2009 BET Awards (Performances & Review)

Check out the performances from the 2009 BET Awards, as well as, our thoughts and reviews of the show that sought to be a tribute to Michael Jackson, but fail short.

New Edition Opening With Jackson 5 Medley

Keri Hilson - "Turnin' Me On / Knock You Down"

Ne-Yo - "Lady In My Life"



Ciara - "Heal The World"



Keyshia Cole & Monica - "Trust"

Beyonce - "Ave Maria / In The Arms Of An Angel"



Maxwell - "Pretty Wings"



Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo & Fabolous - "She's Got Her Own"

Keith Sweat/Guy/Bell Biv DeVoe Medley

The O'Jays Tribute



Jamie Foxx with T-Pain & Travis Barker - "Blame It"

Soulja Boy - "Turn My Swag On"



Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)"



Drake/Lil' Wayne/Birdman/Young Money Medley



As a whole, the show failed to materialize the advertise Michael Jackson tribute and the stars that were reported to take the stage such as Usher, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, and Chris Brown, failed to surface. So, it seems that the advertisement was nothing more than a plot for higher ratings, given in no shape was this a tribute show, in fact, most of the artists that took the stage to honor the legend, did more harm than good.

Beyonce: Although we're probably in the minority here, we thought her performance was absolutely stunning. You would have pegged the singer to perform "Ego" or "Single Ladies" in a daring dancefest, but she flipped the script and gave a simple, yet beautiful balladry performance, that no one saw coming. That alone is what makes the performance a winner, but truth be told, this was a performance beyond and too big for the BET Awards.

Keri Hilson: In her first major performance, Ms. Hilson outshined the best of them with her entertaining spectacle and tribute to the legendary great. That said, one can not overlook her flaccid vocals or that disastrous accapella at the close.

Ciara: Ballads just aren't for everyone and Ciara's tribute would have been served better, if she, honored the singer's dancing, because her vocals just aren't dominant enough to carry such an inspirational and historical track.

Keyshia Cole & Monica: Just like the studio version, Monica outshine the star on her own record, but both ladies still deliver good vocals, despite the performance being a little dry.

New Edition: The guys started the night off on a bad note by delivering the show's worst opening performance yet. From the imitative and forced vocals to the extremely lackluster factor of the group in general, it was all very forgettable.

Ne-Yo: If anyone did Michael justice, it was Ne-Yo and his superb cover of "Lady In My Life".

Jamie Foxx: As a host, Jamie was good, but never great and all the self promoting, quickly made the show seem like more of a Jamie Foxx show than a tribute to Michael. That said, his intro was a great start to the show and he did deliver a top-notched performance at the end.

Best of the Night:
Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson, Maxwell and Janet Jackson's heartfelt appearance.

Disappointing:
Beyonce, Jay-Z, Keyshia Cole and Monica.

Worst of the Night:
New Edition, Soulja Boy and Ciara.

In conclusion, the show never quite managed to be the tribute that they were seeking, so hopefully BET puts together another show that really captures the essence of Michael Jackson's legacy. Aside from Ne-Yo, all of the tributes, were more embarrassing and disrespectful than honoring or worthy. That said, it has to be noted that this show was put together in a mere three days.