14 DAY TRIAL // Last night at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Janet Jackson came out of a self-imposed isolation to perform a very touching tribute to her late brother Michael, as we also informed you a couple of days ago. Janet’s performance of “Scream” was preceded by a dance tribute and, before that, a heartfelt speech from the Queen of Pop, Madonna, MTV informs.
After Madonna finished her speech, dancers poured on the stage to the sound of Michael’s classic “Thriller.” They all wore outfits that had become, throughout the years, trademark for the King of Pop, and all mirrored the moves Michael and the dancers did in the video that was playing on a huge screen behind them. After “Thriller” came a sequence of “Bad” and then “Smooth Criminal,” and more of the iconic outfits.
“The stage [was] aglow in glittering military jackets, white spats and crystal-studded white gloves. 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.” MTV says of the dance tribute that got the entire audience on their feet, wild with applause.
“As the future-shock intro to ‘Scream’ hit the screen, and plumes of white fog sprouted up amid a space-age set made up of white honeycombs, Janet kicked through a mirror and emerged to screams from fans and celebs alike, as Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Pink hooted their excitement. Wearing a black-and-white, skintight leather dress with matching pants, Janet busted some of hers and Michael’s signature moves, flawlessly re-creating her late brother’s steps as they were projected on the screen behind her. The virtual duet provided a stunning end to the tribute, as Janet looked heavenward with hands clasped in front of her face and bowed her head.” MTV further says of the touching tribute.
Janet did not speak at the end of the performance, but, as they say, a picture (an image, in this case) is worth a thousand words, so no fan needed any words once it was over. A clearly emotional Janet blew a kiss to the audience and then left, as fans continued to applaud. See the entire Michael Jackson tribute here.