It was an intense and exciting Sunday evening as the "2009 Video Music Awards" took over New York City, causing quite a stir with Kanye West's outburst, Madonna's surprise appearance, Janet Jackson's tribute performance to her brother Michael and the cast of 'Twilight''s big reveal of their extended 'New Moon' trailer.

Madonna opened the awards show, paying tribute to the late Michael Jackson. "He was a king, but he was also a human being. ... Long live the king," she said of the King of Pop.

Following her words, dancers made their way to the stage to perform to Michael's acclaimed song "Thriller." Janet Jackson followed that performance up with her own tribute, singing the song "Scream," a duet she recorded with her brother.

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC