Jackson Family Speaks At BET Awards

Sister Janet: "To Us, Michael Is Family," Thanks Fans For Support, Father Joe Says Family "Doing Fine"

(CBS/AP)  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 who walked the stage that night.

Joe Jackson, the singer's father, also was on hand to represent the grief-stricken family. "I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself," he said before the show. "Sadly, he's not here, so I'm here to celebrate for him."

Click here for CBSNews.com's full coverage of Michael Jackson's death.

The father told reporters on the red carpet that the family was "doing fine". Asked about the pop star's three children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7, Joe Jackson said, "They're with us."

His assertion of custody over Michael Jackson's children is significant, reports CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy, because several other associates of the pop star have expressed interest in looking after the children.

Joe Jackson said he has "many concerns" about the people and circumstances surrounding his son's unexpected death, but he told reporters he couldn't comment further. There have been suggestions from the family that prescription drugs may have played a role in Jackson's death.

Tracy reports that the family has not confirmed any funeral plans yet.

But for the most part, the BET ceremony was itself a joyous wake.

"No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man," said Foxx, who kicked off the show with a re-enactment of the choreography from Jackson's iconic "Beat It" video in front of the star-studded crowd, on its feet from the start of the show

Already an affair of major star wattage, the night's show at the Shrine Auditorium was thrown under a white-hot spotlight in the wake of Jackson's death, adding attendees and guests, doubling the number of media requests, adding an extra half-hour to the telecast and even lengthening the red carpet to accommodate all who wanted to take part.

Backstage, Ciara recounted talking on the phone with her idol and her regrets that she never got to meet him. As she talked, she started to cry. "He meant so much to me," she said through tears.

While Jackson's incredible influence stretched across genres, races and cultures, he had a unique place in the world of black entertainment. His influence is arguably most visible in urban music, seen in stars like Usher who mimic his dance moves, to Ne-Yo, whose music is marked by its Jackson-isms. But that influence went beyond music: Jackson was black America's biggest star, who broke racial barriers that allowed for so many other superstars to follow.

"Michael Jackson was so important to our world, to our country, to this network," said BET Chairwoman Debra L. Lee. "Michael was truly a musical deity."

Producers of the annual awards show - which recognizes the best in music, acting and sports - revamped the show to meet the moment. While Beyonce and T.I. were the leading award nominees with five apiece, giving out trophies was an afterthought: Honoring Jackson was became the show's main focus.

While some performed their own hits, most made sure to incorporate some of the man who influenced them in their performances. A chant of "Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson" was heard while Keri Hilson performed, and Foxx's "Blame It" incorporated some of the Jacksons' dance hit "Blame It On the Boogie."

Throughout the night, Foxx also regularly turned up in some of Jackson's signature looks, like the wide-collar black leather outfit from "Billie Jean."

New Edition, the 1980s teen sensations who were considered that generation's Jackson 5 with their own version of bubble-gum soul, ran through several of the Jackson 5's greatest hits, from "I Want You Back" to "ABC," mirroring their idols right down to the group's original choreography. Ne-Yo sang one of Jackson's most sensual songs, "Lady in my Life."

"He's the man who made it possible for me to be on the stage; I love you and I miss you," he said later.

Ciara sang Jackson's humanitarian anthem, "Heal the World," dressed in a jacket that had Jackson's signature military epaulets.

And winners acknowledged Jackson when they received their awards.

"This is for you, Michael Jackson," said Beyonce, as she held her trophy for best female R&B artist skyward, calling the singer "my hero."

"We all know none of us in this in this room wouldn't be here for Michael Jackson," said Lil Wayne, as he picked up his award for best male hip-hop star.

"My heart and prayers go out to the whole Jackson family," said basketball star LeBron James, who won best male athlete.

Not every moment had the stamp of Jackson. Foxx resurrected his "In Living Color" character Wanda and paired it with another cross-dressing classic character, Martin Lawrence's Sheneneh, for a hilarious parody of an "upcoming movie": "Skank Robbers."

Beyonce gave a simultaneously sexy and angelic performance of "Ave Maria"; Ne-Yo brought out some of the hitmaking male R&B acts of the 1980s and 1980s, from Bell Biv Devoe to Guy. But even without a direct Jackson reference, there was usually a Jackson connection, as all of those artists counted Jackson as an inspiration. And Eddie Levert of the classic R&B group the O'Jays talked about how much he'd miss Jackson even as his group was honored with a lifetime achievement award.

Other performers incorporated some of the man who influenced them in their performances. A chant of "Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson" was heard while Keri Hilson performed, and Foxx's "Blame It" incorporated some of the Jacksons' dance hit "Blame It On the Boogie."

Jackson connections were inescapable: Even the building where the ceremony took place, the Shrine auditorium, was where Jackson's hair and scalp were burned during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in 1984. It was also the location for several of his Grammy and American Music Award performances.

[caldwellptr]

I blame all of the comments here on the Boogie.

[steeepe]

MJ was a great entertainer, but he wasn't the first black entertainer to connect with whites, as some of the media have portrayed. What about Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, the Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Jimi Hendrix, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Sammy Davis Jr., Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thelonius Monk, Louis Armstrong, Cannonball Adderley, etc., etc.? MJ had some huge disco hits, but plenty of us never really liked disco all that much.

[PostalOneToo]

Joe Jackson, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are attention ******. Joe plainly has dollar signs in his eyes. Michael obviously did not have a close relationship with his dad and he would never want Joe around his children. Regardless of who sired/carried these children, Michael has been "Daddy" and that's who they have known. I hope his will is explicit about his kids. And I hope the vultures don't get a dime.

[PostalOneToo]

My word got bleeped. It began with a "w" and ended with an "s".

[cindymtw]

I am completely shocked to read such heartless comments from people who are obviously just simply LOW DOWN indiviauls. One can only hope that your lives are perfect and that nobody that gave a grain of salt about any of you had to read or listen to people scandalize your name in their time of loss. People have a heart! His family are humans regardless of how you feel about him. Show some respect and/or have some dignity about yourselves. After reading what many have written here, you don't have a right to lift a finger or your tongue to say anything about Michael's character. I guess as the saying goes, they talked about JESUS himself, so Michael did something right! Find something to do if you don't have constructive words of encouragement for his family or his kids. Again, I know any of you are not without a spot or wrinkle in your lives and my heart is with whoever raised you with morals.

[u-r-right]

Jackson wasn't too proud of his upbringing. Nor does it seem he was too proud being black. These children do not have a drop of his blood in them, there is just no way. He bought off a couple of blonde hair, blue eyed white people to produce all of these kids.

Katherine is too old to raise these kids. She hopefully will employ the nanny who is closest to them to bring them up.

Was Michael sane enough to make his wishes known should something happen to him? Was there a will? You would think Peter Pan would have been responsible and "grown up" enough to be sure his kids were taken care of.

[toldyouso29]

Joe Jackson, the singer's father, also was on hand to represent the grief-stricken family. "I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself," he said before the show. "Sadly, he's not here, so I'm here to celebrate for him."

As told first by LaToya (and at first denied by all the rest) then confirmed by Janet and Michael, Joe would sneak into his kids rooms, boys and girls and molest them--ultimately raping both sons and daughters. I blame Joe Jackson for destroying his kids in such a way that each had to find their own peace for the debauchery he inflicted on them--and I blame Katherine for being so old fashioned that she gritter her teeth in silence, kept the secrets and stood by such a monster.

When LaToya first told about the incest and rapes, she was ridiculed by the press and the family said she was crazy. Only Reebie said their was some truth in it but would not say to what level. Years later, Janet quietly admitted that molestations when she was a child helped to contribute to her problems with men and then she looked in the camera and said softly, "LaToya told the truth" It was a watershed moment.

Michael was introduced to both the horror and thrill of using boy children as sexual toys and victims. Joe Jackson is a monster if he really did those things and he will have to live with what he did for the rest of his life...unfortunately, as depraved as he must be or must have been--it probably will not affect him much.

REst in peace Michael--and maybe for the first time in your existence--may there be peace for you on the other side. Condolences to the Jackson family.

[nataleesm]

Finally a fair comment about Michael possible pedophilia although I prefer to stay in the doubt. It would make sense he could have been a victim of his father's sexual abuse. as He rejected adulthood and maybe sex with grown ups. he was a very confused man. also it looks like he didn't want to see his father in the mirror and depart from that as much as he could. That says a lot. i always believe he should have sought professional help instead of surgery.
RIP Michael

[Scimajor]

My favorite quote from the BET's:

"None of us wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Michael Jackson".

..... uhmmmmm ..... are you sure that's what you meant to say?

[YCantWeAllGetAlong]

by heavynne June 29, 2009 8:54 AM PDT
President Obama is black, ask him about his struggles as a black man. If he were not president and unknown, he would definitely just be another black man. Ask all of the mixed kids who are part black what race white society considers them to be.

Obama was raised by all whites, considering that he's half white. Sure, he has a black father, but he wasn't raised around any of that. It's absolutely hysterical that people say he's black. He's of mixed race, period, and that will ALWAYS be fact. I have plenty of friends who come from mixed race homes and they consider themselves of mixed race. DUH, that's what they are! Stupid people and their racial separation. Obama is no more all black than I am.

[toldyouso29]

Given how whites perceive and treat people of color--Obama is black. According to most laws in most states, anyone with even 1?12 of black blood or more is black--period. Given his hair texture, nose shape and skin color--Obama would definitely be considered and be treated like any other black. rAised by whites or not does not matter--you don't go to school with your family--you don't usually don't work with your family, go to concerts or games or public events with just family, you don't visit hospitals with signs that say "Hey, my mom is white so cut me a break"

Obama probably suffered more from being bi-racial than a regular black does being black--because there will always be those who castigate him for his mom being white and those from the other side who do the same because his father was an African and still another group who will despise him for his parents having an interracial relationship. Provided they know he is biracial of course. I know lots of blacks with a lot less white blood in them who look more biracial than Obama--and you can bet--before whites would be prejudiced due to color, they do not take the time to find out just how much "white" is in the person they have decided to be racist against.

[taxchurches]

You know, I found Michael Jackson disgusting, his product annoying and useless, and his fans idiots. I too am tired of hearing about this ongoing freakshow. But, to be fair, he was never convicted of doing anything to a child. Nor was OJ or Robert Blake ever convicted of murder.

Technically, those who call Jackson a child molester/pedophile could be sued, if anyone wanted to bother. Was he? Maybe. Even probably. But I have no evidence of it, and likely neither do you. He was certainly a twisted flake. But, what exactly is the point of a trial, if nobody respects the verdict? Being accused of something doesn't make you guilty -- and we should all hope we never have to find this out the hard way.

Was Jackson a "musical genius"? He wasn't a "musical" anything; music wasn't what he did. I can't imagine anyone sitting down and listening to a Michael Jackson album. His fans watched and adored him, and danced to noises he made, they didn't LISTEN to him the way true music lovers listen to music. He was just a performer, possibly a good one, but I don't have much respect for performers. I respect creators.

Bottom line, Michael Jackson was a pop icon. I think we can all agree to that, can't we? And as such, he deserves the same respect as any pop icon... Like Spuds Mackenzie and Barney the Dinosaur.

[USASTILLONTOP]

It's also amazing how Sharpton And Rev Jackson show their faces... That's pitiful. as is the way the rest of the Jackson clan is a bunch of money hungry slimeballs. And I used to like Jamie Fox, Now he's just another ******

[USASTILLONTOP]

It just go to show that we are no further along in race realtions than we were 20 yrs ago.. What a shame.

[USASTILLONTOP]

Let's see how long it takes before the Jackson family finds a way to make money off of this.

[blog_fever2]

They don't have to... MJ sales have gone through the roof!

[knowdalaw]

It was so IGNORANT for Joe Jackson, to PLUG his new business, while being interviewed by Don Lemon at CNN. We were all in tears, and he was smiling and acting so SILLY, and introduced his partner in his new record label.

The Jackson family is acting like vultures, sweeping down to capitalize on Michael's success. Michael never even attended the BET awards. It was too little for him then. It was too BLACK for him then.

I am so tired of the Jackson family blaming everyone else instead of looking in the mirror at Michael's faults.

They need to stop LIEING.

[DaVicar5]

AttentionDeficit said: "maghop: you got it wrong. failing to prove guilt and "proving" innocence are two separate things."



Sounds like Bill Clinton explaining the difference between "Is", and "is".

[AttentionDeficit]

maghop: you got it wrong. failing to prove guilt and "proving" innocence are two separate things.

[obomba1]

Joe Jackson is the reason Michael was so messed up. He is the last person Michael would want representing him.

[makstarn]

Where was all this adulation while he was alive? That's the time to make it clear. Most of these "entertainers" are hypocrites.

[mick7744]

Of course Joe Jackson wants custody of Michael Jackson's children. When you lose one meal ticket...you go out and quickly get another!

How?

Enlist the aid of a so-called ?family spokesman? like that racist hustling pimp, Al Sharpton (Those of us from Brooklyn know what a "reverend" without a church actually is)

And in case anyone has forgotten, he?s been a ?family spokesman? before.

Or...do what Janet Jackson did and roll into his mansion with some moving vans and loot the place. Maybe she thought she wouldn't be mentioned in his will, or worse...with his debts, being mentioned wouldn't be worth nearly as much as the stuff she took will be worth on eBay.

When I go, I want to be cremated, so that flesh-eating jackals like that bunch don't devour my rotting corpse before it can be put underground.

I always assumed that Jackson would choke on his own blood after his nose, paper-thin from all that cosmetic surgery, broke because he breathed a little too deeply. I believe I read where that had happened to him before.

That...or he?d have his head lopped off for going back to his pedophile ways in the Middle East where he hid out after receiving the best, most just verdict money could buy.

[YCantWeAllGetAlong]

If all people are created equal and focusing only on one race is racist, then why do we have BET? Reverse racism is just as ridiculous. Next thing you know, people will be trying to say that Obama is black (when he's not).

It is of note that Michael Jackson has passed, but this level of remembrance with people wearing single gloves and such and congress pausing to remember his goes a bit beyond what is called for.

[heavynne]

You know what's really funny, whites taught us all about racism, it's been their way for years but now they feel what they have been dishing out or are very touchy about it all of a sudden. President Obama is black, ask him about his struggles as a black man. If he were not president and unknown, he would definitely just be another black man. Ask all of the mixed kids who are part black what race white society considers them to be.

[govtguy]

Joe Jackson's concern over his recently departed son is driven by his desire to fill his bank account from the estate as quickly and as full as possible. Consider his reaction if one of his "lesser" kids had passed on, with all the help from the world-class act buzzard team of Sharpton and Jackson. Enough already!