Our favorite random Michael Jackson covers

Nick Jonas is one of many to put a good spin on an MJ song. (Kyle Gustafson/FTWP)
 
By Allison Stewart
If history has taught us anything about covers of Michael Jackson songs, it's this: The more ridiculous they might initially seem, the better they often are. Who could forget the Filipino prisoners doing "Thriller" (more of an interpretive dance than an actual cover, but still)? Or Chris Cornell's Hail Mary, career-redeeming "Billie Jean"?
In commemoration of the first anniversary of his passing, Click Track has assembled some of the best random MJ covers floating around the Internets. Most were done after his death, with some notable exceptions.
Imogen Heap: "Thriller"
The British singer-songwriter turns in the mellowest, most insidious "Thriller" cover ever.

Nick Jonas: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
Ignore the "Cloverfield" camera work-this is Grade A second generation Boy Pop.
(Brazilian folk, Metallica, and something that, once seen, can never be unseen, after the jump.) 


Caetano Veloso: "Billie Jean"
As discussed in this space back in May, the Brazilian legend's cover includes an "Eleanor Rigby" interpolation.

Various Fluxus artists: "Beat It"
An assemblage of Fluxus Entertainment artists (including Winterplay's Hye-Won) use apps to create a mixed media MJ homage.

Chiptune: "Beat It"
MJ's signature hit is converted into a funky elevator muzak using video game noises.

Metallica: "Beat It"
This one's actually kind of sweet.

Celine Dion: "Bad"
You might have thought it was just an urban legend, but no. This thing really happened.