Ilario Grant Takes the Stage
CKC Blue Pinstripe Suit by Christopher Korey
Silver Shirt by HEIKE-NY at The Confessional Showroom
Shoes by Alohas
llario Grant has built his career around the power of storytelling through music, movement, and acting. From discovering his passion for performing onstage to bringing the King of Pop to life on Broadway, Grant continues to explore the many dimensions of his artistry. Now starring as Michael Jackson in MJ, Grant reflects on his journey as a performer, his experience portraying the legendary musician, the enduring impact of Jackson’s music, and his aspirations to pursue opportunities in music, television, and film. In this interview, he discusses the importance of honoring Michael Jackson’s legacy, connecting with audiences through performance, and continuing to grow as an artist.
Starting at a young age, you have cultivated a career across acting, singing, and dance. Looking back, was there a particular moment or project in your career that made you realize this was a passion you wanted to continue pursuing?
The moment came from being part of an a cappella group called InToneNation, led by Mr. Trey Giddens. Performing on stage in front of audiences of a thousand people or more showed me that I could pursue this full-time. Those moments were when I truly fell in love with the art of performing.
What was your experience like working on Praise This, and how did that project challenge or help you grow as a performer?
Praise This was my first professional project, and it taught me so much about the industry. It gave me valuable on-the-job training and experience that I carried with me into MJ.
Left:
Silver Jacket by Nazarene at The Confessional Showroom
Shirt by Chuck Collins
Pants by Hardcore at The Confessional Showroom
Shoes by Wolverine
Right:
Jacket by Jevon Terance at The Confessional Showroom
Shirt by Chuck Collins
Pants by Banana Republic
Shoes by Bruno Magli
What did you enjoy most about working on A (Very) Musical Christmas and The Jermaine Plane, and what did you take away from those projects that helped shape you into the performer you are today?
Being able to talk about what I love to do for a living and actually do it brings me so much joy! Those opportunities have inspired me to give everything I have onstage and continue to be an inspiration to others who want to pursue the same path.
After leading the Australian production of MJ, what did that experience teach you about portraying Michael Jackson that you’re bringing with you to the Broadway stage?
Playing Michael Jackson eight times a week gave me the opportunity to understand him on a deeper level. I was able to find the sweet spots in my performance and refine my choices in movement, acting, and singing. I also brought elements of my performance from Australia to Broadway and continued to enhance them even further.
MJ has welcomed millions of theatergoers in New York and grown into an international theatrical phenomenon. What has it been like stepping into a production that has already made such a lasting impact?
It’s an honor! I’m so humbled to be a part of such a massive production. I thank the Lord Jesus for this opportunity and for blessing me with the strength and confidence to perform every night.
Left:
Jacket by Jevon Terance at The Confessional Showroom
Shirt by Chuck Collins
Pants by Banana Republic
Shoes by Bruno Magli
Right:
Double-breasted, Low-roll Suit in Rusty Red Donegal Tweed by Jack Sivan
Shirt by Ben Sherman
Niko Oxford Shoes by Bruno Magli
Sunglasses by Marchon
Tie + Gloves by Stylist Own
You’re bringing together your skills as an actor, singer, and dancer in the role of Michael Jackson in MJ. How do these different disciplines come together when you perform as Michael Jackson?
Onstage, everything is connected! Acting is storytelling, but so are singing and dancing. I try to embrace that in every performance because, when playing Michael Jackson, it’s important to execute each discipline to the best of my ability, especially when portraying one of the greatest performers of all time.
With Michael Jackson’s legacy experiencing a major resurgence in 2026, how does it feel to continue honoring him and his talents through your performance in MJ?
It feels like a dream! Being a part of Michael’s legacy is such a blessing, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. The resurgence was necessary and has definitely reignited the love we all have for his music.
Michael Jackson’s music continues to connect with new generations today. As a performer bringing his music and artistry to audiences, what do you think makes his work continue to connect with people today?
The way his music makes people feel! I think people of all ages can relate to and appreciate Michael’s music and the way it has transcended generations. His music continues to bring people together and impact us in ways we always knew it would.
With songs like “Billie Jean” and albums like Thriller continuing to reach new audiences, what do you think has allowed Michael Jackson’s music to remain so timeless and admired?
Michael Jackson’s music remains timeless because he wrote and created from the heart. He paid attention to every detail of each track, which is part of what made Thriller the best-selling album of all time. His music continues to stand the test of time and will be celebrated for generations to come.
As a performer bringing Michael Jackson’s journey to audiences eight times a week, each experiencing his music and story in different ways, what do you hope audiences take away from it?
I hope audiences take away a deeper understanding of the man behind the icon. We often see Michael Jackson simply as the King of Pop, but I hope to humanize him onstage and help audiences connect with the person behind the legend.
You’ve taken on so many different sides of performing, from acting and singing to dance and now leading MJ. Is there a side of yourself creatively that you’re still hoping to explore?
Yes, I would love to explore my musical artist side and create art that resonates with audiences around the world. I would also love to pursue opportunities in television and film, as I’ve developed a deep passion for acting and want to continue exploring that side of my artistry!
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Ilario Grant
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Tim Hermann
Art Director: Michael Creagh
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Deney Adam
Fashion Styling Assistant: Emma Green
Fashion Styling Intern: Martina Pavone
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ali Rosoff, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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