BET Should Have Waited

The BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards ’09 have come and gone. With the world watching, BET put on a show that was billed as a “Tribute to Michael Jackson.” And, what a show it was! As I sat in shock and awe with my mouth wide open and shaking my head, all I could say was WHAT WAS BET THINKING?!

This was their moment to show the world a first class program that paid homage to a musical icon. It was their moment to showcase a positive image of African-American culture...as the WORLD watched. After heavy promotion and whirlwind publicity statements, a spectacular event was anticipated by viewers (old and new). BET needed to hit a homerun (over the fence and out of the park), but chose to bunt instead. Thank goodness for Ne-Yo and Janet Jackson. Ne-Yo was humble and classy, while Janet was strong and graceful. They were the highlights of the [tribute part of the] show.

After experiencing the BET Awards ’09, I have one thing to say…BET SHOULD HAVE WAITED…to do a real tribute show. Michael Jackson deserves a fully dedicated show to honor his greatness. A few songs inserted between chaos and Don Cornelius was a big MISS.

BET, you only get one chance to make a first impression. I wonder what the world thinks now.

Gone Too Soon

“Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon” – Michael Jackson

As I write this post, I am in total SHOCK! The King of Pop is dead…at 50! How could this be? I was sure he had many more years left on earth. I’m shocked because I never knew I was still a big Michael Jackson fan. Of course, I remember growing up waiting for the “Thiller” video world premiere and wearing my pleather red "Beat It" jacket. But, I thought those fandemonium days were over…until Thursday, June 25, 2009.

Once again, I am the classic Michael Jackson fan (circa 1983). I’m sad that this music genius is no longer living. He changed the music video [as we knew it] by bringing it to another level. He added theatrics, well-known directors, and HYPE. Jackson was a super talented dancer and an accomplished singer. But, most of all he transcended race and appealed to the world ---all corners of the world. Think screaming kids in China and dancing prisoners in the Philippines.

Yes, he was undoubtedly human with faults and issues. He was not perfect and made mistakes. There are troubled souls all over. And, as someone who realizes that everyone falls short, I hope that he has moved on to a bigger and better dance floor…moon-walking around glory!

Gone too soon. Rest in Peace, Mike. You will be missed.

Photo credit: @JustEJC, via twitter