Fan Fare

Chris Brown: time to forgive? How about forget?

There is no doubt Chris Brown gave a strong performance of Michael Jackson songs at Sunday’s BET Awards. But the question it raised Sunday on the news floor here was: were his emotions real? If you don’t know what we’re talking about. You can read about it here or watch the video below.

Brown performed a medley of Michael Jackson songs that ended with “Man in the Mirror,” the King of Pop’s call for all of us to take a long look at ourselves and change in ways that make the world a better place to live. But instead of singing, Brown appeared overcome by the lyrics, seemed to be crying, tossed his earplug out of his ear at one point and bent to his knees in anguish before quickly leaving the stage soon after the song ended. He later returned after winning an “AOL Fan-demonium” award and said to the audience,  “I let y’all down before, but I won’t do it again. I promise.”

What Brown was talking about, of course, was his assault on ex-girlfriend Rihanna last year, for which he pleaded guilty to a criminal charge. He has performed community service, taken anger management classes and is currently on probation. At the time, the young R&B singer was a rising star, but the event set back his career as some radio stations took his songs off their playlists for a time. Still, Brown has endured the past year with, seemingly, some humility. He has apologized publicly several times, and he has done what the Los Angeles court system has asked of him. Read that here.

So, beyond even the question of whether his BET performance was real or just a show, there is another question: is it time to forgive Chris Brown and let him get on with his career? And if his fans forgive, will they ever forget his assault on a defenseless girl sitting next to him in his expensive rented car?

Brown’s emotional performance has triggered some heated online exchanges. “His being asked to make a tribute for the King of Pop is ultimate proof of his career being in a slump,” wrote one female poster on YouTube.com.

“I know he had? that altercation with RIRI,but thats the past,IT REALLY DOES TAKE A REAL MAN TO CRY ON NATIONAL TV,”  wrote another.

Watch the video and make your own decision:

Joe Jackson speaks about son at BET Awards

The family of Michael Jackson began to appear in public Sunday night at the BET Awards. Father Joe Jackson and sister Janet Jackson turned up at the Los Angeles awards show, sponsored by the BET television network, that annually gives out honors to African American singers, actors, actresses and athletes.

Janet Jackson did not answer any media questions or even approach the media. She appeared on stage, thanking the audience for turning out and showing their love for her brother. You can read about that here.

But Joe Jackson did walk the red carpet and talked to a few reporters, and he came backstage to answer two questions in front of cameras. Below is a two-minute video of Joe Jackson.

O’Jays set to be honored at BET Awards in Los Angeles

The “Love Train” is chugging to the BET Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, when legendary soul trio the O’Jays will receive a lifetime achievement honor during the ninth annual celebration of black musicians, actors and athletes. 

The trio, which rose to fame in the 1970s with such Gamble & Huff-produced tunes as “Back Stabbers,” “For the Love of Money” and the chart-topping “Love Train,” will perform at the Shrine Auditorium event. Their award will be presented by Tyrese, Trey Songz and Johnny Gill. 

The ceremony will air live for East Coast viewers of the BET cable network at 8 p.m. EDT, with a three-hour tape delay for those on the West Coast.

Jamie Foxx will both host and perform. Other artists scheduled to take the stage include Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Mary Mary, Maxwell, Ne-Yo, Queen Latifah, Soulja Boy, T-Pain, and Young Jeezy.

Foxx, Ne-Yo and T-Pain are among the nominees for best male R&B artist; the female category includes Beyonce, Hilson and Cole. The race for best male hip-hop artist includes West and Young Jeezy. While there are five nominees in each of those categories, just three made the cut for best female hip-hop artist: Lil Mama, M.I.A. and Trina.