There’s a crazy story that Quincy Jones told about this night. Michael Jackson hated doing anything unplanned, which is allegedly why he looks hesitant walking up. Since he was caught off guard, the story goes that he called Prince up to the stage just to share the pressure.
Michael knew how awkward it was to be thrown out there unrehearsed, so Prince reportedly felt like it was a total setup. Prince tried to lean on a stage prop lamppost, but it wasn't secured and accidentally tipped over, sending him crashing into the crowd. People say Prince was so upset about the accidental fall that he waited in his limo after the show for Michael. This night is usually blamed for starting their whole rivalry.

This was the night Michael said Prince was a “meanie” and that he tried to run Michael and his mother over after the show 😂 Look it up!

Prince was his own man. Didn’t take bullshit from anyone. Let it rain purple droplets from my eyes. RIP forever to these three wonderfully talented souls. 💕

This is not AI it has been up on YouTube on many channels for over 10 years. I think this is from a James Brown’s birthday concert

Another James Brown and MJ moment was at the 2003 Bet Awards. I remember watching it live and going crazy.

It's funny when people try to say that Michael "set Prince up" as if he knew that Prince was going to ride up to the stage on the back of a bodyguard or that he would jump on a lamp post. Like...let's be real. Michael himself said he asked James not to bring him up before hand. The most someone could guess is that maybe he told James that Prince was also there, but you'd have to assume that James didn't already know that. lol

All are gone today, and gone too soon.  It can be argued that each of these 3 men are a generational talent.  To have three performers at the peak of their peak is amazing.

I noticed Michael Jackson wasn’t on the stage anymore, when Prince came up on stage! It would’ve been killer if all three of them sang together. It was still pretty cool! 😎🔥♥

OMG MICHAEL JACKSON <333333 I LOVE THIS MAN BRO, also the context behind this video is so funny lmao.

In 1989, Aretha Franklin and James Brown released a song called Gimme Your Love. Prince didn't write but he remixed it for their albums.

RIP to all 3

If I'm not mistaken Prince got the piggy back ride from his bodyguard at the time , Big Chick. He made the interview circuit in the 90s and told some wild road stories

Damn, the early 80's were so great!! I had pictures of Prince and MJ in my junior high locker.  ❤❤❤❤❤

God bless James Brown, Michael Jackson AND Prince! Now you have to slap yourself! God bless Anthony Ray!

Yes that is 💯 true 👑Michael Jackson 👑 wanted prince to feature in the song  "BAD"  Prince said he wouldnt because of the first lyrics in it !!!! Thankyou for doing this reation well and all that u do🙌🙌,,, 💞👑🎤👑 Michael Jackson 👑🎤👑💞IS THE BEST THERE WAS, THE BEST THERE IS,, AND MOST DEFINITELY THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE 💞👑🎤👑MJ👑🎤👑💞 👑KING 👑

🤭🤭🤭🤭🤣🤣🤣🤣 this never gets old

Quincy Jones claimed that Prince tried to run over MJ and his mom that night because Mike was laughing in the corner.

Watch the BET AWARDS 2003 where MJ & James Brown have another EPIC! Moment🥹👑👑🐐🐐🕊️

I was looking forward to your reaction on this one. Too good to be true, except it is true. 💕

Prince was looking for attention. He just wanted a laugh !!

Prince knew he was in competition with Mike for decades..

Prince 💖 really preferred not to be on the stage with Mike.

But when Mike passed away, Prince cried - he felt sad.


Prince actually accidentally knocked that  night stand down .

He goofed up