Janet Jackson takes the stage at the 2009 MTV VMAs
Janet Jackson takes the stage Sunday night at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, she’ll do so with dancers who were to perform with her brother Michael on his “This Is It” tour before he died in June. “This is not something that just came together – we’ve been in talks with [Janet] for a while,” MTV general manager Stephen Friedman told The News. “We felt there was no one better than Janet to anchor it and send a really powerful message.
“She’s working with well-known choreographers who’ve all worked with Michael, as well as the dancers who were going to be on Michael’s tour,” added Friedman. “In a sense, she’s carrying on her brother’s legacy.” The Awards will also feature the official trailer from Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” film, with behind-the-scenes clips of the performer prepping for the tour. The Jackson tribute will kick off Sunday’s event, broadcasting live from locations around New York City, including Radio City Music Hall.
It has been two years since the show has been held in New York. And controversial British comedian Russell Brand returns as host. Last year, Brand offended many with jokes about the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings and former President George W. Bush. This year, said Brand, he’s taking a more loving approach. “I’m using the whole ceremony as an opportunity to flirt with Lady Gaga,” Brand said. Gaga, along with Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Muse, P!nk, Green Day and others, are scheduled to perform.
