Open Thread: Chris Brown’s Tribute To Michael Jackson

By Site Lead Arturo R. García

That performance, of course, dominated the discussion regarding this year’s BET Music Awards, as an unannounced Chris Brown – his introduction by Jermaine Jackson was simply, “Here he is!” – performed a tribute to Michael Jackson. Personally, I was underwhelmed – not so much by Brown tearing up during “Man In The Mirror,” but by the silence that preceded it. As accurate as Brown’s dancing and costuming were, the absence of his voice diminished the moment’s impact. I’m not questioning Brown’s intentions, but put simply, I wasn’t moved.

But, we at The R would like to get your opinions on the performance, and on where Brown and his career could or should go from here. And collected under the cut are various reactions from around the Web.

Were his tears for Michael Jackson? Some of it probably was. But it’s reasonable that it stemmed from the events in his life as well. Either way, it doesn’t make his tears less genuine.
- Clutch Magazine

I can’t be the only person who finds the fact that a convicted woman beater was asked to perform in honor of the late great Michael Jackson more than inappropriate.
- Hip-Hop Crunch

Although unplanned, hopefully this is the reaction and apology the media has been waiting for and will now stop punishing this talented musician.
– Hip-Hop Wired

I’m sorry but CB’s tears were not winning me over .. felt like when Elizabeth Hasselbeck cries, really a way of making the moment about you.
- Jay Smooth

A few minutes before hitting the stage, Brown tweeted, “BE NERVOUS FOR ME… im s***tin’ a brick right now!!!!!” We think that showing some raw human emotion might do some good for Brown’s tarnished public image… maybe.
- Zap2It

Intimate partner violence is not something you can make up for with a few well-executed dance moves or on-stage sobs. In this view, there was something unseemly about Brown using a tribute to a late legend as an opportunity to turn the spotlight on himself and score some career-rehab points.
- Entertainment Weekly