If you were scrolling through social media back in early 2018, you probably remember the absolute chokehold one specific TV performance had on the internet. We’re talking about the Hailee Steinfeld Lip Sync Battle moment that basically redefined what it meant to "commit to the bit." It wasn’t just a celebrity moving their lips to a track; it was a full-blown, high-budget, choreographed masterclass in stage presence.
Honestly, most people forget that this wasn't even a regular episode of the show. It was a massive, live event used to launch the Paramount Network.
Hailee Steinfeld didn't just show up to play; she showed up to win. And she did. Against some pretty heavy hitters, too. While the show has seen hundreds of celebrities try to mimic their idols, something about Steinfeld’s tribute to the King of Pop felt different. It felt real.
The Night Hailee Steinfeld Took Over Lip Sync Battle
The event was officially titled Lip Sync Battle Live: A Michael Jackson Celebration. It took place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on January 18, 2018. If you look at the lineup now, it’s actually kind of insane. You had Neil Patrick Harris, Taraji P. Henson, and Laverne Cox all competing in the same hour.
Steinfeld chose "The Way You Make Me Feel."
Think about that for a second. It's one of the most recognizable music videos in history. The strut, the blue shirt, the attitude—it’s a lot to live up to. Most actors would probably lean into a parody or keep it light. Hailee went the other way. She went for precision.
She stepped out in a look that mirrored Jackson’s iconic 1987 aesthetic—black pants, a white tee, and that signature blue button-down shirt left open. From the first beat, the energy was different. You could tell she’d spent hours, probably days, obsessing over the footwork.
It paid off.
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The crowd wasn't just cheering because she was famous; they were cheering because she was actually dancing.
Why "The Way You Make Me Feel" Worked
There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when a performer understands the "why" behind a song. Steinfeld didn't just mimic the moves; she captured the flirtatious, effortless cool that Michael Jackson brought to that track.
- The Choreography: She hit the toe stands. She nailed the shoulder shrugs. It wasn't messy.
- The Interaction: She utilized the entire stage, interacting with the "love interest" dancer just like in the original video.
- The Confidence: Most celebrities look a little embarrassed during their syncs. Hailee looked like she’d been doing this her whole life.
Breaking Down the Competition
It’s easy to forget who she was actually up against because her performance ended up being the "water cooler" moment of the night. But the competition was stiff.
Taraji P. Henson went full rock star with "Beat It," complete with the red leather jacket and the gang-fight choreography. Laverne Cox brought a haunting, high-fashion energy to "Dirty Diana" that left most people’s jaws on the floor. And then there was Neil Patrick Harris, a literal Tony winner, doing "Smooth Criminal."
The fact that Hailee Steinfeld walked away with the belt—yes, the actual Lip Sync Battle championship belt—is a testament to how hard she went.
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She actually spoke about it afterward, saying something along the lines of how she knew nobody could ever be better than Michael Jackson, so her goal was basically just to have a good time and honor him. That lack of "trying too hard" is probably why it felt so authentic.
The Viral Aftermath and Legacy
Why are we still talking about this years later? Because the Hailee Steinfeld Lip Sync Battle performance is a textbook example of "the assignment."
In the era of 2026 digital consumption, these "golden era" clips from the late 2010s have a second life on TikTok and Reels. You’ve probably seen the side-by-side comparisons of her and Michael Jackson. The sync is almost frame-perfect.
It also served as a huge turning point for Hailee as a "double threat." People knew her as the Oscar-nominated actress from True Grit, but this performance solidified her as a pop star in her own right. She was already releasing hits like "Starving" and "Let Me Go," but seeing her command a stage like the Dolby Theatre changed the narrative.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that this was a taped episode where she had multiple takes. Nope. This was live.
Doing that kind of choreography while ensuring your mouth is moving in perfect time with the lyrics—without the safety net of an edit—is terrifying. If she had tripped or missed a line, the whole internet would have seen it in real-time.
Instead, she became the gold standard for the show.
Actionable Takeaways for Pop Culture Fans
If you’re looking to revisit this era of entertainment or understand why this specific performance holds such weight, here is what you should do next:
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- Watch the Side-by-Side: Search for the comparison videos on YouTube. It’s the only way to truly appreciate how much work she put into the specific MJ mannerisms.
- Check the Fashion: Look up the Balmain outfit she wore on the red carpet that same night. It was a huge fashion moment that often gets overshadowed by the blue shirt she wore on stage.
- Revisit the Live Special: Most people only watch the individual clips. If you can find the full Michael Jackson Celebration special, the group performance of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" at the beginning is pure joy.
The Hailee Steinfeld Lip Sync Battle victory wasn't just a win for her; it was a win for fans who actually want to see celebrities put in the work. It’s a reminder that even in a "fake" singing competition, real talent and preparation always rise to the top.