Jackson hologram debuts at Billboard Awards

In this Feb. 24, 1988 file photo, Michael Jackson leans, points and sings, dances and struts during the opening performance of his 13-city U.S. tour, in Kansas City, Mo. The owners of technology used to create holograms of deceased celebrities on Thursday May 15, 2014, sued Jackson’s estate and the producers of Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards trying to block any use of their technology to generate a Jackson hologram during the show. AP FILE PHOTO

A hologram of Michael Jackson made its debut Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards, mirroring the late King of Pop’s signature slick dance moves as some members of the audience became emotional.

The hologram performed “Slave to the Rhythm,” a song from Jackson’s new posthumous album “Xscape,” along with a plethora of background dancers, beaming lights and fire blasts.

It was easily the biggest moment at the awards show in Las Vegas.

Kendall Jenner could take second place for unintentionally creating a big moment during the show. The reality star fumbled over her words — almost pulling a John Travolta — when introducing newcomers 5 Seconds of Summer.

“And now we welcome … One …,” the 21-year-old said, seeming to almost say One Direction, as she put her head down. “Guys, I’m the worst reader.”

Jenner then introduced a video featuring the Australian pop group, who performed their rising hit “She Looks So Perfect.”

Ariana Grande, who turns 21 next month, was semi-racy when she sang her hit “Problem” in a mini black and white dress alongside rapper Iggy Azalea. Grande was nominated for best new artist, but she lost to breakthrough New Zealander Lorde.

Lorde also won top rock song for the ubiquitous hit, “Royals.” The 17-year-old entered the night as the top contender, along with Imagine Dragons, where the Billboard Music Awards marked a homecoming for the band.

The Las Vegas-based rockers won the night’s first trophy, top rock album, for their 2012 debut, “Night Visions.”

Imagine Dragons is also up for the night’s biggest honor. The group will battle Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake, who won top Billboard 200 album and accepted in a video as he’s on tour outside of the country. He sang “thank you” along with his band.

Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez kicked off the awards show with a colorful performance of the World Cup anthem, “We Are One (Ole Ola),” where Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte joined in. Robin Thicke and John Legend, whose song “All of Me” is currently No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, also are performing.

A federal judge ruled Friday that the Billboard Music Awards can use a hologram of the deceased pop icon, rejecting efforts from tech companies seeking to block the digital performance. Jackson died in 2009.

___