B.E.T Awards (2009) Michael Jackson Tribute chitownrob

After the death of Michael Jackson, BET re-organized most of the 2009 award ceremony, to commemorate the artist's life. The show aired on Sunday June 28, 2009 (8:00 p.m. EST, 7:00 p.m. CT). According to Deborah Lee the show was revised within three days. Several artists changed their original planned routine to sing many of Michael Jackson's songs, including songs he sang as a member of The Jackson Five as well as songs in his solo career. His father, Joseph Jackson, and former confidant, Reverend Al Sharpton were present as audience members throughout the show. Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson's sister made an appearence at the finale of the show, and spoke briefly on behalf of the Jackson family. Host Jamie Foxx stated "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everybody else."