The BET Awards ceremony was turned into a tribute to Michael Jackson. It seems like there was something missing from the performances. It would be great if BET would be able to do a proper tribute to the memory of the "King of Pop".
James Brown Dies (Tribute w/ Michael Jackson)
Here are some comments posted on the Entertainment Weekly Live Blog covering the show.
LittleMiss... Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 07:41 AM EST
Jamie Foxx attempting to Moon Walk @ BET Awards 2009
The general consensus is BET did not produce a show that adequately consoled the Jackson family or acknowledged Michael Jackson’s musical genius. Many of the performances, and the constant production errors made throughout the show, were unprofessional and inappropriate for the theme of the evening. Considering the credentials of the production and corporate staff, there were many ways the show could have been appropriately altered to pay homage to the deemed “King of Pop.” Yet the show did succeed in one thing: getting people talking about Michael Jackson and not the controversy that surrounded him. Even though the show fell short of the expectations of many of its viewers, it is great to have people express feelings on how Michael should have been honored rather them digging up Michaels over-emphasized personal life. As for BET, I pray this award show is just a reflection of overwhelming grief and evidence that situations often get worse before they get better.Angelsgate Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 07:31 AM EST
I could use several words to describe the BET awards show, but i decided to keep it simple The word i have chosen is HORRIBLE. It was totally embarassing. The artist of today are talentless, unlearned and disrespectful. And we say this our future? God help us....
latrice Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 07:29 AM EST
tacky bleeping words i thought bet awards was a family show ving rhames is he on drugs or drunk last night. very disappointed. first time in years that i looked at awards. now i know why
nicole pace Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 07:28 AM EST
First and formost, the show did what they could for the time alloted of learning of "The King's" death. If anyone WHO Watched, noticed they cut back and rearranged the whole show for the tribute. Yes, I feel Chris Brown should have been there to honor Micheal as well. But EDDIE LAVERT requested that the host from Soul Train come and introduce him. It was just giving them what the OJAYS Wanted. As for Jaime and the nose comment he said that he loved Micheal with the color he was born with and the color he became. He also referred to the nose changes as we. As a memeber of the BLack race he told it like it was and with class. The truth aint always pretty.He sang so much because he had to fit the format Debra Lee and Stephen Hill changed with in days. How many Host can you say would or could have done that. As for the ohter music , it's us. It is what would have went on if Mr Jackson hadnt died.So when you say you hated the show, well..sadly you hate us and the show from jump!
John Quince Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 07:17 AM EST
I was so embarrassed by the BET award show last night. This was the perfect opportunity to step up and do right by MJ, but they simply failed. If they failed to such horrific proportions, what about our other heros such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and others. I don't normally take things like this personal, but I am still feeling this way 24 hrs later.
Saucy Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 07:03 AM EST
How dare you say this show was a tribute to Michael Jackson. This was just GOD awful. This is not the type of setting Michael would have liked nor would his family. Some parts were appropriate i.e. Beyonce, Tyrese, Treyshon, Johnnie Gill, Tevon Campbell, the Ojays, Ne-yo. Others were just awful. T-Pain and Lil Wayne has no tack. Debra Lee, I must say I am disappointed in you.
2hurt4words Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 06:59 AM EST
BET read all of the comments. NOBODY thought this was a well planned or executed show. MJ was a showman. What the heck did YOU think you were producing? I know MJ and his entire family are appalled and embarrassed, cuz if they ain't I sure am. What a disgraceful production. This attempt to pay homage to the King of Pop, was a sure disaster. BET let me remind you, that Michael Jackson was the FIRST, and in no way is this the way you pay tribute to a LEGEND. DAMN y'all got it all wrong!!!!!!!!!!! [EW]
MTV held a great tribute to Janet Jackson years ago with Usher, Pink and Mya dancing to her videos. It would have been great to see a musical production on that level during the show since Michael Jackson was a perfectionist. The highlights of the show were Jamie Foxx attempting to Moonwalk, Beyonce singing "Ave Maria", Ne-Yo, Ciara and New Edition performing a tribute to the Jackson 5.
Beyoncé - Ave Maria
Ne-Yo MJ Tribute
New Edition Jackson 5 Tribute
The BET Awards became the official Michael Jackson TV celebration on Sunday, with joyous tributes to the King of Pop from a New Edition medley of Jackson 5 songs to host Jamie Foxx's tender monologue delivered in that classic red leather zipper jacket and white glove.
"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.
Joe Jackson, the singer's father, was on hand to represent the grief-stricken family. "I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself," he said. "Sadly, he's not here, so I'm here to celebrate for him."
Already an affair of major star wattage, the night's show at the Shrine Auditorium was thrown under a white-hot spotlight in the wake of Michael Jackson's death Thursday, adding attendees and guests, doubling the number of media requests, adding an extra half-hour to the telecast and even lengthening the red carpet to accommodate all who wanted to take part.
Backstage, Ciara recounted talking on the phone with her idol and her regrets that she never got to meet him. As she talked, she started to cry. "He meant so much to me," she said through tears.
While Jackson's incredible influenced stretched across genres, races, and cultures, he had a very unique place in the world of black entertainment. His influence is arguably most visible in urban music, seen in stars like Usher who mimic his dance moves, to Ne-Yo, whose music is marked by its Jackson-isms. But that influence went beyond music: Jackson was black America's biggest star, who broke racial barriers that allowed for so many other superstars to follow.
Producers of the annual awards show — which recognizes the best in music, acting and sports — revamped the show to meet the moment. While Beyonce and T.I. were the leading award nominees with five apiece, giving out trophies was an afterthought: Honoring Jackson was became the show's main focus.
While some performed their own hits, most made sure to incorporate some of the man who influenced them in their performances. A chant of "Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson" was heard while Keri Hilson performed, and Foxx's "Blame It" incorporated some of the Jacksons' dance hit "Blame It On the Boogie."
Throughout the night, Foxx also regularly turned up in some of Jackson's signature looks, like the wide-collar black leather outfit from "Billie Jean."
New Edition, the 1980s teen sensations who were considered that generation's Jackson 5 with their own version of bubble-gum soul, ran through several of the Jackson 5's greatest hits, from "I Want You Back" to "ABC," mirroring their idols right down to the group's original choreography. Ne-Yo sang one of Jackson's most sensual songs, "Lady in my Life."
"He's the man who made it possible for me to be on the stage; I love you and I miss you," he said later.
Ciara sang Jackson's humanitarian anthem, "Heal the World," dressed in a jacket that had Jackson's signature military epaulets.
And winners acknowledged Jackson when they received their awards.
"This is for you, Michael Jackson," said Beyoncé, as she held her trophy for best female R&B artist skyward. "I have to thank Michael for being my future and my hero." [source]
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It is really sad that the king has died...he was like a father to people.HOPE for a better tomorrow...AND NOW THE LEGEND IS gone...................it get people like me emotional cuzz i am an emotional girl.But every one has to remember to be strong be-cuz the legend is still in our heart.and for a fact he is looking down on us and and the tributes like beyonce and new edition jackson 5 great:):'(may look happy on the outside but broken on the inside..and i am like 10-11 years old
Posted by: 10yearoldgirl | July 26, 2009 at 09:24 PM