The 2009 BET Awards Recap: The good, the bad, and the oh no he didn't's!

June 29, 12:20 PMR&B Music ExaminerSamantha Greaves

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Jamie Foxx's rendition of "Beat It" at the 2009 BET Awards. Photo: Chris Pizzello/AP

The 2009 BET Awards kicked off last night in Los Angeles, California and it was a night to remember. WIthout a doubt, the night belonged to Michael Jackson who attended in spirit through all of the artists that payed homage to the fallen King by way of immitated wardrobes and his signature white glove and socks.

The ceremony opened up to a performance by New Edition with all of the original members; that's right, together on stage, Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, and Ronnie DeVoe performed the Jackson 5's hit song "ABC" with a twist. Though the boys started off on a nervous foot complete with Bobby Brown weirdly flicking his tongue, the performance was OK at best and really got the crowd going.

But nothing could compare to the performer that stole the entire night. Host Jamie Foxx had so many slashes in his name that his inner light shinned through like window blinds. Michael would have been proud of Jamie's rendition of "Beat It" and his successful attempt at moonwalking from one end of the stage to the other. Though Jamie had a few tasks to complete during the night, he did them with pizzaz filled with jokes and flawless talent. Without a doubt he had the best night ever; could his mojo still be pumping from the tongue tango he and Halle Berry participated in? Could be.

Surprisingly, the award show was filled with performances and dedications while the award presentations were held to a minimum. It seems as if only 5 awards were handed out televised during the night, but that was not on anyone's mind; everyone wanted the performances from the attendee's to the folks watching at home.

What were the most memorable performances? 

Jamie's tribute to Michael was one of the most entertaining performances of the night. He wore the exact outfit as Michael in his signature "Beat It" video. From the red leather jacket to the high-water black pants complete with the single white glove and white socks, Jamie had it to a tee. His performance of his song "Blame It' was also very spectacular. Instead of performing the song as is like most of the artists did during the night, Jamie decided to switch it up by putting a Rock & Roll twist paired with a rocking guitar and Blink 182's Travis Barker on the drums; simply amazing. He even included rapper Snoop Dogg in the song and of course T-Pain was there, "Big A** Chain" and all.

Another performance that was one to remember was the tribute to the legendary O'Jays performed by Tyrese, Trey Songz, and Johnny Gill. Though none of the men at first glance look like they would know a thing about the O'Jay's, the way they performed their songs were like the original members. They hit every note as if it were their last and as presenter and former host of "Soul Train" Don Cornelius said "those boys know what they were doing".

Remembering the New Jack Swing era, did it for most of the crowd during the night. It's no secret, during the time when Teddy Riley reigned supreme, music was at it's absolute best. With such performers like Guy and Bel Biv DeVoe performing songs like "Poison" and "I Like", they most definitely brought back pleasant memories and reassured folks that good music prevails.

Then there was Maxwell, need there be more said here? He brought the house down with his song "Pretty Wings" complete with the falling of feathers from the sky  and a woman in the background being suspended by wires, all of the women swooned and smiled at the singing angel.

The Michael Jackson tributes were truly breathtaking. The way the artists payed homage with respect for Michael's music and his style was very commemorating. The idea to have known artists give their memories of meeting Michael and being affected by his music was very grounding for the show and expressed that their love for Michael's work is deeper than the eye can see.

Janet Jackson took to the stage for the finale of the ceremony for what would be her first appearance since the passing of her older brother. Shaken up and on the verge of tears, Janet spoke on behalf of her family saying "To you Michael is an icon, to us he is family he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love." at the conclusion of her touching speech, Jamie Foxx and Neyo performed a sweet duet of "I'll Be There".

Who did what? 

Before the show started, their were people speculating as to if Chris Brown would perform during the night. Chris Brown, who has expressed numerous times before Michael's passing how much of an influence Michael has had on his career, was no where to be found. Chris who released this statement upon hearing the news of Michael's passing,

Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer. I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy. My prayers are with his family. Michael will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He's the greatest… the best ever. No one will ever be better.

was supposedly booted from the line-up. Who's responsible? Rumor has it, rapper Jay-Z is to blame. The rapper took to the stage later on in the night to perform his song ("D.O.A." Death Of Autotune") [Click here for Jay's new video]. One of Chris' dancers left an interesting tweet via his Twitter giving hint to the fact that Jay-Z was behind Chris' lack of appearance by saying,

Jay-Z is mad childish. Never keep a person from paying there respect.

Whether it be true or false, the fact remains that it would have been amazing to have Chris pay a tribute by way of performance--one that would have been worth remembering--to the person he called hero. Hopefully he will get a chance to do so in the near future.

The BET Awards, though could have been a lot better and properly organized, was one of the most memorable shows of the year. They had a totally different show planned out, but after hearing that Michael had passed they decided to change the show around to pay tribute to the King of Pop. It was a night to remember and the artists that took to the stage are worth recognizing for doing good jobs.

If you missed the live airing of the BET Awards, tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 6:30 PM for the re-airing of the ceremony.