janet jackson bet awards 2009

Jun.29, 2009 in celebrity gossip

janet-jackson-bet-awards-2009

Rather than mourn Michael Jackson death, the celebrities who took to the stage at the 2009 BET awards celebrated the memory of the King of Pop with pumped-up performances, heartfelt words and a surprise appearance by the star’s own sister Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson and her father Joe Jackson attended the BET Awards on Sunday night in Los Angeles, to be on hand for a tribute to Michael Jackson.

Joe wore a black hat, dark glasses and a dark suit. He said, “I wish the world had recognized him when he was living. Right now, he’s bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this.”

Host Jamie Foxx emerged wearing an outfit reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s famous “Beat It” gear: red leather jacket, cropped black pants, high white socks and black loafers. The Oscar winner then performed a dance sequence from Jackson’s video, moonwalking (and stumbling) across the stage to honor the pop superstar.“I hope I can make it.” He told the crowd, “No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man.” he said

As the awards came to an end, Janet Jackson surprised the crowd by taking the stage to give thanks to fans for their support in the wake of her brother’s death.

“My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to be here,” Janet Jackson said.

“I’d just like to say, to you, Michael is an icon, 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.”

After she left the stage, Foxx and Ne-Yo closed the show with the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.”

Here’s the complete list of winners from the 2009 BET Awards:

* Video of the Year: Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”
* Male R&B Artis: Ne-Yo
* Female R&B Artist: Beyoncé
* Male Hip-Hop Artist: Lil Wayne
* Female Hip-Hop Artist: M.I.A.
* Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
* New Artist: Keri Hilson
* Group: Day 26
* Collaboration: Jamie Foxx/T-Pain “Blame It”
* Video Director: Benny Boom
* Viewers’ Choice Award: T.I. (featuring Rihanna) “Live Your Life”
* Actor: Will Smith
* Actress: Taraji P. Henson
* Female Athlete of the Year: Serena Williams
* Male Athlete of the Year: LeBron James
* Centric Award: Jazmine Sullivan