1995 Ad

Jet, Sept 25, 1995

Megastar Michael Jackson opened the recent 12th annual MTV Video Music Awards with a bang, boom and three costume changes. One critic raved that "apparently the M in MTV stands for Michael."

The audience cheered wildly as the King of Pop performed a 15-minute medley of his greatest hits including Billie Jean, Scream, Dangerous, and his current smash, You Are Not Alone.

He was joined onstage by a children's choir, a troupe of dancers and guitarist Slash at different times during the opening number.

"Thank you," he told the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation. "Listen, I love you." Jackson's wife Lisa Marie Presley-Jackson and his sister, superstar Janet Jackson led the applause at the sold-out Radio City Music Hall.

Jackson and his sister Janet later won three awards for their black and white science fiction video, Scream from Michael's hit album, History: Past, Present And Future Book 1.

Michael and Janet won for best dance video, best choreography and best art direction. They had 11 nominations--more than any other artist.

Pop-rap trio TLC won four MTV Video Music Awards for their smash video hit, Waterfalls, including video of the year, group video, R&B video and the Viewer's Choice Award.

Other top winners included: smooth superstar singer Seal for Kiss From A Rose from the movie, Batman Forever in the video from a film category.

Rap star Dr. Dre won in the rap video category for Keep Their Heads Ringin.' Hootie and the Blowfish won in the new artist in a video category for their hit, Hold My Hand.

Famed boxer Mike Tyson made a surprise appearance to introduce the rock group, Red Hot Chili Peppers.