Michael Jackson, the most awarded recording artist in history, reached a monumental peak in 1984 when he won eight Grammy Awards in a single night for his groundbreaking album Thriller. But behind the polished performances and red carpet appearances, there was another side of the King of Pop—one filled with humor, humility, camaraderie, and genuine emotion. A newly surfaced compilation of rare, unseen backstage footage gives us a precious look at Jackson’s private moments at high-profile award ceremonies, revealing his interactions with friends, mentors, and legends in the music industry.

At an American Music Awards afterparty in 1984, a young Michael is seen enjoying time with child actor Emmanuel Lewis, their playful chemistry capturing a lighter, carefree side of Jackson rarely portrayed in media. “We always had a good time,” Lewis says, recalling their laughs and private moments.

Footage also shows Jackson en route to the 1984 Grammy Awards. “I had gotten a record 13 nominations for Thriller,” he says, smiling with pride and disbelief. As he walks into the venue, he receives a roaring ovation, a moment he recalls as “tumultuous” and filled with electric excitement.

Among those Jackson encounters backstage are music icons like Gladys Knight and Diana Ross—both of whom were instrumental in launching the Jackson 5—and James Brown, whom Jackson refers to as “one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.” Their exchange is heartfelt and filled with mutual respect. “I idolized him,” Jackson says of Brown, who warmly responds, “Thank you for everything. You’re doing it.”

Moments of levity shine through when Michael spontaneously sings a snippet of “Automatic” by The Pointer Sisters and practices one of his trademark spins for friends. These candid clips humanize Jackson, showing him not as the unreachable superstar but as a passionate artist and friend.

After the awards ceremony, where Jackson made history with his eight Grammy wins, he is seen backstage cradling his golden gramophones. “Thriller’s still, to this day, the largest selling album worldwide,” he notes with quiet pride.

A touching moment occurs when Elizabeth Taylor presents him with an award. Their warm exchange and his sincere appreciation showcase a long-standing friendship. “I love her,” Jackson says. “It was a wonderful, loving night.” He graciously meets Gloria Estefan as well, complimenting her and exchanging pleasantries with genuine warmth.

Later in the evening, a humorous moment unfolds when someone jokes about renaming an award the “Michael Jackson Entertainer of the Year Award,” prompting laughter and bashful smiles from Jackson, who admits to feeling embarrassed. “I always do,” he says softly.

At one point, Michael is seen reuniting emotionally with Diana Ross onstage, calling it a moment he deeply cherished. Afterward, in a rare interview, when asked what he would do with all his awards, he responds modestly: “Put them in a place of honor.”

He also uses the opportunity to address past controversies. With a gentle but direct tone, Jackson says, “By the way, I love Jewish people,” referencing and dispelling claims of antisemitism tied to lyrics in his song “They Don’t Care About Us.”

Later in the footage, Jackson shares a behind-the-scenes conversation with James Brown in their dressing room. The two legends talk about dancing, their latest projects, and family. Brown teases Jackson about dancing in heels, to which Michael laughs. They also discuss Jackson’s son, Prince Michael, with Brown remarking that Jackson will surely pass on everything he knows. The exchange ends with the two trading phone numbers, sealing a moment of kinship between icons.

These rare backstage glimpses reveal Michael Jackson not just as a performer, but as a man—full of emotion, reverence for those before him, and deep love for those around him. In a world often blinded by the spotlight, these moments are a reminder of the human behind the legend.