BET Awards plan Michael Jackson Tribute!

June 28, 5:23 PMOrlando Entertainment ExaminerDawnn Behrens

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Michael Jackson thru the years ( AP)

Plans for the 2009 BET Awards changed in an instant, upon the shocking news that Pop Icon Michael Jackson had died. The show which was planned to celebrate and award various entertainers has now turned into a memorial for Jackson. Each year the BET Awards show recognizes the best in music, acting and sports. This year they they are pulling out all the stops for a “ spectacular celebration of the "King of Pop”."

Chairmen and Chief Executive Debra L. Lee said”
“It's a total overhaul,"Luckily we have enough time to do that." The show will still be an award ceremony but will be "more geared toward Michael Jackson." said Lee. The show will be hosted by actor singer Jamie Foxx and is being held at the Shrine Auditorium. This year the BET Awards telecast has been extended by 30 minutes to be able to show all the evenings Michael Jackson tributes. There are also rumors of many surprise guests for tonight’s broadcast.

It is also reported that with the recent news of Jackson’s death the guest list and media request’s have doubled. To accommodate the increase in numbers they have even had o lengthen the red carpet. No announcement has been made on whether or not any of the Jackson family will be attending.

Footage of Michael Jackson and James Brown on BET Awards

The show’s 2009 lineup was planned to include performances by numerous stars such as Queen Latifah. One duo performance that was planned was to be done by Beyonce and Ne-Yo, both had been rehearsed for weeks. It is being reported that in light of recent events surrounding Jackson’s death, they are re-working their routines to honor Jackson. Many artists such as Justin Timberlake, and Usher changed their plans to make time for the event.

This years top contenders are T.I and Beyonce each was nominated for 5 categories.
Beyonce has been nominated for “ Best R&B female”,Best actress, and Best video of 2009. T.I has been nominated for Best male Hip- Hop, Best collaboration, and Best video of 2009. other nominees include Keri Hilson, Lil Wayne, and T- Pain with all of them tied with four nominations each.
 

The program airs at 8pm on BET

BET Awards 2009 LIVE Sunday, June 28 8/7c!