BET AWARDS HONOR MICHAEL JACKSON: A grieving Janet and a strange acting Papa Joe stop by (Videos)

Scroll down below Janet & Joes videos for a recap of the show

(June 29, 2009)
Email to a friend | Print Friendly 
     *While BET celebrated the life of Michael Jackson the entertainer, Janet Jackson — in her first public appearance since her brother's shocking death — memorialized him as her beloved sibling and family member, eliciting tears as she vowed his memory would live forever.

     "To you, Michael is an icon," said Jackson, holding back tears at Sunday's BET Awards. "To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much, thank you so much."

     Afterward, Ne-Yo and host Jamie Foxx performed a somber version of the Jackson 5 classic "I'll Be There," as photos of Jackson flashed across the screen.

     It was a stirring emotional highlight for a show that was completely revamped to recognize the legacy of Jackson, who died Thursday at age 50. While awards were still doled out, the show's main focus was to pay tribute to the man who shaped the careers of every entertainer who walked the stage that night.

     Joe Jackson, the singer's father, also was on hand to represent the grief-stricken family. "I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself," he said before the show. "Sadly, he's not here, so I'm here to celebrate for him."

     And for the most part, it was a joyous wake.

     "No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man," said Foxx, who kicked off the show with a re-enactment of the choreography from Jackson's iconic "Beat It" video in front of the star-studded crowd, on its feet from the start of the show.

     Read MORE of AP music writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody's report HERE.

Watch Janet address the BET Awards audience:

Witness Joe Jackson's somewhat strange interview with CNN's Don Lemon:

If you missed it, here's a recap of the 2009 BET Awards:

    From the minute the BET AWARDS '09 started, the audience was on its
feet immediately. Set against a backdrop of images of the Jackson 5, New
Edition - Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, Michael Bivens, Rickey Bell, Ronnie
DeVoe and Ralph Tresvant - reunited for a rousing performance of Jackson 5
songs, including "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "The Love You Save."

    Foxx - clad in a classic Michael Jackson outfit of a red leather jacket
and one glove - opened the show and set the perfect tone with a stage-long
moonwalk and a hilarious, poignant monologue emphasizing Jackson's
contributions to the music industry and pop culture.

    Keri Hilson also channeled her inner Michael by donning his "Bad"
outfit to perform her hit songs "Turnin' Me On" and "Knock You Down." Ne-Yo
slowed it down with a powerful rendition of Jackson's "Lady in My Life,"
while Jamie Foxx and T-Pain got everyone dancing for "Blame It," bringing
onstage surprise guest performers Snoop Dogg and Travis Barker.

    In a breathtaking performance of her ballad "Ave Maria" and Sarah
McLachlan's "Angel," Beyonce had the crowd mesmerized. Ciara also
captivated the crowd singing Jackson's "Heal the World," and Mary Mary and
Queen Latifah teamed up for a stirring performance of "God in Me." Keyshia
Cole and Monica collaborated on the beautiful song "Trust," and Soulja Boy
performed his hit "Turn My Swag On."

    Ne-Yo returned to the stage for one of the most electrifying
performances of the night, putting on a medley with some of his favorite
stars, including: Keith Sweat singing "I Want Her"; Guy (Teddy Riley, Aaron
Hall and Damion Hall) the originators of New Jack Swing; and Bel Biv Devoe,
who had the crowd on their feet fist-pumping to "Poison." Cultural icon
Jay-Z also rocked the house and had everyone standing to celebrate his new
single "Death of Autotune."

    Maxwell treated the audience to an incredible performance of "Pretty
Wings," and in a surprise performance, up-and-coming artist Drake was
joined onstage with Lil Wayne and Birdman for a medley of "Every Girl,"
"Best I Ever Had" and "Always Strapped."

    In a surprise appearance, Don Cornelius, host and creator of Soul
Train, spoke about the contributions of The O'Jays, the 2009 Lifetime
Achievement Award recipients. Tevin Campbell, Johnny Gill, Tyrese and Trey
Songz all performed to honor The O'Jays' musical career. Alicia Keys and
Wyclef Jean both received the 2009 BET Humanitarian Award for their
philanthropic efforts.

    In an emotional end to the BET AWARDS '09, Janet Jackson made an
appearance on behalf of the Jackson family to thank fans for their support.
And for the finale, Foxx and Ne-Yo brought the evening to a close with a
touching duet, singing the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."

    A star-studded line-up of the hottest A-list celebrities made
appearances at the show, including Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henderson, Idris
Elba, Sherri Shepherd, Anthony Anderson, Paula Patton, The Real Housewives
of Atlanta, Estelle, LeToya Luckett, Chaka Khan, Day 26, Nichelle Nichols,
Keke Palmer, Ray J, Snoop Dogg, Ving Rhames, Zoe Saldana, Mike Epps, Jeremy
Piven and Marlon Wayans.

    Throughout the BET AWARDS '09, BET Networks honored local heroes with
the Community Humanitarian Award. These inaugural honorees - The Three
Doctors, members of Food From The 'Hood (FFTH) and Mayor-elect James Young
- were recognized for their activism within their communities.

    Other memorable moments included: Zoe Saldana and Nichelle Nichols, the
lovely ladies who play the current and original Uhura in Star Trek; a movie
trailer spoof bringing together Matthew Lawrence's Shenene character and
Foxx's Wanda; Nickelodeon's star of True Jackson Keke Palmer performing
Jackson's "Who's Loving You" a cappella; and Ginuwine and other stars
giving testimonials on what Jackson meant to them.

    In addition to all of these incredible moments, a number of awards were
given out at the BET AWARDS '09:


    Best Male R&B Artist
    Ne-Yo

    Best Female R&B Artist
    Beyonce

    Best Group
    Day 26

    Best Gospel Artist
    Mary Mary

    Best Female Hip Hop Artist
    M.I.A.

    Best Male Hip Hop Artist
    Lil Wayne

    Best New Artist
    Keri Hilson

    Best Collaboration
    Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain - Blame It

    Viewer's Choice
    T.I. f/ Rihanna - Live Your Life

    Video Director of the Year
    Benny Boom

    Video of the Year
    Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)

    Best Actress
    Taraji P. Henson

    Best Actor
    Will Smith

    Best Female Athlete
    Serena Williams

    Best Male Athlete
    LeBron James

    Centric Award
    Jazmine Sullivan
   
Encore telecasts of the BET AWARDS '09 are set for:

    --  Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30-10:00 p.m.*
    --  Thursday, July 2 from 8:00-11:30 p.m.*
    --  Monday, July 6 from 8:00-11:30 p.m.*


        ---------------------
Make $500 - $1000/Per Day (CA$H)

(Just Returning Phone Calls)
**No Selling **Not MLM  **No Boss
Full Training & Support 24/7
Learn From Successful Mentors Daily
For Audio Details Visit:
www.missionarycmoney.com
(888) 304-9888 (Be Financially Free)

 

Click for the latest entertainment headlines
Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines


Speak Out
  Currently, 360 comments have been made on this story.
View Comments or Post Comments.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
...
Back to Top