Thirty years ago at the height of his career Michael Jackson came to Monaco for the World Music Awards. His unforgettable performance of “Earth Song” remains one of the most memorable moments in the ceremony’s history.
It was May 8 1996 and the superstar had come to the Principality to attend the eighth edition of the World Music Awards, the international ceremony honoring the best-selling artists from around the world. That evening a constellation of stars gathered at the Salle des Étoiles. Michael Jackson was the night’s headline guest and the recipient of a surprise award. Seated in the front row alongside members of the princely family were Céline Dion and her husband René Angélil Shania Twain and Tyra Banks and many other celebrities.
Watch Michael Jackson Perform Earth Song Live in Monaco 1996
The crowd rose to its feet when Princess Stéphanie introduced “the King of Pop” onstage to present him with a special trophy recognizing Thriller as the best-selling album of all time. A few minutes later Prince Albert then Hereditary Prince of Monaco returned to the stage to introduce Michael Jackson’s performance.
The singer performed “Earth Song,” one of the standout tracks from HIStory released just a few months earlier. In true Michael Jackson fashion he made a spectacular entrance emerging from a giant globe that split open at the center to reveal him at center stage. The performance which lasted around 10 minutes electrified the Salle des Étoiles and sent fans into a frenzy. Toward the end of the song Michael Jackson was joined by a choir of young Monegasques assembled especially for the occasion. Some readers may even recognize themselves in the footage today.
Relive the Full Night Including Awards and Star Moments with Diana Ross
That same evening the energy continued as other legends took the stage and interacted with Jackson creating moments that still feel electric decades later. From the awards presentations to the shared spotlight the night captured the peak of his global influence and the unique blend of Monaco glamour with pure musical power.
Thirty years later, the Monaco appearance still captures what made Michael Jackson different. He arrived as the artist behind Thriller, then used one song, one giant stage image and a choir of local children to make an awards show feel historic. Watch both videos and revisit the night the King of Pop took over Monaco.