Hot Clip of the Day: MJ's Elijah Rhea Johnson Brings "Butterflies" from Jackson's INVINCIBLE Album

Last updated March 13th, 2023 by BroadwayBox Staff
Hot Clip of the Day: MJ's Elijah Rhea Johnson Brings "Butte…

Photo by Drew Elhamalawy

Each day, the Bbox team trolls YouTube for the hot clip—sometimes it's a brand-new moment and sometimes it's a throwback to an oldie but goodie. No matter what praise hands are shot up, pearls are clutched and the repeat button is hit.

"Butterflies" by Michael Jackson (Elijah Rhea Johnson)


Ulterior Motives:: MJ has a new MJ! The award-winning musical announced this morning that The Lion King Las Vegas and National Tour alum Elijah Rhea Johnson will be filling Tony Award-winner Myles Frost's loafers as MJ in the show beginning April 4th. Johnson was instrumental in developing the role of "Middle Michael" in the workshop process.

Ultimate 🙌 🙌 moment: In August 2012 (11 years ago!), Elijah Rhea Johnson performed the tune "Butterflies" off of Michael Jackson' 2001 album Invincible as the opening act of Kem's Mack & Third concert in Detroit, Michigan to help the homeless. These vocals! The falsetto starting at 2:41?! The dance moves at 2:52?! Our ultimate moment is 1:51 - 2:01 where Elijah's falsetto is gorgeous and effortless. What a preview for what audiences can look forward to seeing onstage at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre soon!