27 seconds ago 2009-11-22T13:02:32-08:00
Usher and Michael Jackson backstage at the Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2001 WireImageAccess Hollywood
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.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 BET Awards
"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.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood Remembers Michael Jackson
"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."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Michael Jackson: The King Of Pop
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."
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Michael Jackson Remembered At 2009 BET Awards, Part I
PLAY IT NOW: Michael Jackson's Death: What Really Happened?
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Michael Jackson - Usher - Music - Pop - Janet Jackson
comments
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AmayaTHIS PICTURE IS AMAZINGreport abuseposted August 19, 2009 3:08 PM PDT
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DanaI loved the BET Awards! Jamie Foxx was excellent. He is multidimensional and did Michael Jackson's memory justice. He was hilarious in the beginning of the show when he and other dancers parodied 'Beat It'. He was hilarious with Martin when they did 'Skank Robbers', a fake movie that pays homage to their alter egos 'Sheneneh' and 'Wanreport abuseposted July 2, 2009 10:09 AM PDT
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Tonia MI broke down when Janet spoke last night at the BET Awards! OMG, that was so emotional because to me he was an Icon and then she said that to them he was family! It hit me then! R.I.P. Michael!report abuseposted June 29, 2009 1:04 PM PDT
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TynishaACCESS HOLLYWOOD NEEDS TO GET THERE INFO STRAIGHT BEFORE THEY BROADCAST IT!report abuseposted June 29, 2009 12:48 PM PDT
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RoseIf this was a tribute show, it was an embarrassment. Most of the songs were done badly, and many of the artists were self serving. Even Beyonce, who sang beautifully, ruined it with that stupid outfit. If you honor someone you do it unselfishly,and with little attention drawn to yourself, and this show was far from it. Only Janet, in her grief, showed respect.report abuseposted June 29, 2009 12:44 PM PDT
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Luv2bniceI have to agree with Anitham & Cobb134, this tribute was not about Chris Brown or Jay Z it was about Michael Jackson. If God can forgive "WHY CAN'T WE?" Chris has been punished. Michael Jackson was about UNITY. We need to start with "THE MAN IN THE MIRROR FIRST" Think out what you have done, that you are probably to ashame to tell anyone. Wreport abuseposted June 29, 2009 11:58 AM PDT
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AlbertHave anyone noticed that everyone is a "icon". This stupid label got old a long time ago. Kinda like the over use of "viva". Idiots actually changed ther first name to "Viva". Is someone out there named "Viva Icon"?report abuseposted June 29, 2009 11:33 AM PDT
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Gabrielle RI think they should have gotten another preformer than Ciara to sing heal the world... Usher would hav been amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!report abuseposted June 29, 2009 11:03 AM PDT
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Luidgiyea, i was wonderin. cuz usher wuda killed erryone if he performed. i wana see him do his thanggggggggggggggggggg.report abuseposted June 29, 2009 10:11 AM PDT
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valhuhreport abuseposted June 29, 2009 10:06 AM PDT
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