Best of the best

Staff Report

Who says you can’t find Michael Jackson performing on the Las Vegas Strip? Well, maybe not the real one, but what you can find is an outstanding performance from a highly talented impersonator. Corey Melton, who performs as Jackson, is just one of the iconic entertainers portrayed in American Superstars at the Stratosphere.

When Melton takes the stage he emulates everything about Jackson that made him the "King of Pop" from his looks to how he sounds and his signature dance moves. Learning how to transform into the iconic performer is a life-long task that Melton started when he was 6 years old and continues to pursue.

He performs several of Jackson’s greatest hits including “Thriller,” “Billy Jean” and “Heal the World.” For now, this show is one of the only places on the Strip where you can see everything you loved about Jackson still being performed as part of a full production show. It looks like there is more than just one king still reigning in Vegas.

From the “King of Pop” to “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” this show has it all. The show’s set cast also includes Elvis, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood and Lady Gaga played by Darren Lee, Johnny Potash, Katie Dix and Autumn Belanger respectively.

American Superstars opens with “Viva Las Vegas” and Lee appears with several dancers wearing traditional showgirl costumes. Aside from the main acts, six statuesque dancers are a big part of the show. They perform with the entertainers and on their own between acts. Lee’s electric hips paired with the familiar tune get everyone in the audience clapping their hands and singing along.

Lee is an acclaimed tribute artist who has performed his Elvis impressions around the world. In 1997 he was the first Canadian to win the “Images of Elvis” competition in Memphis, Tenn., making him one of the top Elvis impersonators in the world at the time.

He performs other familiar Elvis tunes including “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Burning Love,” wowing the audience with his voice and knockout dance moves.

Master fiddler and vocalist Johnny Potash is a perfect fit for emulating country superstar Daniels. Potash started playing the fiddle when he was just 8 years old and honed his skills through years of playing in competitions and with private study. He has earned many titles and awards throughout his career including “Instrumentalist of the Year" at the Reno Area Country Music Awards. He is an incredible performer who brings all of Daniels' energy and showmanship to the stage in American Superstars.

When it comes to portraying Underwood, Dix also brings a strong performing background to the stage. She won her first vocal performance award when she was only 7 years old. She has received various other awards throughout her career as a vocal performer including being the recipient of the Thelma Ray Self Music Scholarship and a Spotlight Performance Award. She has also performed with legendary country artist Buck Owens. Not only does Dix look like a Western sweet heart on stage, but she can sing like one too.

Lady Gaga is the newest addition to the American Superstars lineup. Lady Gaga is one of the most popular artists in the world today and now audiences can see the unique fashions and incredible talent of the already legendary performer portrayed on a nightly basis. Belanger is a Vegas native and has performed in other shows on the Strip. She has also modeled for various fashion labels including Steve Madden, Diesel and Warrior and was featured in “Maxim” Magazine’s July 2010 issue. Her cutting-edge choreography and dazzling costumes will make you want to “Just Dance.”