Although Kanye West is making headlines this morning for last night's inane publicity stunt, let's not forget what the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards were all about - remembering and honoring the life and work of the best performer of all time, Michael Jackson.

For anyone who may have missed Janet Jackson's opening tribute, here's the video courtesy of MTV.com:

MTV Shows

As Madonna said in her poignant speech, "There is no question Michael Jackson was one of the greatest talents the world has ever known. We allowed this magnificent creature that once set the world on fire to slip through the cracks... He was so unique, so original, so rare and there will never be anyone like him again. He was a king."