Meet Juliano Valdi, the Young 'Michael' Star Bringing Michael Jackson Back to Life
The 12-year-old breakout star talks mastering Michael Jackson’s moves, if that's really him singing in the film, and the pet chickens keeping him grounded.
While most 12-year-olds spend their mornings ducking chores or shoveling cereal into their faces, Juliano Valdi spends this particular morning buried beneath a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball cap, rattled by disbelief.
“You did?!” he asks.
“I sure did,” I respond.
Like millions of others in the digital diaspora, I, too, was mesmerized by the promising young actor dancing alongside co-stars Coleman Domingo and Jaafar Jackson in a viral clip—yes, that viral clip—from The Jennifer Hudson Show. The only difference is I have the luxury of telling Juliano just how widespread that video of his curls bouncing down the hallway has been. (29 million views and counting.)
The show’s “spirit tunnel” has blossomed into a pop culture phenomenon since its inception, and upon bringing it to Juliano’s attention, the former Nickelodeon star utters a prototypical, pre-teen response:
“That’s coooooooool.”
Since the release of the blockbuster biopic Michael, Juliano’s life has been turned completely upside down. Gone are the days of his undeniable star power being confined to small roles, as his full repertoire as a singer, actor, and performer has finally been unleashed on the big screen.
But while becoming the King of Pop has endeared him to a new audience, and all the trappings of fame that come with it, it’s abundantly clear he’s still just a regular kid at the end of the day—who has yet to fully comprehend how much his life is about to change.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Jay Connor: Yo, you’re poppin’ right now. How does it feel?
Juliano Valdi: It feels great! I’m really, really happy that I got this role—especially playing someone who I’ve looked up to for such a long time. It’s just an honor to be part of this film.
Saying “somebody you looked up to for such a long time” is wild considering you’re 12 years old. [Laughs]
I know! [Laughs] But I’ve looked up to Michael since I was like 5.
Well, that begs the question: How did you come across him at such a young age?
My grandmother showed me a video of “Smooth Criminal,” and I loved his dancing, his work ethic, and his singing. The way he makes music is really different from everybody else. That’s why he has the best-selling album of all time, with Thriller. Because he did something that no other artist could do—or thought of doing.
And now you’ve had the opportunity to help bring that to life on screen. What’s it been like to see the fans’ reactions to the movie? With people dressing up, dancing in the theaters?
It’s really awesome! How they dress up like Michael to really get in that spirit. I hope they enjoyed the movie. We worked really hard on it.
Looking at those box office numbers, I think it’s safe to say they enjoyed the movie. I remember you cuttin’ up at the premiere too, homie.
[Laughs] Thank you.
Now, you play Michael at a very pivotal stage of his career. Are there any similarities in who he was at that age and who you are now as an actor and performer?
We’re both really dedicated. You know how Michael was dedicated to perfecting his singing and dancing? I dedicated my life—and a lot of my time—to practicing his dance moves and how he moves his body. How he sings and talks. Everything like that. We have really similar work ethics, and we also like hanging out with our cousins. We love to play with our relatives. That’s something we have in common.
I love that answer because, obviously, a big part of Michael’s story is that he didn’t get to enjoy his childhood. And it sounds like—whether it’s you, whether it’s your family, whether it’s your team—you’re all collectively making an effort to ensure you don’t suffer a similar fate. What are some of your hobbies outside of acting and performing?
I like playing basketball.
Oh, that’s dope.
Yeah, I like playing video games. I like hanging out with my chickens, and, of course, hanging out with relatives: my aunt, my cousins—all of them.
Aiight, I have to ask because now I’m nosy: What did you name your chickens?
[Laughs] I have two pet chickens. So there’s a big one called Hazel—because they’re both girls—and the small one is Penny.
Shoutout to Hazel and Penny. I know they’re proud of you.
[Laughs] I hope so.
Now, as you’ve come to realize since Michael’s release, his fans are no joke. So how did you all ensure that your portrayal was as authentic as possible?
I trained day and night, working with Michael’s real choreographers. They helped me perfect all of his movements: the way he grabs the mic, and how he uses his hands during his performances. I also worked with a vocal coach. She actually sang with him on “Can You Feel It.” She was that high note. [Sings] “Can you feel it!”
Oh, wow.
Yeah, she helped me sound like Michael when he’s singing. And then on my own, I practiced getting his mannerisms down and how he talked regularly. So I really had some awesome people in my corner to help me perfect this role. And, of course, my family was there to support me as well.
Okay, now I gotta ask this because I was at the barber shop earlier and—
I see you got that fresh cut, huh?
I had to come correct for you, man.
[Laughs]
So when I walked in, they were talking about the movie and how great a job you did. But they were like, “Was that really him? I wonder if he can really sing.” I wasn’t having it. I told them I’d come straight to the source and ask.
It’s kind of complicated. When I was singing “Who’s Loving You,” when it was acapella? That was me singing. But when it was with the music, that was me and Michael’s voice. They made a bit of a mix, so it sounded like him but also like me. So nobody could tell. And on “I Want You Back,” at the beginning, where he’s like, [Sings] “Uh-huh, huh, huh!” That was me singing right there.
Okay, I had no idea. Because in some other biopics… Woody McClain killed it as Bobby Brown, but then we found out it was Leon Thomas singing. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but I love that you sang your own parts. You did your thing.
Thank you so much!
Now, even though you’re only 12, you’ve been in the game for a minute. Working on projects like Arco with Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo, The Loud House on Nickelodeon, etc. How did those previous roles help you prepare for this one?
They definitely encouraged me to work harder. I was focused and just wanted to make sure this was by far the best performance of my career.
You can’t get any bigger than Michael Jackson, so mission accomplished, my guy. Has your experience with this movie influenced the type of projects you want to do moving forward?
This project encourages me to work harder so that the next project can be even better than the last one. I hope to book more roles I like—maybe another biopic of Michael Jackson. I want to play an older version of him. That would be really cool.
Never say never. But aside from playing Michael, what other types of roles appeal to you?
I want to do more movies. I want to work with actors who’ve been in the business and whose movies I’ve watched before. I’d really love to meet them on set and not be the only main character. But I also want to do movies where I am the main character and have that shine. So people can focus on me.
Listen, man. Your future is extremely bright, and we’re all incredibly proud of you. I can’t even begin to imagine the offers that are pouring in for you right now. So keep killing.
Thank you!
Is there anything else you want to say to your fans?
Thank you so much for your support! I’m really glad that you’ve been a part of this entire journey, supporting the cast and me, and all the people who worked on this movie for hours and hours. I’m just really grateful. I love you guys.