Usher Regrets Missing BET Awards – Planning Michael Jackson Tribute
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Usher and Michael Jackson backstage at the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2001
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Janet Jackson, sister of the late singer Michael Jackson speaks at the 2009 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles
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Jamie Foxx pays tribute to Michael Jackson at the BET Awards in LA on June 28, 2009
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FIRST PUBLISHED: June 29, 2009 9:29 AM EDT
LAST UPDATED: June 29, 2009 9:35 AM EDT
LOS ANGELES, Calif. --
One of Michael Jackson’s biggest fans, Usher, was unable to attend the BET Awards on Sunday night in LA, but the singer told Access Hollywood he is planning to honor the King of Pop when he returns stateside.
“It is with regret that I [was] unable to participate in the BET Awards Tribute to Michael Jackson on June 28,” Usher said in a statement released to Access.
“When the BET Awards producers and organizers reached out to me to participate in the tribute, I was extremely flattered and humbled by the opportunity to pay tribute to the world’s greatest musical icon,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately, I am currently overseas and would not make it back in time to the Awards show.”
Though Usher was not able to celebrate Jackson on Sunday, the singer revealed he has a tribute honoring the late singer in the works.
“I look forward to seeing the show and I plan to work on a tribute to Michael Jackson when I return,” Usher said.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Sunday’s show opened with a medley of songs from the star’s youth in the Jackson 5, performed by a reunited New Edition performing with former member Bobby Brown. Also, host Jamie Foxx entered to Michael’s “Beat It,” wearing the singer’s trademark red zippered jacket from his “Thriller” years and a single white glove.
Artists continue to spotlight Michael throughout the show. Many thanked the star for his influence as they took the stage to present or accept an award, and among those performing his music were Ne-Yo, who sang “The Lady In My Life,” and Ciara, who did “Heal The World.”
And even Janet Jackson herself took the stage in a surprise appearance at the close of the awards show, thanking the crowd for their support.
“My entire family wanted to be here tonight. But it was just too painful,” the emotional star said. “So they elected me to speak with all of you and I’m going to keep it very short but I’d just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family.”
Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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