Jackson died June 25 at the age of 50. His death has been ruled a homicide, but the circumstances are under investigation.
His fellow 1980s icon, Madonna, spoke first at the prize presentation, calling Jackson "one of the greatest talents the world has ever seen" and "otherworldly."
"There will never be another like him again," she told the cheering crowd.
Madonna left the stage and clips from some of Jackson's most popular music videos, such as "Thriller," "Bad" and "Smooth Criminal" then played on a video screen above the stage with dancers performing his oft-imitated steps in front of it. The dancers reportedly had been rehearsing with Jackson shortly before his death and were set to appear with him in a series of planned comeback concerts in London.
When the video for "Scream," Jackson's duet with his sister Janet played on the screen, Janet appeared onstage, sang the song and danced. When she finished, she bowed her head and blew a kiss to heaven.
Her brother Jermaine and father, Joe, attended the VMAs show at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall. British comedian Russell Brand served as the event's host. Upon taking the stage he said, "Tonight is about great videos, yes, but it is also dedicated to the great Michael Jackson."
Beyonce and Lady Gaga led the VMA field with nine nominations.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
Michael Jackson
I miss him so much. I hate that he died in such a way that I am sure could have been prevented. Thank you to the people who treats his death the way it should be. I hate when peoople talk bad about people who died. Yes he was different, that was who he was. Would you talk about someone who was just plain and did nothing. He didn't deserve the hurt he received deffinately when he was entertaining US. You all know all the lyrics to his amazing songs and can sing them word for word.
I appreciate the VMAs for giving a tribute to him, although I didn't watch it since I am here at a Christian college with no tv and the library here doesn't allow us to go on those kinds of websites,but I am sure that that it was great.
I love him and know that he is in a better place where people do not judge you and call you mean names. He is truly loved and so is his children and I hope that they know that. I pray that they (the kids) are in a good situation full of love, the same love that he had for them. I hope that they are raised the way Michael wants them to be and are not pushed into the spotlight. I know in my heart that that is not the way Michael wants them to be, he would not have sheltered them if it was.
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