Long reign the King.
Ever since the Jackson 5 released "I Want You Back," Michael Jackson has been on television. Throughout his life, he appeared in music videos, on talk shows and in news stories. Some appearances were ground-breaking and revolutionary while others were tragic and mysterious, but one thing is for sure: MJ made a lasting impression every time.
10. POST-ARRAIGNMENT DANCE
Year: 2004
What he did: After pleading not guilty to seven counts of child molestation, Michael Jackson surprised fans outside the courtroom with a brief dance atop his SUV.
Why it's memorable: He was under intense scrutiny, but that didn't stop Jackson from busting a move to please his fans.
9. SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW
Year: 1993
What he did: During the halftime show for Superbowl XXVII between the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills, Jackson put on an extravagant performance.
Why it's memorable: He performed solo, a rarity for halftime shows, and he seemed to catapult onstage.
8. VIDEO RESPONSE TO MOLESTATION ACCUSATIONS
Year: 1993
What he did: From his NeverLand Ranch home, Jackson broadcasted a four-minute video declaring the allegations false and expressing disgust at the media for publicizing the trial.
Why it's memorable: He seemed so sincere in the video, but it still was a little creepy.
7. KISSING LISA MARIE PRESLEY
Year: 1994
What he did: At the MTV Video Music Awards, Jackson and new wife Lisa Marie Presley kissed onstage to dispel rumors that their marriage was tenuous.
Why it's memorable: They looked happy, but the PDA session was an icky publicity stunt.
6. PEPSI COMMERCIAL
Year: 1984
What he did: While filming the much-hyped commercial for Pepsi, Jackson's hair caught fire onstage.
Why it's memorable: Fans expressed sympathy -- while sales of soda pop and pop music soared.
5. WINNING EIGHT GRAMMIES
Year: 1984
What he did: At the Grammy Awards, Jackson picked up a record-breaking number of trophies for "Thriller."
Why it's memorable: He slaughtered the competition and established his role as the King of Pop.
4. DANGLING THE BABY OVER THE BALCONY
Year: 2002
What he did: In Berlin, Jackson dangled his new baby, nicknamed "Blanket," over the balcony of his room for his fans.
Why it's memorable: Well, he's not called "Wacko Jacko" for nothing.
3. JACKSON 5 ON THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW
Year: 1970
What he did: Michael and his brothers performed their hit "I Want You Back" on America's favorite show.
Why it's memorable: Ed Sullivan was the true test for big-league talent -- and the Jackson 5 passed.
2. THRILLER'S TELEVISION PREMIERE
Year: 1983
What he did: Weeks before Christmas, the much-hyped music video/mini-movie premiered on television.
Why it's memorable: Seriously? The Thriller video is still epic.
1. THE MOONWALK
Year: 1983
What he did: During the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Motown, Jackson performed what would become his signature move.
Why it's memorable: It looks physically impossible -- and yet we still try to replicate it.
Comments (34)
RIP Michael
Trooperman you said it all. Although I never met him personally, I knew him because he is love. I too was captivated by this man, this legend, this gift of a human being. Mr. Jackson is a gift of love that our Heavenly Father personified for all the world to see. To know and to behold. From a little girl to an ALMOST middle-aged woman, Michael Jackson has filled my heart with love, hope and FIRE! I realize now just how much he truly meant to me. While I'm sad for us all, I'm happy for him because I know in my heart of heart that he's rejoicing with the Heavenly Host, afterall (50) is the number of jubilee. "This it it!" very befitting, huh? Ready or not our Beloved is gone. Gone too soon? Yes, but not really. He did his part and he did it well. So well that it's time for his rest. He earned God's Rest: "Well done, oh good and faithful servant". I believe this will be the most pivitol time in my life because I'm asking myself what will you do with the gifts and talents you have been given? Will you share them and change the world around you? His love, his work, and the legacy of his life will live on in my heart and mind. I hope the same for you. I hope that we will show him the difference he made in our lives by doing what he instructed us to do. Thank you Michael for be fearless and willing to be yourself in face of the World. Love always your student, your sister and your friend. VanNessa Winborne, 39moreless
Thanks for the wonderful music legacy you leave us Michael. RIP.
R.I.P king of POP
We'll mic you so much
It was January 04, 1972 at the Memphis Collesium that I first watched and met Michael Jackson as he was then lead singer for the Jackson Five (5); I knew way back then that Michael Jackson would become an all time great. I fell in love with this entertainer of performance and music. When he came out with Billie Jean, and introduced the "Moonwalk", it was then that his newly performed signature move would become one that many would attempt to perform, but in no way at the least would any master it the way Michael did. He was a loving, giving, caring and sacrificial performer that gave his all to those that would follow him into an arena to view his luxurious performance. His performance and beautiful singing was one to cherish, and never forget, yet lock it deeply inside of your heart so that you could enjoy it over and over again and again. Nothing touched my heart anymore in my life than Michael Jackson performing live in person or on TV; I compare the emotional feelings that Michael allowed me to feel inside to that of the day that my only child, a daughter was born on this earth. I am in love with my child, cherish her, and that is also my mutual and respectful feelings of Michael Jackson. I'm awestruck with the untimely loss of our King of Pop, and if he could be resurrected I'd be the happiest man on earth. God rest your precious and giving soul Michael Jackson and you are gone from earth, but you'll always be a special and unending part of my thoughts and memories that I hold closely and guarded to my heart and mind. Thanks so much for all you gave and shared...Michael R. Powell.moreless
It was January 04, 1972 at the Memphis Collesium that I first watched and met Michael Jackson as he was then lead singer for the Jackson Five (5); I knew way back then that Michael Jackson would become an all time great. I fell in love with this entertainer of performance and music. When he came out with Billie Jean, and introduced the "Moonwalk", it was then that his newly performed signature move would become one that many would attempt to perform, but in no way at the least would any master it the way Michael did. He was a loving, giving, caring and sacrificial performer that gave his all to those that would follow him into an arena to view his luxurious performance. His performance and beautiful singing was one to cherish, and never forget, yet lock it deeply inside of your heart so that you could enjoy it over and over again and again. Nothing touched my heart anymore in my life than Michael Jackson performing live in person or on TV; I compare the emotional feelings that Michael allowed me to feel inside to that of the day that my only child, a daughter was born on this earth. I am in love with my child, cherish her, and that is also my mutual and respectful feelings of Michael Jackson. I'm awestruck with the untimely loss of our King of Pop, and if he could be resurrected I'd be the happiest man on earth. God rest your precious and giving soul Michael Jackson and you are gone from earth, but you'll always be a special and unending part of my thoughts and memories that I hold closely and guarded to my heart and mind. Thanks so much for all you gave and shared...Michael R. Powell.moreless
"There could be a top five on best music video premieres of all time and Michael Jackson would be all over that."- Amin! Totally agree!
He is our Elvis. Hi's the King. RIP, Michael.
There could be a top five on best music video premieres of all time and Michael Jackson would be all over that.
that stupid pepsi commercial was the turning point of MJ's life. caused him to get on painkillersR.I.P
Rest in peace Michael.
Great lineup, thanks for including the video. Methinks I see a grammatical error in there somewhere... ;)HELLO STEF!
If you can't say anything nice.....
king of pop RIP, we will miss you...
The moonwalk - the very epitome of MJ. Anyone else doing it just pales in comparison.
RIP ... THE KING OF POP!!!!!!!!!!! :-(
Great choices! You also should have chose his 1995 MTV VMAs performance! That performance was mind-blowing! Miss MJ! :(
When I thought about Michael's 10 most memorable TV moments, the first thing coming to mind was the #1, The Moonwalk. Good choice! <br>The second thing that came to mind was MJ's HIStory concert in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1997. I attended that concert and it was amazing, magical, just like Michael. I remember taping it when it was on TV but when I started watching the tape it was blank, not any static, just black so my VCR must have recorded something... but not the concert. I got to watch it with a friend, a few years later, who just happened to have taped it. That was funny because we didn't know each other in '97 and she isn't a Michael Jackson fan like I am! <br>I am still in shock, Michael's dead, I know, but sometimes I forget that, just for a second. Then I feel sad again when I remember that he isn't alive any more and the world seems so dark and empty. It feels... I don't know, I just know that I don't want to feel like this, I want Michael back!!! I know I have written a lot here, it's therapeutic for me and I feel it helps me to deal with Michael's death.
<br>R.I.P. Michael! Love you Michael, we will never forget you!!! X's & O's - The Saddest girl in Sweden.moreless
I cannot believe that he is dead. It seems like we are all in a bad dream. I just want to wake up and see that Michael is still alive. My paryers are for his family and friends.
I agree with the number 1 choice. A display of Michael in his prime.
Baby dangling moment? That does seem kinda crazy . . . 8 GRAMMIES?! WOW!!
These are so weird, and yet the baby-dangling moment was parodied on "The Simpsons" and "South Park". :P
He was amazing oh yeah bye Michael
XO XO
:(:(:(:(
What a powerhouse performance, even though he's alone on stage!!! He's got moves sharp as a razor-blade !!! Amazing. An this song is absolute perfection. There will be no-one like him.
R.I.P Michael Jackson
R.I.P! He was amazing.
He made history with his music and his dancing
Michael Jackson at the Motown 25th anniversary is probably one of the greatest performances (televised or non televised). I wish Michael kept on moonwalking, performing and making music instead of making headlines for all the wrong reasons toward the end of his life. For a kid pretty talented he seemed quite mature, but as an adult he got quite immature. Kind of a shame, but whatever the case RIP Michael Jackson. Truly a legend.
awww i didnt want m.j to die
r.i.p m.j
u still rock!
R.I.P. Michael Jackson!
RIP Michael Jackson :(
it's sad that he is dead, but what's worse was our thoughts on thinking he was a joke.
The moonwalk rocks.. but more important people die everyday and get no mention..
dude.. the moonwalk! .. he was the real king of pop music and will be missed.. RIP Michael. You'll always be in our hearts!
wow amazing performance on Motown stage , This performance still amaze every time I watch it . Michael songs , music videos and performances never get old and everyone loves to hear his songs and never get tired of it until this present day . God have mercy on his soul , we'll miss him ;(