In a Top 100 list compiled by VH1 and "Entertainment Weekly" in 2000, Jackson's performance was ranked as the sixth greatest rock 'n' roll TV moment. Five years later, "Entertainment Weekly" named Jackson's "Motown 25" performance as one of the most important pop culture moments in history. "It was a moment that crossed over in a way that no live musical performance ever had. There was a messianic quality to it", "Entertainment Weekly" editor Steve Daly commented. David Moynihan of "NME" wrote in 2009 that "Jackson's status as the world's biggest superstar was confirmed" by the "Motown 25" performance.