2009 BET Awards Tribute To Michael Jackson

With Michael Jackson’s death occurring just three days before Sunday’s BET Awards, the show was quickly overhauled to be a tribute to the legendary entertainer. And while most awards shows conclude with a rousing finale, this one concluded quietly, with a touching speech from Michael’s sister Janet and a soft, gospel-inflected performance of the Jackson 5’s 1970 hit “I’ll Be There” by Ne-Yo and show host Jamie Foxx.

While the evening began with New Edition romping through a stirring medley of the Jackson 5’s more upbeat hits, the gentle version of “I’ll Be There” made for a somber, dignified follow to Janet’s brief comments.

“To you, Michael is an icon, to us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts,” she said. “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, thank you so much,” she said while tearing up.