One of the most talked-about participants of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was tragically there in absentia. Though many people ended up [article id="1621389"]talking about Kanye West[/article], the anticipation was focused squarely on Michael Jackson, who received a [article id="1621390"]tribute from Madonna[/article], his [article id="1621392"]sister Janet and an army of dancers[/article] re-enacting some of his most famous dance moves. According to reactions from fans, it was a fitting tribute.

"Madonna almost had me in tears with her speech," charchar1982 commented. "And I loved the part when [Janet] danced to 'Scream' and it looked like she was dancing with [Michael] again. My fav part of the show." She wasn't the only one who got a little choked up during the start of the show. "I am still in tears over the performance," Frances wrote. "I can only imagine that Janet needed all the strength she could get. They were so close. I'm thankful to MTV for allowing that to happen. It was a fitting tribute to MJ, since his videos did launch a whole new audience to MTV and the world." Bluestrawberry51 also appreciated Janet's effort, noting, "It was beautiful and Janet was just perfect. It was (nearly) flawless."

But the outpouring of support for Michael Jackson didn't end with the show-opening tribute. At the close of the show, MTV premiered the [article id="1621242"]full trailer for the upcoming film "Michael Jackson's This Is It,"[/article] which brings together performance and behind-the-scenes footage from the rehearsals for what would have been the shows that made up Michael's planned residency at the O2 arena in London. The trailer inspired similar waterworks from readers. "It's bittersweet, it's a dream," Karma commented. "It makes tears flow in my eyes, but also makes me feel proud of this man, who gave his best for his fans. He was a visionary, a loving soul and the best entertainer on earth." Sam concurred. "The trailer honestly almost made me tear up. The man was dancing like he was in his 20s ... energetic. I miss Michael very, very much."

Clearly the anticipation over "Michael Jackson's This Is It" -- which opens on October 28 and will run for only two weeks -- is extremely high, and based on the outpouring of emotion and support for the tribute at this year's VMAs, his legions of adoring fans still aren't quite ready to let Michael Jackson go.

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards might have wrapped, but the party is far from over. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates, party reports and much more.