ORLANDO, Fla. – But behind the scenes, one of the actors portraying the King of Pop has overcome a personal challenge that makes his performance even more remarkable. Erik Hamilton has been living with severe hearing loss since he was a teenager.
A Dream Role
News 6’s Lisa Bell caught up with Hamilton at the Dr. Phillips Center, where he shared his journey.
“For lack of a better term, and to sum it all up in one word: surreal,” Hamilton said about landing the role portraying Jackson.
Hamilton, 21, has been performing on stage since he was eight, following in the footsteps of his musically talented family.
An Unexpected Twist
At 14, Hamilton’s life took an unexpected turn. “My family was just sitting at the table eating dinner, and there was a loud noise that everyone reacted to except me,” he recalled.
His parents knew he needed to see a doctor immediately, which led to a diagnosis of conductive hearing loss. Hamilton says a bone in his little ear is not functioning properly causing the hearing loss, which will progressively worsen over time.
Despite the diagnosis, Hamilton’s family remained supportive. “My mother was very supportive and helpful,” he said. “She told me, even in spite of this, you still sing really well.”
Rising Above Challenges
Last year, Hamilton landed the role of a lifetime, portraying one of the most iconic singers of all time. Now touring the country, he continues to inspire audiences with his performances.
“My family helped me realize, even in spite of this, they say ‘you’re still on cue, you can still hear the rhythm and feel the beat,” Hamilton shared.
While he wears hearing aids offstage, Hamilton chooses not to use them during performances, as they can distort sound. Instead, he relies on his natural talent and training to deliver show-stopping performances.
Inspiring Others
When asked why he shares his story, Hamilton said, “I remember how I felt when I found out I had hearing aids. I didn’t know anyone in this field that looked like me with this condition. I would love to be an inspiration for young actors and actresses from all walks of life.”
“MJ the Musical” is the latest in a string of jukebox musicals now showing at the Dr. Phillips Center from March 4 through March 16 as part of the 2024-2025 Broadway in Orlando series.
“MJ The Musical” is also offering student rush tickets, which will be available two hours before the show. Students with a valid ID can go to the Bill & Mary Darden Box Office and purchase $35 tickets while supplies last.
Meanwhile, Dr. Phillips Center’s newest venue, Judson’s Live, is now open post-show every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
After the MJ The Musical show, guests can experience stellar cocktails, world-class wines and shareable plates. No reservations needed.
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