Looking at this and knowing that Marvin Gaye's life would be taken in less than a year from when this was broadcast saddens Me even now.

Brother kent. Do you have this original broadcast for sale?

That vs between the 4 tops and the temptations was poetic, the temptations won that and they didn't have d ruffin

Marvin.

I’m 61. Grew-up in Detroit! Michael Jackson (RIPeace) was amazing.  I’m white skinned ☺💙 love to everyone

53:37 here you go

I've still got my copy on videotape transferred to DVD that I watched live years ago from Āotearoa, NZ. Really had to be there in the moment to understand how groundbreaking MJ's performance was!  The whole world was talking about the Jackson 5's performance in a show packed w the best of the best!  This after iconic reunion w his brothers!  Such a special show!!  So many sadly gone now; thank you all for the music!!

I feel bad for the other acts that the only thing Motown 25 is forever remembered for is Michael Jackson! 😆

❤

53:04 a lo que vinimos.

Wow the amount of talent on one show... I didn't even realize this was MJ's big "Billie Jean" moment, I was so blown away by everyone else!

the only thing that i was thinking was too bad florence hubbard was not there especially since she was the one who created the supremes .

MICHAEL JUST ABSOLUTLY GORGEOUS <3333

💩💩💩💩💯

Motown was and is  a miracle, opening the doors of our hearts to the world outside our cosy corner to learn that folk not like me can open my horizon to love my neighbour. I am because we are, if you are humiliated so am I. And there is nothing more important than love, and live a life of love and happiness, no mater if you are rich or poor.

MY NAME IS CALVIN BRAXTON I HAVE A UPBEAT MUSIC CD ON YOUTUBE NAME ROLLING HIGH STAKES GUITAR AND VOCALS AND OTHERS 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

I was amped up about seeing the Jacksons reunite (actually Jermaine getting back with the group since the Jacksons didn't break up yet). Their performance was electrifying! But when Michael took center stage and made that speech, I thought he was going to do one of his Motown solo songs like Got to Be There or Ben. But when he tore into Billie Jean putting that fedora on his head, WOW!!!! That performance was sizzling to the tenth power! I am glad I can say I saw this when it originally aired and now it is considered one of the best TV performances of all time! No doubt!!!

Wait - was the 4 Tops vs. The Temptations the first versus battle ever?😅

I'm from Malaysia.. to say BiG hugs BiG thanks 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 to the administrator 🤗

I remember watching this on NBC May 16th 1983 ...43 years ago today May 16th 2026.