Awards shmawards -- it was all about comebacks and crying at the BET Awards on Sunday night, with Kanye West and Chris Brown leading the charge. For West, it was a triumphant return to the stage after a self-imposed exile since dissing Taylor Swift at last year's MTV Video Music Awards.
But the standout moment of the night came when Brown broke down and blubbered his way through a tribute to his idol, Michael Jackson. Watch Brown starting at the :45 mark:
Brown has been laying low since being sentenced to community service for assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna in early 2009, and recently was denied entry into Great Britain to play a series of concerts there because of his criminal record.
Jermaine Jackson introduced Brown, who came out wearing a fedora and glove and moonwalked his way through 'Billie Jean' without missing a step. Then, as he grabbed a microphone to sing 'Man in the Mirror,' he broke down in tears. His voice cracked, he couldn't sing, and at one point he crumpled to the stage in apparent agony.
Later, he apologized to fans, but for more than messing up the night's performance. "I let you all down before, but I won't do it again. I promise you," Brown said.
But was it for real? As the first tear welled in his eyes, it became impossible not to wonder whether Brown was showing genuine grief over the death of Jackson or whether he was trying to drum up sympathy as he struggles to regain control of his career.
He performed the dance moves to 'Billie Jean' flawlessly and it was only when the slow ballad of 'Man in the Mirror' arrived that he showed any emotion. An LA Times snap poll asked fans what they thought, with 20% saying he was faking. A healthy 39% believed he was sincere. A commenter on MTV News aptly asked, "Was it for real, or was he trying to get attention for being softer? I'm sure he feels bad about Michael's death, but is he just trying to get away from the bad boy image with the crying thing?"
West opened the show with a performance of his new single, 'Power.' Looking defiant in a red suit, shades and a ridiculously big chain around his neck, the rapper powered through the aggressive song while standing atop an erupting volcano set piece.
It was a triumphant comeback for the star, who like Brown has been avoiding the spotlight.
Other highlights included Usher performing 'There Goes My Baby,' Eminem and a choir doing his new single, 'Not Afraid,' and the return of 1980s hitmaker El DeBarge, who blazed back onto the stage to play old hits and the title track from his first new album in 16 years.
Prince received BET's lifetime achievement award. "I'm just so thankful to be a part of this world of music," he said. "Thanks for a wonderful night. I'll never forget it as long as I live."
The BET Awards honor the year's best in music, sports and film in 19 categories. Winners are selected by a voting academy comprised of industry insiders and executives, music journalists and a group of fans randomly selected by BET.com.
What he did to Rihanna was absolutely wrong. But it was over a year ago and I believe people can change. I personally think he is headed in the right direction. All people have made mistakes, though some not as big as Chris'. I think people should have a second chance at doing right regardless of what they have done in the past.
Morgan, I totally agree. I think he has paid enough for his act. This type of thing has happen plenty times before Chris Brown. It was just Chris has been used to make an example.
I have to agree with you on the fact that people can change. I lived with a man that hit me and when I had had enough I left. We got back together a year later and have now been together for 11 years and in the past 11 years he has not one time even acted like he was gonna put his hands on me. People can change if they want to.
As one who grew up in domestic violence, it always baffles me that people act as if beating a woman is a little everyday mistake. Nearly choking a woman to death is just not the same as making a tiny infraction. This type of behavior destroys lives. Abusers are very charming and no most are dumb enough to fall for lip service, a smile, an apology, some tears and a bucket of roses. I saw it all my life.
I agree with you 100%. We are all human and we make mistakes. Sooo many women have forgiven the men in their lives for horrible things that they have done with no problem and not dealing with have the stuff Chris has endured. I say leave him alone and let him continue to grow into a better man. :)
Ppl are entitled to make mistakes and learn from them hense "Trial n Error". He went on trial n is still learning the concequences of his miastakes x3 (being a public figure)...But regardless,of all that, old news...As A FAN...He just totally SUCKED last night! I was disappointed bcuz we ALL know, He is a talented person and he jus Boomed.."Man In The Mirror" i had to change the channel :(
yea u rite ppl make mistakes in there lives nd i think dat chris should be forgiven for that he is a human being but again he should have naver touched rihannah because that was wrong but he was sorry
RAS, What do you mean Rhianna "reaps what she sows"? Are you trying to say she deserved it because she went out with a woman beater like him? Or that any woman who shows affection to a "thug-like" character like him deserves it if she gets beat? Or that she deserves it for being the woman of a black man? Just what are you trying to say?
ikr.... girl some people are so hatin on chris brown. they just mad cuz he brought it. and he kill it and it wasnt fake at all he was cryin so if somebody got to say something stop hatin man...
This is just an honest, curious question; but, are white people allowed in the BET awards or is it just for blacks? Cause my friend said its just for black people, but that seems rascist, so im just wondering if its for all races.
Morgan, I totally agree with you. All of Gods children, (US) make mistakes in life. It is a learning experience and we grow from our mistakes. Chris will make more mistakes in life maybe not as bad as this one and remember he is young and he is not a man yet. I think that he did a wonderful job with his performance lastnight and he is very talented. I think he is ready to show his fans and the world that he is on the right road now. I wish him all the best and I will also support him. PEACE
Susan,is it hard to keep your halo straight? Morgan I think your post spoke to how we are all capable of change, and we are not to judge, except Susan.
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Awards shmawards -- it was all about comebacks and crying at the BET Awards on Sunday night, with Kanye West and Chris Brown leading the charge. For West, it was a triumphant return to the stage after a self-imposed exile since dissing Taylor Swift at last year's MTV Video Music Awards.
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What he did to Rihanna was absolutely wrong. But it was over a year ago and I believe people can change. I personally think he is headed in the right direction. All people have made mistakes, though some not as big as Chris'. I think people should have a second chance at doing right regardless of what they have done in the past.
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Sorry man,once a woman beater always a woman beater.And only cowardly men beat on women.
When leopards change their spots and tigers and zebras change their stripes that's when he will change. In other words, it's not happening.
I think he deserves a chance too. Although anyone who beats and nearly chokes a woman to death should get that chance after about 25 years locked up.
Morgan, I totally agree. I think he has paid enough for his act. This type of thing has happen plenty times before Chris Brown. It was just Chris has been used to make an example.
I have to agree with you on the fact that people can change. I lived with a man that hit me and when I had had enough I left. We got back together a year later and have now been together for 11 years and in the past 11 years he has not one time even acted like he was gonna put his hands on me. People can change if they want to.
He always cried after he beat up women. It's part of the release. He's a pig and as someone said 'Once a beater always a beater.'
As one who grew up in domestic violence, it always baffles me that people act as if beating a woman is a little everyday mistake. Nearly choking a woman to death is just not the same as making a tiny infraction. This type of behavior destroys lives. Abusers are very charming and no most are dumb enough to fall for lip service, a smile, an apology, some tears and a bucket of roses. I saw it all my life.
I agree with you 100%. We are all human and we make mistakes. Sooo many women have forgiven the men in their lives for horrible things that they have done with no problem and not dealing with have the stuff Chris has endured. I say leave him alone and let him continue to grow into a better man. :)
Ppl are entitled to make mistakes and learn from them hense "Trial n Error". He went on trial n is still learning the concequences of his miastakes x3 (being a public figure)...But regardless,of all that, old news...As A FAN...He just totally SUCKED last night! I was disappointed bcuz we ALL know, He is a talented person and he jus Boomed.."Man In The Mirror" i had to change the channel :(
yea u rite ppl make mistakes in there lives nd i think dat chris should be forgiven for that he is a human being but again he should have naver touched rihannah because that was wrong but he was sorry
RAS, What do you mean Rhianna "reaps what she sows"? Are you trying to say she deserved it because she went out with a woman beater like him? Or that any woman who shows affection to a "thug-like" character like him deserves it if she gets beat? Or that she deserves it for being the woman of a black man? Just what are you trying to say?
ikr.... girl some people are so hatin on chris brown. they just mad cuz he brought it. and he kill it and it wasnt fake at all he was cryin so if somebody got to say something stop hatin man...
NO MAN SHOULD HIT ANOTHER WOMAN, NOR A WOMAN SHOULD HIT ANOTHER MAN. Enough said.
All hail the King of Pedophile! If Chris Brown was sincere, it is even more pathetic.
This is just an honest, curious question; but, are white people allowed in the BET awards or is it just for blacks? Cause my friend said its just for black people, but that seems rascist, so im just wondering if its for all races.
He could almost get an oscar for that preformance. He is so fake and his music isn't even good.
Morgan, I totally agree with you. All of Gods children, (US) make mistakes in life. It is a learning experience and we grow from our mistakes. Chris will make more mistakes in life maybe not as bad as this one and remember he is young and he is not a man yet. I think that he did a wonderful job with his performance lastnight and he is very talented. I think he is ready to show his fans and the world that he is on the right road now. I wish him all the best and I will also support him.
PEACE
Susan,is it hard to keep your halo straight? Morgan I think your post spoke to how we are all capable of change, and we are not to judge, except Susan.
when chris brown sung billie jean.i cried to leave him alone people change.