Viewers of the 2014 Billboard Music Awards (BMAs) telecast Sunday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, were promised “a once in a lifetime: experience from the late Michael Jackson: a hologram of the King of Pop.

The closely guarded secret had been spoiled days before the ceremony — on Friday a federal judge tossed out a lawsuit from tech companies alleging the hologram would violate their patents — but the performance remained the night’s most anticipated moment. And just like Tupac Shakur before him, Jackson was brought to life by the wonders of technology.

Jackson’s resurrection was the night’s most talked-about event.

Expectations ran the gamut when word leaked of a Michael Jackson “performance” at the BMAs. In the end, Slave to the Rhythm did present the elaborate, complicated performance it promised. Equal parts eerie and fascinating, Slave broke the fourth wall. Dancers in gilt costumes interacted with Hologram Michael as though he really were reclaiming his throne as the King of Pop, one flourish and crotch-grab at a time. Though the illusion’s movements were very much that of a two-dimensional being and the vocals were recorded long ago, many in the audience were overcome with emotion and rapturously applauded Jackson’s return.

Little wonder why host Ludacris introduced Slave as “magic you’d have to see for yourself.”

•Based on reports in USA Today and Los Angeles Times. Photo shows Michael Jackson’s hologram performing last night at the BMAs in Las Vegas, USA.