2009 BET Awards

After the death of Michael Jackson, BET re-organized most of the 2009 BET Awards ceremony to commemorate the artist's life. Host Jamie Foxx said, "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everybody else." The show was revised within three days of its airing on June 28, 2009, with several artists changing their original planned routine to sing many of Michael Jackson's songs, including songs he sang as a member of The Jackson Five as well as songs in his solo career.[1] His father, Joseph Jackson, and former confidant, Reverend Al Sharpton were present as audience members throughout the show. Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson's sister made an appearance at the finale of the show, and spoke briefly on behalf of the Jackson family.