Janet Jackson (L) blows a kiss during a tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
Photo: Reuters
Michael Jackson, one of the most influential forces in MTV's history, has been given reverential treatment as Madonna and his sister Janet gave emotional tributes at its Video Music Awards.
Madonna kicked off the show in New York on Sunday with a poignant speech about her relationship with Jackson.
It began when she was a child idolising the then-child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers, and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna, dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being, but yes, he was a king," she told the celebrity-studded crowd, on their feet for the entire speech. "Long live the king."
The musical tribute began afterward, as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos like Bad, Smooth Criminal and Thriller.
Then, as Scream, his duet with Janet, appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce, cheered her on. Afterward, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at age 50. The medical examiner's office has labelled the death a homicide, and prosecutors are still investigating.
Jackson was an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first black artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network.
But he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then-wife Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired the premiere of the trailer for This Is It, the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to come out in October.
The video music awards show was being hosted by British comedian Russell Brand and features acts ranging from Lady Gaga to Pink.
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity, among other ribald moments.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.
She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog. They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime galpal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Taylor Swift arrived in a fairy-tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars are expected to perform, along with Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts. And the night won't just focus on music: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, the much fawned-over stars from the vampire film Twilight, will present clips from the movie's sequel, New Moon.
- AP