Photos via WireImage

Janet Jackson opened the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards with a full tribute to her late brother Michael Jackson. MTV did a montage of several of Michael’s popular videos and Janet appeared to rock the stage in typical Jackson fashion. Janet also hit up her twitter account later to offer her fans a special gift:

I hope u guys enjoyed us tonight. It was very special for me n I have a very special gift for all of u. Sept 14th 1:28am

The gift turned out to be the lyrics to a new Janet Jackson song entitled “Make Me” Click Here for the lyrics.

In between the opening and closing there was a bunch of tomfoolery. In short, Kanye stole the mic from Taylor Swift, Beyonce performed yet again in her sequinned bathing suit and then redeemed herself by giving Taylor some time to shine. I’m sure there was alot more going on but I was too busy rewinding the Kanye incident to pay any attention to anything else. Sorry.

The grand closing for the evening was non other than Jay-Z. Fresh off the heels of his 9/11 tribute concert, Jay rocked the stage with Alicia Keys in a hot performance of “Empire State of Mind”

Jay-Z and Alicia seem to be giving the side eye to the surprise guest who hopped onstage at the end of their performance.

I still don’t know what Lil Mama was thinking…

Watch the opening and closing performance videos below:

Janet Jackson’s 2009 MTV VMA Performance (Micheal Jackson Tribute)

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys perform “Empire State of Mind” ~ 2009 MTV VMAs

More photos in the GALLERY