notes. We all took photos in front of the house and share our blessings. We passed by the old schools the brothers and Michael attended. It was such a beautiful trip and I couldn’t have done it with anybody else. We were seeing signs from Michael the whole time from seeing butterflies to the number “7” reoccurring. I really want to go back so bad that I want to start planning my next trip. LOL PRINCE AND BLANKET!!!

PARIS!!!

Mikette and Bre Lyle

Mikette and Carlo Riley

The Magnificent Seven (Love you gurls!)

My Gary, Indiana performance!!! First artist featured is Thomas Stone of Chicago, IL and I am the second artist. 8/29/12. Video courtesy of Billboard Bee

We all know that Tyra Banks is a very close friend to the Jackson family and Michael Jackson. She was also featured in the morphing segment at the end of the "Black or White." So I can only imagine her reaction to Michael's death back in 2009. So weird how I always wanted to see this type of photo shoot done on America's Next Top Model. I really want to give snaps and claps for such a beautiful turn out. LaToya Jackson came as guidance and as a guest judge to help the girls nail Michael's persona in various eras of his amazing career. The outfits were from Michael Jackson's Stylist Rushka Bergman's "The King of Pop" Costume Exhibition. Most of them did an amazing job, while others of course fell flat. As an MJ Tribute Artist, it is hard to fill his shoes and you can only come but so close. Plus they also had to make it fashionable. You can tell the girls who really did follow Michael, because they really represented him well. I really enjoyed this episode and so glad that nobody was eliminated because LaToya said they did their best to represent her brother, which is definitely not easy. I would love to share my favorites from the evening in my opinion.

Kayla: Early 80s