What honor did Johnny Gill present at the 2009 BET Awards?
*While BET celebrated the life of Michael Jackson the entertainer, Janet Jackson — in her first public appearance since her brother’s shocking death — memorialized him as her beloved sibling and family member, eliciting tears as she vowed his memory would live forever. “To you, Michael is an icon,” said Jackson, holding back tears at Sunday’s BET Awards. “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.” Afterward, Ne-Yo and host Jamie Foxx performed a somber version of the Jackson 5 classic “I’ll Be There,” as photos of Jackson flashed across the screen. It was a stirring emotional highlight for a show that was completely revamped to recognize the legacy of Jackson, who died Thursday at age 50. While awards were still doled out, the show’s main focus was to pay tribute to the man who shaped the careers of every entertainer
Among the music artists who are confirmed to perform at the 2009 BET Awards; Beyonce, Ne-Yo, Maxwell, Fabolous, Soulja Boy, Keyshia Cole and Mary Mary. Additional performers include Kanye West, Queen Latifah, and Keri Hilson. There may also be surprise musical guests. Others expected to make appearances as presenters and/or performers: Snoop Dogg, Anthony Anderson, Paula Patton, Estelle, LeToya Luckett, Nichelle Nichols, Keke Palmer, Ray J, Ving Rhames, Zoe Saldana Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henderson, Idris Elba, Sherri Shepherd, and Marlon Wayans. Additionally, the legendary soul trio, the O’Jays (Love Train, For the Love of Money) will receive the 2009 BET Lifetime Achievement Award by presenters Tyrese, Trey Songz and Johnny Gill. Alicia Keys and WyClef Jean will receive the 2009 BET Humanitarian Award. The annual event is always very lavish, with many luminaries from the entertainment world appearing in BET red carpet photos. More 2009 BET Music Awards Winners video and photos below. S
