Janet Jackson will open this year's MTV Video Music Awards with a tribute to her brother Michael, who passed away in June. The special appearance is said to honor and celebrate Michael Jackson's life and career.
Michael Jackson has had a long history with the MTV VMAs. In 1984, he won a handful of the awards for his "Thriller" video, and then a decade later shared a kiss with then wife Lisa Marie Presley onstage, among other memorable moments. Sister Janet has won nine VMAs herself.
Hosted by Russell Brand and airing live Sunday at 9 pm on the network, performers for the 2009 VMAs include Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lady GaGa, Green Day, Pink, Taylor Swift and Muse. Among the evening's presenters are Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Leighton Meester, Chace Crawford, Ne-Yo and Miranda Cosgrove.
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