Michael Jackson’s influence on today’s artists was on full display in Taipei as rising K-pop group NEXZ delivered an energetic tribute to the King of Pop during ACON 2026: The Road to AAA 2026 Official Pre-show.
Held on July 25 at the NTSU Arena (Linkou Gymnasium) in Taipei, the event served as the official pre-show festival for the Asia Artist Awards (AAA). Hosted by StarNews and organised by the AAA Organizing Committee, MOTIVE and D-SHOW, the concert brought together some of Asia’s most promising performers.
For their set, NEXZ thrilled the audience with a powerful performance of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” showcasing sharp choreography and confident stage presence. The tribute didn’t stop there. The seven-member group later joined fellow act Close Your Eyes for a special collaborative medley of “Thriller” and “Dangerous,” earning loud cheers from the packed arena.
For those unfamiliar with the group, NEXZ is a seven-member boy band formed through the survival programme Nizi Project Season 2, a collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment Japan.
The group consists of Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui and Yuki. Although based primarily in Japan, NEXZ has been steadily building an international fanbase since their debut in 2024, thanks to their impressive dance performances, strong vocals and polished live stages.
Michael Jackson’s music has long been a benchmark for performers across Asia, and NEXZ’s decision to include “Beat It” in their set once again highlighted the timeless appeal of his catalogue. Teaming up with Close Your Eyes for two more iconic Jackson classics made the tribute one of the standout moments of the evening.
As a new generation of artists continues to discover and celebrate Michael Jackson’s legacy, performances like these prove that his music remains as influential on today’s stages as ever.
For more information on ICON 2026, click here.
