VMAs 2009, Janet Jackson’s Tribute to Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie Proud Grandpa

2009 MTV Video Music Awards had more than the usual award night drama! Kayne West’s bad behavior towards Taylor Swift was the big story of the night, while Lady Gaga stepped out with Kermit the Frog! The fabulous Lady GaGa told MTV that it was her first date with the famous muppet, who wore a tux. No word on who designed the frog’s dress for the awards. Beyonce saved the day at the VMAs by sharing her spotlight with Taylor Swift. Janet Jackson rocked the house at the VMAs when she performed a dance protection to her brother Michael Jackson. Before Janet took the stage, Madonna spoke a few words Michael and his everlasting impact on music. Lionel Richie is singing the praises of his new grandchild Sparrow these days. Acting like a very proud grandpa, Richie told People magazine that he was so impressed with daughter Nicole and Joel Madden. The second time grandfather says his new grandson Sparrow “looks exactly like Harlow.” How sweet!

LIONEL RICHIE TO RECEIVE UNCF AWARD: Singer to be awarded during 31st Evening of Stars on Sept. 12

Lionel Richie, Five-time Grammy award winner, he will be accoladed by UNCF–the United Negro College Fund at its 31st annual An Evening of Stars (AEOS) event on Sept. 12 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The two-hour musical homage, to be air nation wide in January 2010, will feature an apparel of artists performing the songs Richie has made famous.
A graduate of Tuskegee University, a UNCF member university, Richie will acquire UNCF’s Award of Excellence for his long and distinguished course as a singer-songwriter, record producer and for his history of support for minority education. He joins antecedent AEOS honorees Lou Rawls, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson and Patti LaBelle.
AEOS performers and participants will be announced in the coming weeks and tickets are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
“Lionel Richie’s music makes up the sound track of our lives,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF. “He is a national treasure, and we’re proud to claim him, not only as a graduate of our storied member school, Tuskegee University, but as an artist of international renown and a longtime supporter of UNCF and the work we do to make accurate that every child in America gets an education that starts in pre school and doesn’t end until college graduation.”