Grammys 2010: Jackson Children Accept Lifetime Achievement Award

At last night’s Grammy Awards, Prince and Paris Jackson, the two eldest children of Michael Jackson, took to the stage to accept the award for Lifetime Achievement the Recording Academy bestowed on the late King of Pop. Visibly emotional, the two thanked the fans and pledged they would continue to support all the causes Michael also fought for while alive, as MTV can confirm.

Though rumors about their appearance had been circulating a couple of days before last night, when the two were introduced by Lionel Richie, the audience still was somehow surprised. They did not come alone though, as their cousins also walked on the stage with them, to offer them the much needed support in what must have been a truly difficult time. And difficult it was, judging by Prince’s stuttering and the fact that Paris seemed barely able to hold back the tears, as also were doing some A-listers from the audience.

“We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson. First of all, we’d like to thank God for watching over us for the past seven months. And our grandmother and grandfather for their love and support. We would also like to thank the fans. Our father loved you so much because you were always there for him. Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. Through all his hard work and dedication, he’s helped with many charities and donated to all of them. Through all his songs his message was simple: love. We will continue to spread his message and help spread the word. Thank you. We love you, Daddy,” Prince said.

Though he stumbled more than once, Prince managed to deliver his speech, all the while maintaining his poise and composure, as MTV also noted. Paris was also equally shaken but to the point. “Daddy was supposed to be here, Daddy was gonna perform this year. He couldn’t perform last year. Thank you, we love you, Daddy,” Paris said to the applause of the entire audience. The two and their cousins were afterwards escorted off the stage.

Below is Prince and Paris Jackson accepting the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2010 Grammys on behalf of their late father, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop.