Rob Sheffield on Michael Jackson's life and legacy, from infectious bubblegum R&B to the eccentric sound that revolutionized pop. He was truly "not like other guys."

Janet Jackson took the stage at the BET Awards in Los Angeles looking visibly shaken. Just three days after the death of her brother, Michael, she told the audience after a long pause to gather herself, “My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful. So they elected me to speak with all of you.” Promising to keep it short, she added, “To you, Michael is an icon, to us, Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.” Her speech was followed by host Jamie Foxx singing “I’ll Be There” with a pianist and Ne-Yo.