Photos and Video from 2009 BET Awards Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Kanye West, Joe Jackson, Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z

BET Awards Honor Michael With Help From His Music, Family and Moves

June 29, 2009

The stars gathered in LA last night for the BET Awards where they paid tribute to Michael Jackson. Joe was on the red carpet talking about how much Michael would have appreciated the outpouring of love and support and once the show started Janet took the stage on behalf of the Jackson family. She said, "My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful so they elected me to speak with all of you. I would just like to say that 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 your love; thank you for all your support." Jamie Foxx performed "I'll Be There" and showed off his attempt at MJ moves to "Beat It." The red carpet was full of beauty highlights and other performances included Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z, but there was no question that the night belonged to Michael amid so many rumors and stories surrounding his untimely passing.

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To see video of the MJ tribute plus more photos from the night including Zoe Saldana, Tyra Banks, Alicia Keys, Ciara and others just read more.

Images include: Marlon Wayans, Zoe Saldana, Kanye West, Amber Rose, Joe Jackson, Tyra Banks, Alicia Keys, Ciara, Soulja Boy, Beyonce Knowles, Tyrese Gibson, Wyclef Jean, Mario, Sherri Shepherd, Taraji P. Henson, Diddy, Lil Wayne, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg

Source: Getty

48 Comments

momma tikita 3 years

I agree Mar, MJ would definetly not agree.

7R 3 years

The dancing inmates of Philippines were better, his tribute was more touching.This is so lame and rushed. What a shame!

7R 3 years

The dancing inmates of Philippines were better, his tribute was more touching. This is so lame and rushed. What a shame!

Kimmerzzz 3 years

Every photo that I have seen of Janet since MJ's death, she truly looks mournful and hurt........In each photo of Joe, he looks like he is having the time of his life.....I can't believe he is going to be in the position to screw up more kids if his wife does get custody of the grandkids...........Hopefuly she has grown a backbone and will not allow him to ruin their lives...............

mar 3 years

momma, I do not think that he meant it like that either, but I think that is something that MJ would not agree with so much. Look, I know he was a giant step for black talent recognition, but I truly think MJ wanted everyone to feel he was a part of everyone, not just 1 group of people. It doesn't matter if your black or white. Did I mention that I HATE Jamie Fox???

mar 3 years

momma tikita 3 years

Mar I dont think he meant it to be racist. Just that MJ was big for the black community at that time. Im sure he could have worded it differently.

momma tikita 3 years

Mar I dont think he meant it to be racist. Just that MJ was big for the black community at that time. Im sure he could have worded it differently.

mar 3 years

one thing that REALLY pissed me off, I do not care what color your skin is - Jamie Fox said " he belonged to us" - MJ was a part of EVERYONE"S life, Chinese, American, British, WHATEVER!!!!!MJ's best friends are Liz Taylor , David Guest....... yeah exactly

mar 3 years

one thing that REALLY pissed me off, I do not care what color your skin is - Jamie Fox said " he belonged to us" - MJ was a part of EVERYONE"S life, Chinese, American, British, WHATEVER!!!!! MJ's best friends are Liz Taylor , David Guest....... yeah exactly

3 years

... I'm watching CNN Europe right now, Al Sharpton is doing damage control with Joe Jackson standing next to him, but apparently to no avail, since Joe is pitching that damn record label again! He seems disturbed, generally, but not by the death of his son. Shameful! I cannot believe my eyes or ears.

NikkiC19 3 years

I am absolutely appalled by the BET Awards. This was supposed to be a tribute to the greatest entertainer in the world...in history. When it's about MICHAEL JACKSON, you're supposed to go all out and do it for him. Chris Brown, Usher, and Justin Timberlake should have been able to do the tribute to MJ. I don't care what happened with Rihanna--or about Jay-Z putting his fat-lipped a** in the mix. This was time to show Michael and his family that Michael was "our" family too. And they just did a poor job at it. I will never watch another BET Awards show. And I pray the Grammy's get it right.

mar 3 years

WOW- this terrible!!! Before the show, poppa Joe was TRYING TO PLUG HIS NEW RECORD COMPANY!!!! It was shameful and tacky. The show sucked hard. Jay Z was the best, Beyonce was STUNNING!!! but her singing bores me for some reason. The O Jays were the best part, I loved their speech!!! Honestly, this show was an embarrassment to BET.

mar 3 years

WOW- this terrible!!!Before the show, poppa Joe was TRYING TO PLUG HIS NEW RECORD COMPANY!!!!It was shameful and tacky. The show sucked hard. Jay Z was the best, Beyonce was STUNNING!!! but her singing bores me for some reason. The O Jays were the best part, I loved their speech!!!Honestly, this show was an embarrassment to BET.

BethM 3 years

I heard it was a bore and basically a Jamie Foxx show. But, I didn't watch so I don't know it this is true.

3 years

they really tried, but that show was a hot conglomeration of mess. news reports today said that Chris Brown was going to do a tribute to MJ and had been practicing but Jay-Z said absolutely not and the Beyonce was supposed to open the show, but she wanted to sing 'i'll be there' and was told that the song was too sad to begin the show with.

Pampire 3 years

Didn't watch but from what I have heard, apparently I didn't miss anything. :shrug:

Mega111 3 years

Geez!What A Miss Was That Show.I Never Even Liked The BET Awards But They Should Have At Least Give MJ A Proper Tribute..The Only Thing I Liked Was Janet Jackson's Beautiful Speech

flyowsley 3 years

I am surprised the building didn't explode with all the huge egos inside. I hate Jamie Foxx, what a tool.

Juicylemon 3 years

I can't believe Joe Jackson when I saw this interview...

simplyfab87 3 years

The show was ridiculous and dumb. I know his death was sudden but he deserved more of a tribute than that mess.

PopDiva24 3 years

Joe Jackson's red carpet interview was ridiculous. That man in unreal. He showed no emotion WHATSOEVER. All MJ was to his father was a freaking cash cow. It's so sad. Janet looked beautiful and her speech was touching.