 Recap of the 2009 BET Awardsby Vonetta R. DeVonish
Since the news of Michael Jackson's untimely death broke last Thursday, BET decided to reformat their awards show, which started off with a Jackson Five performance by New Edition. They were good, just not as good as the originals. Nonetheless, it was nice seeing them together again. They were one of the original "boy bands" after the Jackson Five and highly popular during Michael's reign in the '80s. Candy Girl and Mr. Telephone were very popular hits back then.
It was nice to see that New Edition and BBD were back, even if for a moment, and Guy too, wow. Their performances definitely brought back the early '90s of my late teens when their songs were R&B mainstays. As for classic soul pioneers, The O'Jays performed later in the show and accepted a Lifetime Achievement award from Don Cornelius. Eddie seemed like he had a few drinks beforehand, forgetting he was on live TV with a few slips of the tongue.
The side interviews before each commercial break were a poignant touch. A personal insight into the Michael they knew.
Overall, I enjoyed the show. Thought they put together a nice tribute to Michael given the short amount of time they had to prepare.
Jamie was good, as a host and performer, though he was a little inappropriate at certain parts of the show. And his comment that Michael belonged to "us" was a little much. Yes, Michael belonged to the black community, he was one of our success stories, but he was as much an icon to other races and broke down racial barriers to become a global superstar due to his fans of all colors. Like he said in his 1991 hit, "it don't matter if you're black or white."
Seeing old images of Michael projected over the stage made me happy, back when he was a little "dancing machine" as part of the Jackson 5, and later when he became a man during the "Off The Wall" and "Thriller" days. The '70s-'80s "version" of MJ is my favorite for several reasons. One, he was black and beautiful, with the brown skin, big curly Afro and big nose that he so despised. It breaks my heart that he hated the very things that I loved about him. The "Rock With You" Michael and beyond, with the Jheri curl and the chiseled nose, was so handsome too, he was truly my first real crush. Then came the Thriller album cover where he's reclining with the tiger cub. He was so sexy, yet vulnerable.
We will forever miss Michael and what he meant to the black community, what he meant to the world.
Other MJ highlights from the show:
Keke Palmer's tribute and rendition of the soul classic "Who's Lovin' You" - Great voice. She's going places, with the talent and beauty to back it up.
Keri Hilson's performance (though she almost revealed a little too much in her loose fitting tee) , complete with an MJ tribute of her own. I'm liking her a lot more now, she's grown on me lately. Beautiful and talented.
Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo singing "Never Can Say Goodbye." Good vocals and appropriate song choice.
Why was Joe Jackson in the audience without the rest of the Jackson clan though? Just him and Al. I still don't like him to this day.
More highlights:
The Baby Boy reenactment between Taraji P. Henson and Tyrese was great, but then Ving Rhames took it a little too far. The crowd didn't seem with it either.
Keyshia Cole and Monica's performance - Soul sisters united, in interesting outfit choices.
During her performance, Beyonce looked beautiful though her outfit was a miss. It was a cross between a tutu and a fairytale princess dress gone wrong.
Not to be upstaged, Jay-Z put on a worthy surprise performance.
Is that Jimmy from Degrassi? Now he's a rapper named Drake? I had no idea. Guess he needs to take his career in a new direction, but I still love him as Jimmy.
And more:
Alicia Keys looked beautiful accepting her Humanitarian Award and gave a great speech. She's been looking great in general the last few years actually. And I followed her orders, texted and gave my $5 donation!
Chaka Khan - love her and her "How To" advice for becoming a star.
New and old Uhura together on stage - Both Zoe Saldana and Nichelle Nichols looked good. Go 'head girls!
Queen Latifah's performance with Mary Mary.
Are Kanye and Amber Rose back together again? It's so hard keeping up with all the celebrity gossip sometimes, but Amber did look pretty in (hot) pink.
Maxwell is back, though the close cropped hair doesn't suit him at all. He needs some big curls or something else going on. He looked good though, polished suit to match his smooth voice. Welcome back!
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