It’s hard to believe that one of the most legendary performances in music history was disliked by the very man who delivered it. Michael Jackson’s debut solo performance of “Billie Jean” at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever special in 1983 is widely regarded as the moment that crowned him the King of Pop. But to Michael, it was far from perfect.

Millions watched in awe as he moonwalked across the stage for the very first time. Dressed in a sequined black jacket, black pants, a glittering glove, and signature white socks, Jackson’s performance sent shockwaves through the entertainment world and revolutionized the landscape of pop performance forever. Yet behind the scenes, Michael was far from satisfied.

In an interview years later, Jackson admitted, “I don’t think I’m ever pleased with my performances. Never.” After the Motown 25 show, he was visibly upset, claiming he didn’t execute the routine as he had envisioned. Specifically, he wanted to perform five spins, end on his toes, and hold the final pose for a few seconds—but lost his balance and had to cut it short. That small detail, which most viewers didn’t even notice, left Michael disappointed.

Backstage, he cried—believing he had failed to meet his own artistic standards. But something happened that made him pause. A young boy approached him and said, “You’re amazing. I wish I could dance like you.” That single moment of praise from a fan helped Michael see the impact of his performance from a different perspective.

Despite his own critique, the world had witnessed something historic. The moonwalk became a cultural phenomenon overnight, and Billie Jean skyrocketed in popularity. That performance played a massive role in elevating Michael Jackson to a new level of fame, solidifying his status not just as a music star—but as a global icon.

Looking back, it’s astonishing to think that the performance that helped change music and entertainment forever was, in Michael’s own eyes, a failure. It’s a powerful reminder of just how high his standards were and how deeply he cared about his craft. While the world saw magic, Michael saw missed opportunity.

Today, the Motown 25 rendition of “Billie Jean” remains one of the most celebrated live performances in history. It wasn’t just a turning point for Jackson—it was a defining moment for pop culture. And ironically, the performance he hated became the one that changed his life forever.