A new dance-infused video for Michael Jackson's current single "Hollywood Tonight" has debuted via the pop star's official website. The Teddy Riley produced song is the second official single taken from the late King of Pop's posthumous release "Michael," and one of its standout tracks. The storyline of "Hollywood Tonight" charts the journey of a young woman arriving in Hollywood from small town America as she follows her dream to be a star; though her ambition is to be a dancer, her story represents the struggle for every artist or musician struggling to make it in the world.Originally written during the recording of 2001's "Invincible" album, this song warns about the dangers of chasing your dream in Tinseltown. It received its television debut on last December when talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres premiered the tune on The Ellen DeGeneres Show while dancing throughout the audience. Riley told Billboard magazine that he had Jackson's more danceable hits in mind when concocting its sound. "I was looking at just doing the next level of 'Billie Jean' meets 'Dangerous' or 'Doggin' Me Around,'" said the producer." "It's like one of those driving bass lines that you will remember."
The Wayne Isham-directed video was filmed last month on the sidewalk of the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood and over 60 dancers were on the set as they joined the female lead in an MJ-inspired dance routine. Flashdance, Showgirls, Burlesque...all these things have one thing in common. The video is a sweet story, follows the journey of a young and feisty woman, who idolizes Jackson, played by Algeria-born hip hop dancer Sofia Boutella, arrives in Hollywood on a bus to pursue her dream in hope to become a professional dancer.
The French dancer steps off a charter bus, suitcase in tow, ready to take on the big city. She moonlights as a waitress by day, a stripper by night, hits the audition circuit to no avail. She incorporates many of Jackson's signature dance moves into her own style and wears costumes similar to those worn by the late King of Pop. And she eventually has an emotional moment next to Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and recaptures her passion for dancing. "Her story represents the struggle for every artist or musician struggling to make it in the world," so Sony Music explains about the video. Jackson will long be remembered for his groundbreaking music videos and "Hollywood Tonight" is hoped to once again offer an innovative visual pairing to the erstwhile King of Pop's music.
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