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Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and more pay tribute to Michael Jackson at 2009 BET Awards
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The 2009 BET Awards became a celebration and tribute to the life of Michael Jackson, who died in Los Angeles on June 25. The ninth annual award show, held June 28 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, featured several celebrities talking about the late pop superstar and what he mant to them. Janet Jackson, Michael's youngest sister, made an unannounced appearance and tearfully gave her first public statement after Michael's death. Janet's father, Joe Jackson, was also at the show, where he gave several interviews. Here's what Janet Jackson had to say, as well as comments from other stars who talked about Michael Jackson in the BET Awards press room backstage.
Janet Jackson
My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful, so they elected me to speak with all of you. I'm going to keep it very short, but I'd just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts. 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.
— Janet Jackson
Alicia Keys
There’s no way this show could’ve happened without saluting Michael Jackson. This is his foundation, this is where we come from, this is where we have all grown up and loved him, everyone all over the world. I think tonight was especially phenomenal. You could feel a very high energy in there. I’m sure we’ve been to a lot of award shows and some are not that high-energy. This one is really genuine and beautiful. You feel people really feeling the need to express their love for someone who will never be gone from us, because his legacy will always be here. It’s really beautiful to be in a roomful of people who share one common love.
— Alicia Keys
Joe Jackson
I think if Michael was here, he would’ve enjoyed the celebration. He couldn’t be here. He looks like he’s larger than he was before. One thing is, Michael gives his love to everybody. And we hope his record will never be broken.
— Joe Jackson
Ciara
I didn’t grow up in music and I realized by that time I was 13 that I could do something in music — and for me, he really is the reason why, because I didn’t have any training … So it means a lot to me. That’s where I get my inspiration from … I don’t know him, but he means that much. I’m just taken by that.
— Ciara
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