BET Awards 09: A Message to Michael

Timing turned the BET awards 2009 into the first televised tribute to the life and music of Michael Jackson.

And it was officially sanctioned -- father Joe Jackson was in the audience (with, naturally, Al Sharpton) and a brief, onstage, appearance by Janet Jackson. Clad in all-white, she teared up as she reminded the audience that while MJ was an icon to them, to the Jacksons he was family.

The show opened with a reunited New Edition -- including a juicy Bobby Brown -- singing Jackson Five tunes.

Host Jaime Foxx appeared in a number of MJ memorabilia outifits, from his opening "Beat It" look (and then he moonwalked the length of the stage. Well, almost) to custom T-shirts with MJ's face.

Some artists tried to incorporated MJ=like elements in their performances (Keri Hilson, unsuccessfully) while others just gave him a shout out (at the end of his set with Drake and Birdman, Lil' Wayne, rhymed 'You know I'm mugging back, Rest in peace, Michael Jac!")

The best moments were the quiet ones. Ne-Yo, a musically direct descendent of Michael's, sat on a stool with a pianist and a fedora at his feet and sang "The Lady in My Life." Ciara did the same with "Heal the World."

Later, Jaime Foxx and Ne-Yo sang "I'll Be There." (Sorry, the BET links send you to all the videos they put up; the first is Jaime Foxx and T-Pain.)

At the beginning of the video you can see Janet leaving the stage, and a lovely image of a very young Michael and Janet.

Other highlights: Maxwell singing "Pretty Wings" (although I thought he'd suck in a paper feather and choke); Jay-Z rapping "D.O.A"; and the tribute to and performance by The O'Jays. (The dug up Tevin Campbell!).

Odd note: Beyonce. I'm pretty sure in her show, that 'Ava Maria', bridal thing works, but out of context...huh?!