Janet Jackson's performance Sunday night at the 2009 VMA's was a moving tribute to the memory of her iconic brother Michael. The music legend wowed the crowd and elicited excited cheers from stars such as Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez as she took to the stage to perform the song 'Scream', a duet between her and Michael Jackson.
The single won a VMA in 1995 and was the cap-off to a spectacular song and dance number that kicked off the annual awards show. The 2009 VMAs were dedicated to the memory of Michael Jackson and the opening sequence was a dance and video montage of some of his greatest hits, including 'Thriller', 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Bad'. A visibly emotional Janet brought the crowd to their feet by flawlessly executing a complicated dance sequence while singing her portion of the duet. Janet Jackson's 2009 VMA performance was a tribute to Michael but it may also be the catalyst for the youngest Jackson's long-awaited comeback.
Janet performing at the 2009 VMAs | Janet
Scream(ing) Tributes
Janet Jackson Honors Michael With a Spectacular Performance at the 2009 VMAs
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Tribute Performances - The ability to host performances virtually offers opportunities for organizations to honor the iconic memories of influential individuals and provide accessible viewing experiences for fans worldwide.
2. Celebrity Comeback Campaigns - Gaining public attention through emotional performances may serve as a catalyst for celebrities to make a highly-anticipated return to their crafts.
3. Nostalgic Entertainment Experiences - Revisiting iconic songs and performances from the past offers an opportunity for entertainment companies to tap into consumers' emotions and create new revenue streams.
Industry Implications
1. Event Planning - Virtual tribute performances offer opportunities for event planners to create unique and accessible events, honoring influential individuals.
2. Film and Television Production - Recreating iconic performances in film and television productions provides ways for production companies to tap into consumers' emotions and create new revenue streams.
3. Music Industry - Emotional tributes to iconic musicians may serve as a way for record companies to reignite fans' passion and promote the artist's legacy through new music or re-releases.