2009 MTV VMAs: Madonna and Janet Jackson Pay Tribute to Michael Jackson

Madonna remembers Michael Jackson by telling the story of how she embarks on a close bond with him, while Janet Jackson pays homage to her brother by dancing to 'Scream'.

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The 26th Annual MTV Video Music Awards was opened with Michael Jackson tribute show which was introduced by Madonna. "Michael Jackson was born in August, 1958. so was I. Michael Jackson grew up in the suburbs of the Midwest. So did I. Michael Jackson had eight brothers and sisters. So do I," she started.

"When Michael Jackson was 6 he became a superstar and was perhaps the world's most beloved child. When I was 6 my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick," she continued. "I never had a mother, but he never had a childhood. And when you never get to have something, you become obsessed by it. I spent my childhood searching for my mother figures; sometimes I was successful. But how do you recreate your childhood when you are under the magnifying glass of the world for your entire life?"

The crowd gave standing ovation when Madonna said, "There is no question that Michael Jackson was one of the greatest talents the world has ever known." Among those spotted standing from their seat was Jermaine Jackson.

"I can't say we were great friends, but in 1991 I decided I wanted to get to know him better. I asked him out to dinner: I said, 'My treat, I'll drive, just you and me.' He agreed and showed up to my house without any bodyguards. We drove to the restaurant in my car. It was dark out, but he was still wearing sunglasses. I said, 'Michael, I feel like I'm talking to a limousine, do you think you could take off those glasses so I could see your eyes?' He paused for a moment, then he tossed the glasses out the window, looked at me with a wink and a smile and said, 'Can you see me now, is that better?' "

"All I could think about in that moment [when he passed away] was that I had abandoned him. That we had abandoned him. That we had let this magnificent creature who had once set the world on fire slip thorugh the cracks. Most of us had turned our backs on him. There will never be anyone like him again. He was a king," Madonna continued. "There's a whole lot of crotch-grabbing and Moonwalking going on in my house." She closed her speech stating, "Long live the King!"

The tribute began with Michael's "Thriller" music video being played on a huge screen. Janet Jackson then entered the stage, dancing to her duet track with Michael, "Scream".

Madonna's speech:



Janet Jackson's performance:

© AceShowbiz.com

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