The song was a centerpiece of the . These performances were known for several iconic elements:

Poignantly, "Earth Song" was the final song Michael Jackson ever performed; he rehearsed it on June 24, 2009, just hours before his passing. This footage was later featured in the documentary This Is It .

In most live versions, Michael was lifted high above the audience on a hydraulic crane, reaching out to the crowd during the song's powerful gospel-infused climax.