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The MTV VMAs were scheduled to open with a tribute to Michael Jackson – and what a tribute it was.
Madonna took the stage first, and, in a revealing and heartfelt speech, shared her memories of Michael, including their first meeting and a sweet dinner-and-a-movie date they shared years ago.
It was a very personal homage to the King of Pop, Madge called Michael "a hero" and a "magnificent creature."
She ended her speech by telling the audience that Michael is living in her house, as her two sons, Rocco, 9, and David, 4, are now "obsessed with Michael Jackson."
"There's a whole lot of crotch grabbing and Moonwalking going on in my house!" she said. "Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being, but damn it, he was a king," she concluded. "Long live the king!"
After dancers took the stage and performed some of Michael's most memorable routines, Janet Jackson came out and, with a giant screen behind her playing the video, performed her and Michael's '90s duet, "Scream."
MTV aimed to create a tribute for a king – and that's exactly what they delivered.
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