Janet Jackson at BET Awards Michael Jackson Tribute

Sunday's BET Awards were dedicated to Michael Jackson, in the honor of the man who made many contributions to the music industry and the entire world. While the world honored Michael Jackson and BET Awards attendees paid tribute, Joe Jackson and Janet Jackson made surprising appearances on behalf of Jackson family. Joe Jackson spoke to the media on the red carpet. Janet Jackson took the stage to speak directly to the fans, and thank them for their support. Janet was emotional during her short speech, but wanted to make sure her brother's legacy lived on forever.

Watch video of Janet Jackson's live appearance at 2009 BET Awards, thanking Michael's fans and honoring Michael Jackson

Janet Jackson's Surprise BET Awards Appearance
Janet took the stage with Jamie Foxx, host of 2009 BET Awards, with an image of her and Michael as kids superimposed in the background. "My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful. So they elected me to speak with you," said Janet Jackson.

"To you Michael is an icon, to us Michael is family. He will forever live in 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." Janet was emotional, her voice quivering towards the end of her minute and a half speech.

Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo Honor Michael Jackson
Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo took the stage after Janet Jackson's speech to pay tribute to Michael Jackson. The musicians started off by singing "I'll Be There", with images of Michael Jackson shown in the background. Compilation of Michael Jackson's images included photos of his childhood, career and with his siblings. Foxx closed the show and Michael Jackson tribute by saying "God bless Jackson family. Michael will live forever in our lives and in our hearts".

Joe Jackson Raises Eyebrows at BET Awards Appearance
Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family, took the red carpet what was deemed surprising and eyebrow raising by fans. As Perez Hilton, celebrity blogger, noted "everyone grieves in a different way". At first fans did not expect Joe to attend a music event, but BET Awards entire show was dedicated to Michael Jackson's legacy.

In his interview with CNN, Joe Jackson stated that "I wish the world had recognized him when he was living. Right now, he's bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this."

Joe Jackson's statements in regards to Michael's death reminded everyone that there are still questions unanswered. Michael Jackson collapsed in his home, and there are questions in regards to the doctor who was living with Jackson at the time.

Jackson's father was asked how he would like to see Michael Jackson remembered. He responded, "I think if Michael was here he would've enjoyed the celebration, but ... he couldn't be here. It's like he was larger than he was ever before. I think Michael gives his love to everybody and we hope his record will never be broken."

As for how he would like to see Michael remembered, "Well as you know, since the tragedy has happened, I would like him to be remembered forever all over the world. We know that all over the world everybody will support him."

"The 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the life, legacy and legend of music icon, Michael Jackson" was a statement on the official BET Awards website. BET Awards paid a loving tribute to Michael, reminding us that Jackson's influence crosses generations, races, genders and even continents. The historic event gave other famous artists the first chance to pay tribute to Michael's legacy, many of them who were directly influenced by the one and only King of Pop.

Sources:

BET Awards 2009 Live
Joe, Janet Jackson Join BET Awards Tribute to Michael