Spooky season has finally arrived and it’s time to have a discussion that not many people seem to talk about. Over this past summer, my beloved best friend and I went to go see the film Michael and she made a comment to me that got me thinking and inspired me to write this piece. Why don’t we give Michael Jackson his flowers for being the true King of Halloween? Everyone gives Mariah Carey credit for being the “Queen of Christmas,” but why is it that when I look up who the King of Halloween is, it is an animated character from The Nightmare Before Christmas? How come an animated character gets the title instead of the amazing Jackson? Jackson is truly the overlooked King of Halloween, and I believe he deserves to officially get the title.
So, if you don’t understand why I’m thinking this way and don’t believe Jackson deserves the title, then you’re living under a rock. I’m sorry, but the first thing that should come to your mind when reading this is his beloved song “Thriller.” “Thriller” is one of Jackson’s most popular songs; the world can’t imagine October nor Halloween without this song playing. You can say that “Thriller” isn’t what makes Halloween, well, Halloween. And yes, there are plenty of other memorable Halloween songs that are out there, but, honestly, nothing can top “Thriller” as the best Halloween song in my opinion. It’s so popular that you see so many people all over the world do the dance during Halloween time that it’s basically tradition to not only play the song, but to do the dance with the song. That’s how iconic and amazing “Thriller” is. It brings people together and fosters amazing moments during the Halloween season. As I and many others say, Jackson’s songs bring people together.
Now, yes, basically everyone knows “Thriller” and loves to listen and talk about this amazing song Jackson gave us. However, we don’t give Jackson enough praise as “The King of Halloween.” Maybe I’m wrong and people do say he is the King of Halloween, but I personally don’t see it. We give all the praise to Carey for being the “Queen of Christmas” for her song “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” so why can’t we do the same for Jackson? Why are we not giving a real person the title he deserves and instead give it to an animated character? “Thriller” is so memorable that in the Broadway musical MJ, the cast performs the dance at the end of the show on Halloween day, which I think is amazing and I hope I get to experience that for myself in the future. Come on, if it’s in a whole Broadway show and it was a very important part of the Michael movie, what else do you need to see to understand that Jackson deserves to be recognized as the King of Halloween?
If it isn’t clear by now, this is a topic that I’m very passionate about, especially with all the hype from Michael. I know there will be more to discuss when the second film detailing his life is released. Jackson’s music is very special to me not just because of how amazing it sounds, but also because his music can leave people in such a good mood, while delivering amazing messages. And I like how for “Thriller,” the message may not be as serious compared to all of his other songs, but he’s still reminding people to have fun. People need to be reminded to have lots of fun and excitement in their lives and this song demonstrates that message perfectly. What makes it more memorable is that it’s during a holiday, giving everyone a moment to have a great time and a worry-free day. Because Jackson makes the Halloween season enjoyable, I honestly think he needs to officially be crowned as King of Halloween ASAP. Sure, Halloween would still be fun without “Thriller,” but honestly, what other song is going to top it and become such a crucial part of everyone’s Halloween? Even if you don’t think it’s a big deal or couldn’t care less about this topic, you’re still going to have to listen to “Thriller” at least once this month. Jackson, thank you for making such an iconic song so we can enjoy the “thriller night” and make our Halloween 10 times better. You are the true King of Halloween. Long live the overlooked King of Halloween — the one and only Michael Jackson.