Fan Fare
Entertainment behind the scenes
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?
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.
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.
