VMAs open with Michael Jackson tribute

NEW YORK, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards show in New York opened with a heartfelt, then electrifying tribute to the late pop singer Michael Jackson.

Jackson died June 25 at the age of 50. His death has been ruled a homicide, but the circumstances are under investigation.

His fellow 1980s icon, Madonna, spoke first at the prize presentation, calling Jackson "one of the greatest talents the world has ever seen" and "otherworldly."

"There will never be another like him again," she told the cheering crowd.

Madonna left and clips from some of Jackson's most popular music videos, such as "Thriller," "Bad" and "Smooth Criminal" then played on a video screen above the stage with dancers performing his oft-imitated steps in front of it. The dancers reportedly had been rehearsing with Jackson shortly before his death and were set to appear with him in a series of planned comeback concerts in London.

When the video for "Scream," Jackson's duet with his sister Janet, played on the screen, she appeared onstage, sang the song and danced. When she finished, she bowed her head and blew a kiss to heaven.

Her brother Jermaine and father, Joe, attended the VMAs show at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall.

British comedian Russell Brand served as the event's host. Upon taking the stage he said, "Tonight is about great videos, yes, but it is also dedicated to the great Michael Jackson."

Beyonce and Lady Gaga led the VMA field with nine nominations apiece.