Black Entertainment Television has altered it’s already scheduled to air awards show this evening into a Michael Jackson Tribute. The network scrambled in 72 short hours to call in additional acts to add to the show for this special evening and extended the awards show by thirty minutes. Chairman for the BET Network, Mrs. Debra L. Lee, called the ceremony a “total overhaul”. The network insisted that a Michael Jackson Tribute be a part of the ceremony in honor of his passing.
The New Edition will reunite with Bobby Brown this evening to perform a Jackson 5 medley at the BET Awards being held this evening at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. This opener will be part of an extended tribute to Michael Jackson. Other performers that have been scheduled to honor Michael by performing his songs include Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo and Maxwell, according to the show’s producer and former Jackson rep, Ron Weisner.
Weisner told Billboard.com “A day and a half ago, we had one show and today we have a whole other show. Overnight, literally, it changed. The show was completely rewritten, we booked additional people – we’re trying to address a very unfortunate situation.”
The show, that airs on BET at 8:00 ET/PT, will be extended to three and a half hours. The guest list and media requests have grown and the red carpet has been extended to accommodate fans, press and celebrities. As this is being written, there is a report coming in that Michael’s father, Joseph Jackson, has arrived on the Red Carpet.
Weisner continues “It’s something we had to deal with at the very last minute. I wish we didn’t have to but it’s just a fact of life.”
Other artists previously schedule to perform include Jay-Z, Kanye West, Queen Latifah, Soulja Boy, Keri Hilson, Mary Mary, Fabolous, T-Pain, Keyshia Cole, Monica, Young Jeezy, Trey Songz and Tyrese. Also schedule to appear are the O’Jays, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henderson, Idris Elba, Sherri Shepherd, Anthony Anderson, Paula Patton, Estelle, LeToya Luckett, Nichelle Nichols, Keke Palmer, Ray J, Snoop Dogg, Ving Rhames, Zoe Saldana and Marlon Wayans.
There were rumors that some or all of the Jackson family would appear on the broadcast, but Weisner says that nothing was confirmed. “There’s lots of rumors, but as we speak, I have no knowledge of them being here. It might change. I had a conversation with Janet the other night and I spoke to LaToya, but I don’t know if they’re up for being out in public.”
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