PALIN MITENK BLOG

For Dad: Jackson children - Prince Michael, Paris and blanket - with Lionel Richie


It was a stand-out moment that many considered to be the highlight of the Grammy Awards - and one that the rest of the night's performers were hard-pushed to top.

Michael Jackson's children Prince Michael and Paris took to the stage at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles to accept the lifetime achievement award on their father's behalf.

Although they've spent most of their brief lives shielded from the outside world, their performance in front of the star-studded audience showed the last thing they are lacking is confidence.

Accompanied by three of their cousins, Prince Michael, 12, and 11-year-old Paris wore black suits with red armbands and red stripes down the seam of their trousers in tribute to their pop superstar father.

The show-stopping appearance was punctuated by a speech by his eldest child who, looking remarkably mature, thanked Jackson's fans for their support.

Prince told the audience: 'We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson. First of all we'd like to thank God for watching over us these last seven months and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support.


Grateful: Prince thanked his father's fans for always being there for him


Emotional: Michael Jackson's children Prince and Paris accept their father's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles

'We'd also like to thank the fans, our father loved you so much because you were always there for him.

'Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity, through all his hard work and dedication he has helped through many charities and donated to all of them.
'Through all his songs, his message was simple: love.

'We will continue to spread his message and help the world.'


Love: Lionel Richie, right, embraces Michael Jackson's daughter Paris as he presents her with the Lifetime Achievement award for her father


Prince had longer hair just six months ago at his father's memorial service


It was barely eight months ago that the youngsters huddled together in tears at Jackson's memorial service - their first-ever public appearance.

Paris added: 'Daddy was supposed to be here. Daddy was going to perform this year but couldn't.
'Thank you, we love you daddy.'
It was the second time Paris' voice had been heard.

She first spoke at Michael Jackson's memorial in July last year which was held at the same venue.
The children, alongside their seven-year-old brother Blanket, have been cared for by Jackson's mother Katherine since his death.

Their appearance comes as it was revealed that prosecutors are this week ready to charge Jackson's doctor with causing the star's death.
Dr Conrad Murray is set to face prosecution for involuntary manslaughter.


Rendition: (l-r) Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson, Usher and Carrie Underwood perform Michael Jackson's Earth Song in front of a special 3D video


Tribute: Celine Dion sang as a 3D video from an environmental film Jackson had intended to show on his tour played in the background


Moments before the youngsters stepped on stage, Lionel Richie introduced a tribute to Jackson, which began with a powerhouse collaboration, including Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson, who sang Jackson's Earth Song.

A special 3D video montage accompanied the rousing performance - the special film was made for the King Of Pop's This Is It series of London concerts.

Audience members, including the many celebrity guests, sported 3D glasses to watch scenes of nature and children as the five singers sang the emotive Jackson hit.


Spectacular: Beyoncé, her nephew Juelz Knowles but not Jay-Z wear 3D glasses for the special film dedicated to Michael Jackson


Special event: Rihanna watched intently as she wore her 3D glasses


source: dailymail