Back at the Radio City Music Hall backstage, Link took off his white jacket and exhaled.
After winning the Best Male Artist award, he was scheduled to perform the award-winning song "Unstoppable" in the adjacent Bryant Park.
To honor MJ, during the performance, he and his dancers did the moonwalk, drawing crowds of thousands.
Hundreds of spectators joined them, dancing in the streets, and the atmosphere was incredibly lively.
It wasn't until he heard from Mandy later that he learned those people were also dancers arranged by MTV.
Speaking of the moonwalk, he picked it up during rehearsals at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
In order to master the dance, he had even personally sought MJ's guidance.
With his good physical condition, strong legs, and coordination, it wasn't difficult to learn.
He had just mastered it when MJ passed away, and now he was using it to honor MJ.
It was not a waste at all.