Janet and dancers re-create classic Michael Jackson video routines that gave me chills

On a day when we should be talking about the winners at last nights MTV Video Music Awards and the phenomenal Michael Jackson tribute, Kanye West has stolen the headlines. Well, I am not going to devote one more second to that fame whore and from here out will only focus on the reason for the awards show in the first place: music.

Madonna opened the MTV Video Music Awards 2009 with a personal tribute to Michael Jackson. Walking onto the darkened stage wearing a black jacket and skirt, a solemn Madonna told the crowd, “Michael Jackson was born in August, 1958, so was I. Michael Jackson grew up in the suburbs of the Midwest, so did I. Michael Jackson had eight brothers and sisters, so do I. When Michael Jackson was 6, he became a superstar and was perhaps the world’s most beloved child. When I was 6, my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick.

“I never had a mother, but he never had a childhood,” she went on. “And when you never get to have something, you become obsessed by it. I spent my childhood searching for my mother figures, sometimes I was successful. But how do you recreate your childhood when you are under the magnifying glass of the world for you entire life? There is no question that Michael Jackson was one of the greatest talents the world has ever known.”

The Queen of Pop described her early friendship with Jackson and said she regretted the fact she had lost touch with the star over time. Speaking to the audience, Madonna said: ‘For one reason or another we fell out of touch, then the witchhunt began and it seemed like one story after another came out about Michael.

“I felt his pain, I know what it’s like to walk down the street and feel like the whole world is turned against you. I know what it’s like to feel hopeless and not able to defend yourself because the roar of the witchhunt is so loud you’re convinced your voice can never be heard except I had a childhood and was allowed to make mistakes and find my own way in the world without being in the spotlight.’

She concluded her touching tribute saying, ‘Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them. There will never be anyone like him ever again, he was a king. Long live the king.’

The somber speech was followed by a musical tribute to the late star by his sister, Janet Jackson.

A montage of his music videos, including Thriller, Bad and Smooth Criminal were played on the big screen, while dancers dressed like Jackson danced in his signature style on the stage in front. The dancers included renowned choreographers Dave Scott, Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio, Travis Payne, Jeri Slaughter, Laurie Ann Gibson, Mia Michaels and Tina Landon, who collectively have worked with Janet, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, ‘NSYNC, Celine Dion, Prince and MJ himself.

The dancers were joined by Jackson’s sister, Janet, who came out to perform her part in the song “Scream,” which she had released as a duet with Michael in 1995. Plumes of fog sprouted up amid a space-age set that Miss Jackson kicked through and emerged to screams of delight from fans and celebs alike as Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Pink couldn’t contain their excitement.

Wearing a black-and-white, skintight leather dress with matching leggings and kneepads, Janet busted out with hers and Michael’s signature moves, flawlessly recreating her late brother’s steps as they were projected on the screen behind her. At the end of the tribute, as Janet looked up with hands clasped in front of her face and bowed her head.

The tribute wasn’t the only moment where Jackson’s presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for ‘This Is It,’ the documentary about Jackson’s preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to come out in October.

Host Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson. ‘Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson,’ Brand, in a top hat, told the audience. ‘Let’s honor Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory.’

Click here to see the full performance in honor of the King of Pop:

VMA MIchael Jackson Tribute