NEW YORK--Members of the Jackson family reunited at the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night.Jermaine Jackson and Joe Jackson looked on as Madonna walked out to introduce the opening number: Janet Jackson’s tribute to her brother, Michael Jackson, whose death at age 50 on June 25 rocked the music world.
The production began with Madonna recalling her encounter with the pop star and reminding the audience that “Michael was a hero.” And while “he seemed otherworldly,” she added, “he was also a human being.”
Then, the performance began.
Dancers crept up on stage with original “Thriller” video airing in the background.
The dancers’ moves duplicated the ones being performed on the video. Then, a sequence of the singer’s hits played. “Bad” and “Smooth Criminal” led to “Scream,” his duet with Janet Jackson, who broke through glass to make her way onstage and sing along with the video.
The loud, almost angry performance had the audience on its feet.
It was the number many were excited about before the show.
On the red carpet, singer Sean Paul said he couldn’t wait. He was “really looking forward to seeing Janet Jackson perform.”
“It will be emotional,” he said. “I think everybody in music was influenced by Michael.”
Singer Sean Kingston agreed on the must-see performance of the evening.
“Janet Jackson,” Mr. Kingston said. “That’s gonna be big.”
Shakira, who saw some of the rehearsal for the tribute, said she believed it would be “very emotional.”
Television talk-show host Jimmy Fallon said he was looking forward to the tribute.
“Michael made MTV, and MTV made Michael Jackson. You know that MTV will have a really well-done, touching tribute.”
Still, there were other music-related news items that guests were talking about on the carpet.
American Idol’s Kara DioGuardi was asked about her new colleague at the judge’s table, Ellen DeGeneres.
“I feel fantastic. I feel ecstatic. I can’t wait for January when we can all be on the panel.”
Miss DioGuardi added that she has been in touch with former judge Paula Abdul.
“Of course I‘m a friend, and she was so much a part of the show and treated the contestants with such compassion,” she said.
“I’ve spoken to her, and she seems to be doing really well, and that’s what matters.”
Miss Abdul is set to play host at the VH1 Divas special on MTV’s sister network tonight.
But veteran actress Faye Dunaway had two divas she was looking forward to seeing on Sunday at the VMA’s.
“Lady Gaga and Beyonce?,” she asked. “How could you not love Beyonce?”
Count Nelly Furtado among the celebrities looking forward to seeing those two women perform.
Akon had his sights set on one of the ladies.
“Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga,” he remarked. “That’s why I’m here.”
Lady Gaga, who arrived at the show with date Kermit the Frog, is signed to Akon’s distribution company, Kon Live.
But Ney-Yo echoed Miss Dunaway’s sentiment.
When asked who he was rooting for, he replied, “Besides myself?,” adding, “I’m here to see Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Pink, everyone. I’m here just to enjoy the electricity.”
The atmosphere was electric.
Returning host Russell Brand doled out his brash brand of humor during the broadcast.
