Best and Worst: 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

(Christopher Polk / Getty Images)
 
View all
Next
1 of 12

Madonna honors Michael

By Emily Christianson and Kate Stanhope

Madonna made a touching surprise appearance to introduce the Michael Jackson tribute. At times, Madge gave more focus to the qualities shared between herself and the late pop star rather than the qualities that made him the King of Pop. However, she redeemed herself with a story of their early friendship and by discussing the obstacles Jackson faced in his final years. Madonna noted how "obsessed" her sons are with Jackson ("there's a lot of crotch-grabbing and a moonwalking going on in my house") was a bit of an overshare but an important sentiment to the lasting power of Jackson's legacy.

RELATED: Red Carpet Rewind: MTV VMAs Review: Swift reaction at the VMAs