Michael Jackson and James Brown during the BET Awards (2003)
On June 24, 2003 Michael Jackson made a guest appearance at the 3rd annual BET Awards. There, he performed with and presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to his idol, James Brown. This is the second time the Godfather of Soul invited Jackson on stage, with it originally taking place at the Beverly Theater in 1983.
According to comedian Steve Harvey, who also attended the awards ceremony, it was Jackson's idea to go out and place James Brown signature cape on him as a surprise rather than his usual wingman, Danny Ray, who was in on the act as well.
While presenting the award, the King of Pop gave a speech, during which he got emotional.
| “ | I couldn't refuse to give this award tonight because nobody has influenced me more than this man right here. I'm happy, from the bottom of my heart. Since I was a child, at six years old, he was the one that I looked up to more than any other entertainer. And I still do today. So I'd like to say, ladies and gentlemen, I'm deeply honored to present to James Brown this year's Lifetime Achievement award, and nobody deserves it more than this man. | ” |
–Michael Jackson, BET Awards, 2003[1] | ||
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