BET Awards soar on memories of Michael Jackson
In 25 years of writing about TV award shows, I have never seen one with the energy of Sunday’s BET Awards Show. Refashioned in the wake of Thursday’s death of Michael Jackson into a tribute to him, the live telecast brilliantly tapped into the wellspring of admiration, love, hurt and shock over his death that engulfed the show business community – particularly among Jackson’s fellow black performers.
Race was a part of the energy in Sunday’s tribute – let’s not ignore it. Host Jamie Foxx certainly put it out there on the table from his first words.
Following a show-stopper of an opening that featured New Edition doing a medley of Jackson 5 songs as images of the Jacksons flashed on giants screens behind them, Foxx opened the event by telling the audience at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us. We shared him with everybody else."
Foxx also indicated his disdain for so-called experts who had been talking about Jackson’s life since in the mainstream media since Thursday: "It didn’t make no difference to me what his nose looked like… I knew what he sounded like," Foxx said with an edge.
Foxx was clearly inspired by the memory of Jackson on a number of levels. He wore various outfits as homage to the ones worn by Jackson in his most famous music videos, like the black leather of "Billie Jean." He did a moonwalk across the stage – and it wasn’t half bad. And repeatedly, Foxx energized the audience by reminding, cajoling, demanding, "Come on, this is for Michael."
And it worked – the audience was constantly on its feet and rocking to the music pouring off the stage.
The memory of Michael Jackson was everywhere. Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, sat in the front row flanked by the Rev. Al Sharpton, and two seats down from Beyonce. When Beyonce won the BET Award as best female R & B artist, she said, "I want to thank Michael Jackson for being my teacher and my hero. When Beyonce performed, she included a verse of "In the Arms of an Angel," and it was clear that she was singing about Michael Jackson.
Ne-Yo brought the hall to a reverential hush for his tender rendition of the Jackson ballad, "Lady in My Life."
And then came Keri Hilson dressed in tights and a leather jacket bringing some of Michael Jackson’s most inspired music video dance moves back to life with an androgyny that would have surely met with Michael Jackson’s approval. Get over to YouTube now, and check it out.
"When we heard the news of Michael Jackson’s passing, we knew immediately we were going to have to change the nature of this show," BET president Debra Lee told the Shrine and TV audiences. "It was a labor love. Michael was truly a musical deity."
The closing moments included a tearful message of thanks by Janet Jackson: "To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family. And he will forever live in all our hearts. Thank you for all your love."
And then, Foxx and Ne-Yo led the hall in singing "I'll Be There" as the cameras showed face after face streaked with tears.
The production was not perfect. Foxx plugged his upcoming tour twice too much, and he told a really stupid joke about unprotected sex.
At times, the telecast had an ad-lib, ragged feel. On one occasion, Foxx clearly did not know that the telecast was back from commercial, and he was on camera. He asked several times if they were back, before the producer got word to him that indeed they were and millions had been listening to him testing the microphone and asking if they were live. There were also a few profanities the censors missed.
But, in the end, who really cares? Such production gaffes only added to the energy of the broadcast.
"There’s a beautiful energy that’s circulating in this room," said Alicia Keys, as she accepted an award as Humanitarian of the Year. "There’s a certain spirit that’s in this room. And I know whose spirit is. I think we all know whose spirit is in this room."
There was a beautiful energy and spirit in Sunday’s telecast, too. BET has often failed its audience in recent years. But Sunday night, Black Entertainment Television responded to a cultural moment that millions of Americans were still feeling intensely, and BET got it right.
Categories: TV and Pop Culture, TV and race
Comments
It was very emotional to see how Micheal Jackson, has impacted the world with his multitude of talents. BET is the best for making this show a tribute to Micheal in lue of his untimely death. I love u Micheal.
Posted by: Timitra Dawkins | June 28, 2009 11:49 PM
An extraordinary presentation in honor of a person who has advanced the world to a level that in unrecognizable. Thank you, Michael for your contribution. I love you. Oscar
Posted by: Oscar Carter | June 29, 2009 12:50 AM
R.I.P. MICHAEL YOU ARE TRULY THE KING OF POP. I FEEL LIKE JANET WHEN SHE SAID THAT YOU ARE AN ICON TO SOME BUT FAMILY TO HER. YOU ARE TRULY LIKE FAMILY TO ME AND I CANT THINK OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WITHOUT YOU. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE JACKSON FAMILY HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED
Posted by: YVONNE | June 29, 2009 2:21 AM
Do you believe in destiny?
GodYesOrNo.com
Posted by: prophecy | June 29, 2009 6:23 AM
I am totaly amazed at the way so many people are honoring and glorifying this sexual predator, child molester... why don't we just declare a national holiday for him?...
Posted by: amazed | June 29, 2009 8:17 AM
It was amazing that they pulled off such a tribute in such a short time. While I am normally not the average BET viewer, I did enjoy this show and tribute.
Posted by: Brian | June 29, 2009 8:18 AM
I did not watch the BET awards maybe I can catch something on YouTube. It is a good thing that people have these outlets for emotion.
To Prophecy, I think more about devine providence than destiny, yes I believe in God.
I think Michael Jackson was acquitted of those charges, but then so was OJ Simpson and I guess it is a matter of opinion in the public eye on both accounts.
Posted by: Sherry T. | June 29, 2009 9:03 AM
M.J. was a musical legend and genius and will truly be missed. It amazes me how people always focus on the negative things people did. We all know he had issues as well all do. Micheal was a big kid himself so I'll never believe his molested those children. He made some mistakes. Don't we alll?? So yes let's honor him for his contributions. They honor Elvis don't they(don't see why) but they do!!!!
Posted by: gifted | June 29, 2009 9:18 AM
Michael Jackson was GREAT!
Posted by: Wale | June 29, 2009 9:20 AM
I missed last night but the whole time I was away I was hoping that they would without fanfare, open the show by playing the entire clip of when they first were introduced and performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show" That would have been powerful.
Posted by: Mack | June 29, 2009 9:21 AM
OK Z - I'll say it. I didn't feel the love. MJ's body wasn't even cold and already BET was trying to capitalize on MJ's life. After the first 30 minutes (not including the dreadful "red carpet show") it became painfully obvious that neither MJ nor the Jackson family was incorporated into the show in any fashion prior to his passing. Absent too was anything related to the range of American Black Music - with the exception of the Mighty O'Jays. As a longtime fan who was playing "Dangerous" just last week, I reject that BET farce for what it was: a sorry attempt to capitalize on MJ's passing to boost ratings. The more appropriate thing to do would have been to tastefully recognize MJ that night, and plan a bigger event later. That way everyone who wanted to participate could have been there. Oh but that would have missed the ratings opportunity in a depressed market. So, we get subjected to the revamping mess we saw last night. Now, even the lack of organization and poor act selection can be blamed on MJ!
BET got the timing and courtesy of going first in celebrating MJ's legacy. They didn't set the bar too high. You'll see how low it is when others celebrate him too and embarass BET by doing a much better job. RIP MJ.
Posted by: Art | June 29, 2009 10:34 AM
Last night's show was horrific. At the end of Lil Wayne's performance he decided to shout, "Put your hands up for Michael Jackson in this *#@!$" Really? Is that what we need? Then there were the half-naked women with their legs spread wide open during the pre-show...
Aside from the embarrassing show, there were the promos for upcoming BET shows that made me want to cry. The fall line-up includes a knock-off Hell's Kitchen and a game show about black families who can't pay their bills. Really, BET?!? Really?
One of my favorite Tweets from last night came from @thepbg: "I wish BET died & Michael Jackson did a tribute to them."
Posted by: #BETfail | June 29, 2009 10:34 AM
LOVE rules supreme! God created an Angel who blessed the world with unlimited gifts of talent who made us laugh, cry and think. The musical world will never, ever be the same. We lost a great one to the ages! A piece of me is in mourning... as are millions right now. But, I know that Michael Jackson would want us to celebrate his memory in anyway that's respectful and fitting. A truly gifted performer and not only is his family mourning, but we are too. I love you Janet, but your brother, Michael Jackson will be in our hearts, too - FOREVER!
God Bless Your Angel, Michael Jackson and his family!
Posted by: change | June 29, 2009 11:07 AM
It was more the "Jamie Foxx Variety Show" so he could plug his continued aspirations in being a singer...NOT !!! Too many were tacky in trying to promote their new gigs & biz ventures, instead of respecting the evenings moment & purpose of MJ's impact. Foxx's MJ outfits looked so silly on him, it actually appeared more insulting than anything. Please, let the MEGASTARS (like Beyonce, Prince, Quincy Jones, Lionel Ritchie), produce a REAL and classy tribute to MJ ...without all the profanity & individual PR plugs
Posted by: Carolyn | June 29, 2009 11:47 AM
If Michael would have listened to his mother he would still be alive today. Instead he chose fame and where did it get him?
Posted by: david badinger | June 29, 2009 1:38 PM
"We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us. We shared him with everybody else."
Just another reason to care less about Jamie Foxx. Does anyone think this is something MJ would have liked to hear? I don't know but my guess is that he would want to have belonged to everyone.
Posted by: Just saying | June 29, 2009 11:21 PM
Please people... so the show was not that GREAT... it was something to start MJs celebration of his life. Before you complain, look in the MIRROR. Contemplate, Meditate, Deliberate and Appreciate what you got and that others are different... Most times, when people are complaining, something is wrong in their life.
********.
Have you all heard that the little boy that accused Michael of Molesting him said his Father made him do it for money and that it was all a lie... It was on today.
AND.. At least BET... TRIED...
Posted by: Barb | June 30, 2009 12:41 AM
I knew Jamie Foxx was talented, but I had no idea he was so hateful. The comment made that "He was theirs, and they shared him with everybody else" was embarrasing and racially discordant. I'm I left to feel that Michaels music was never intended for my ears? In that same train of logic I'd like to ask Jamie Foxx to please share President Obama with me as well.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by: Chris Johnson | June 30, 2009 1:21 AM
GRAZIE MICHAEL JACKSON PER AVERCI REGALATO LA TUA MUSICA, LA TUA VOCE, IL TUO STILE NEL BALLARE. RIPOSA IN PACE CON TUTTO IL CUORE. TI VOGLIO BENE. ELISABETTA.
Posted by: elisabetta | June 30, 2009 6:09 AM
BET (Black Entertainment Television) and "this black man" comment. Wonder, what if .... WET (White Entertainment Television) and "this white man." Thought WE were all the same !!! Guess not.
Posted by: Dave | June 30, 2009 9:56 AM
I personally did not like the BET awards this year, I just felt that in such a short notice they tried but it did not come together as good as it could have. I think the awards show could have been the same as they originally planned and paid a special tribute to MJ the last twenty - thirty minutes of the show. I think it was hard for Janet to come and make a statement which is understandable she loved her brother, Joe on the other hand may have his concerns but I think at a time like this he needs to show more compassion because if I die my daddy would lose it. Jamie Foxx I believe did not have bad intentions for his comment, while it may have been unnecessary it is what it is. Michael Jackson clearly stated race was not an issue and we are united as he clearly stated "IT DON'T MATTER IF YOU'RE BLACK OR WHITE" and this is why we all loved Michael RIP MJ
Hi, Thanks. Z
Posted by: D Crawford | July 1, 2009 12:25 AM
M ICHEAL
I S AN
C HRISTIAN
H ERO
A NGEL
L OVED
Posted by: Anonymous | July 1, 2009 11:19 AM
PRAISE GOD. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY. MAY GOD GUIDE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU THROUGH THIS HARD TIME. M.J. WILL ALWAYS BE APART OF ALL OF OUR MEMORIES. CONTINUE TO BE BLESSED.
Posted by: NINA D. | July 2, 2009 2:00 PM
For those of us who loved Michael Jackson, we will forever remember how our lives were defined by him, his music, his essence. On a thousand different levels we were affected. A gentle being filled with a passion for his beloved music and his millions of fans. When he soared with greatness we were enthralled. When he fell from grace, we grieved. There has never been his like, nor in my opinion, will there ever be. And now there is only a silence and a vacuum that once was filled by him. I did not worship Michael Jackson, that is for the Creator alone, but through his music and his gentle spirit, Michael Jackson most assuredly was living proof of God's myriad blessings. The world was blessed with his music and indeed his life. For those that hate him, judge him or simply remain indifferent, no amount of posting, blogging or commenting will change your mind and that is a pity. I loved him from afar like millions of others and the heart of my youth contains Michael Jackson and that is where he will forever stay. Michael's journey is over and he is at peace. The rest of us continue on ours. Sadly. Without him. Hearing only the silence of what once was Michael Jackson. My heartfelt prayers go out to his children, his family and to everyone that loved him.
Posted by: Just Another Voice | July 5, 2009 1:03 AM
does anyone know the name of the last song sung by michael on the BET show as the show was finishing
Posted by: mic | July 5, 2009 10:34 PM
To Mic,
I think Ne-Yo and FOXX sang "I'll Be There" to close the show.
Catch ya later, I have lots of hours of studying (wanna be an EMT again).
Posted by: Sherry T. | July 6, 2009 8:46 AM