2009 BET Awards

A somber, but moving speech was made by a tearful Janet Jackson who thanked her late-brother’s fans at the 2009 BET Awards. Not only was Ms. Jackson’s appearance unexpected, but the show itself was changed at the last minute.

Writer Michaela Angela Davis let her Facebook fans know early on that she would be participating in the last minute tribute show, only hours after Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Other participants also let the cat out the bag on Facebook, which alerted fans that last minute changes were happening.

Guests, honorees and performers rehearsed until the last minutes to give Michael a thoughtful and heartfelt tribute, while many of the other television stations barely lifted a finger to showcase his accomplishments due to the outrageous tabloid rumors, allegations and behavior over the last 15 years.

Although there were some ridiculously staged performances that could only be due to the last minute changes and horribly bad judgement of the producers and BET –i.e., Lil’ Wayne rapping raunchy lyrics about his sexual conquests while 12 year old girls danced around him (sick…and not in a good way)– it was at the very least thoughtful of BET to stop the presses, and pay homage to the King of Pop.

Highlights included Tressie Award winner Tyra Banks, and moments of genuine respect by Oscar® Award-winning actor, Jamie Foxx.