Janet Jackson headlined the VMAs with a special performance of “Scream” and dance tribute dedicated to her late brother Michael.
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Long Live the King of Pop
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off the ceremony with a special tribute to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, who is seen on the big screen in the video for “Scream” featuring baby sis Janet Jackson.
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03
Party Pooper
Kayne West steals the shine of country singer Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for Best Female Video to let her know Beyoncé deserved it for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
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04
Gaga Goes Wild
Lady Gaga’s theatrical performance of her smash “Paparazzi” was more disturbing than artistic, but her talent and swagger can’t be denied.
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05
Awkward Moment
Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler joins Sean “Diddy” Combs, who pretends to look perplexed when the mention of Kanye West’s name draws jeers.
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Gentleman of the Night
Singer Ne-Yo and actor Chace Crawford introduce Beyoncé for her much-anticipated performance.
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Diva Delight
Beyoncé give the crowd what they want during a lively performance of “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”
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Artistic Revolution
Lady Gaga accepts the award for Best New Artist from Eminem and Tracy Morgan.
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09
Crossing the Line
Serena Williams introduces Pink, but not before sharing some self-deprecating humor about “crossing the line” in reference to her own outburst during a U.S. Open match over the weekend.
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Sharing the Love
After winning the Moonman for Best Music Video for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Beyoncé invited Taylor Swift to complete her acceptance speech that Kanye West rudely interrupted.
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Keys to New York
Alicia Keys does her thing onstage during her performance of “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z.
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New York’s Finest
The night’s finale performers, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, kill it onstage with a tribute to the great city of New York.
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Family Patriarch
Michael Jackson’s dad, Joe Jackson, attends the awards to witness the special tribute to his late son.
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Red Alert
Beyoncé is fire-engine hot on the red carpet.
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For the Love of Michael
Jermaine Jackson is on hand to witness MTV’s Michael Jackson tribute featuring baby sis Janet Jackson.
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Much Respect
Kanye West gives Papa Jackson some dap during the show.
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Sister Circle
Alicia Keys struts her stuff at the awards.
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18
Island Spice
Singer Sean Paul looks “So Fine” and cool on the red carpet.
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Animal Instincts
Kanye West holds on tight to his main squeeze Amber Rose on the red carpet.
Sean “Diddy” Combs and Dirty Money group members Dawn Richardson, formerly of Making the Band’s disbanded Danity Kane, and songwriter Kaleena work the red carpet.
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Miss Keri, Baby
Singer Keri Hilson takes the deep plunge in this revealing number.
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Auqua Woman
Singer Amerie, whose album drops in November, is stunting in her winged dress.
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Diamond Girl
Cassie beams on the carpet.
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In Full Bloom
Solange Knowles blossoms in this asymetric number which complements her short-cropped coif.
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Dual Self
Singer Sean Kingston poses with a mini me of himself at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet.
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27
The Look of Love
Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons are smitten with one another and don’t have a problem showing it.