A last-minute lawsuit threatened to cancel the Michael Jackson hologram performance last night. Jackson was expected to make a "comeback" appearance on stage Sunday, at the Billboard Music Awards.

Michael Jackson's performance was the main event of the evening, and a life-size holographic projection became an encore of sorts. The 3D spectacle showcased the single "Slave to the Rhythm," which has never been released to the public.

A lawsuit filed by Alki David wanted the attraction shut down prior to the Awards night, in violation of his rights to the technology. David maintains that the Michael Jackson hologram performance will preempt his plans to stage a similar, public performance of the King of Pop.

Howard Weitzman represents the Michael Jackson estate: "This is another Alki David stunt, no different than his claiming that Brandon Howard was Michael Jackson's son. It is ludicrous ... and the show goes on." (tmz.com)

The Michael Jackson hologram concert on Sunday is based on the same technology used on the Tupac Shakur performance at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, to which David is also staking his claim on.

Earlier reports hint of a top secret Michael Jackson moment at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards, though no mention of a hologram was made. It's been ruled out this it's going to be a tribute from other artists, though, and it's far from any speculations made by the press.

A closed dress rehearsal last Thursday evening had attendees signing non-disclosure agreements to ensure details of the event are kept confidential. Michael Jackson's estate representatives were present.

The single Jackson performed was part of the posthumous album "Xscape," released last Tuesday. Insider claims were confirmed; the event did make 2Pac's hologram performance look like an outdated video game by comparison.

The Michael Jackson hologram appearance pushed through as Sunday evening's main attraction, at 8PM, with a live televised feed on ABC (toofab.com).