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Janet, Grim Joe Appear at BET's Jacko Tribute

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2009 6:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The BET awards last night were turned into a  star-studded tribute to Michael Jackson, with host Jamie Foxx donning a red leather "Billie Jean" jacket and Beyonce calling Jackson "my teacher and hero." Joe Jackson, wearing a hat and sunglasses, expressed anger about the singer's death. "I have a lot of concerns," he told CNN on the red carpet. "I don't like what happened." He also appeared bitter that it was too late for his son to enjoy the tribute. "I wish the world had recognized him when he was living."

At the close of last night's tribute, Michael's tearful sister Janet, speaking for the first time since his death, told the audience: "To you Michael is an icon. To us Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts." Others attempted to add comic relief to the tribute. "If it wasn't for Michael Jackson, people like Justin Timberlake would be selling curly fries in the valley," presenter Jeremy Piven quipped. "I mean that with love."

Joe Jackson arrives at the 9th Annual BET Awards yesterday in Los Angeles.
Joe Jackson arrives at the 9th Annual BET Awards yesterday in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Janet Jackson thanks the audience for their support during the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Janet Jackson, left, is escorted on stage by host Jamie Foxx, at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Janet Jackson, left, is escorted on stage by host Jamie Foxx, at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Drake, left, and Lil Wayne perform at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Drake, left, and Lil Wayne perform at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Host Jamie Foxx right, and Ne-Yo, center, pay tribute to the late singer Michael Jackson at the finale of the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Host Jamie Foxx right, and Ne-Yo, center, pay tribute to the late singer Michael Jackson at the finale of the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Host Jamie Foxx right, and Ne-Yo pay tribute to the late singer Michael Jackson at the finale of the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Host Jamie Foxx right, and Ne-Yo pay tribute to the late singer Michael Jackson at the finale of the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Beyonce accepts the best female R&B artist award at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Beyonce accepts the best female R&B artist award at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Jay-Z, left, and Beyonce Knowles are seen at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Jay-Z, left, and Beyonce Knowles are seen at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Beyonce performs at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Beyonce performs at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Beyonce performs at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Beyonce performs at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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