Michael Jackson’s Children Accept Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award On Father’s Behalf

Amid all the glitz and glamour and high-energy performances inside the Staples Center during the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, it was two children who have never sang a note professionally who stole the show.

Following a 3-D tribute to Michael Jackson, the King of Pop’s eldest children – Prince Michael and Paris Jackson – took the stage to accept the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their late father.

“We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson,” Michael’s 12-year-old son, Prince, told the captivated audience.

“First of all, we’d like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months, and our grandma and grandpa for their loving support,” he continued. “We’d also like to thank the fans – our father loved you so much because you were always there for him.”

Prince and sister Paris took the stage, along with a few of their cousins, following a tribute performance to Michael of “Earth Song” performed by Carrie Underwood, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Celine Dion and Jennifer Hudson.

As the group of stars paid homage to the King of Pop in song, a 3-D video (using footage which was used during Michael’s concert film,“This Is It”) played in the background showing young children playing in a peaceful, green surrounding – a theme which Prince Michael reiterated during his speech.

“Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity,” he said. “Through all his hard work and dedication, he has helped many charities.”

The child closed his speech with a vow to continue to spread his father’s message of love.

“Through all his songs, his message was simple – love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world,” an emotional Prince Michael said. “Thank you. We love you daddy.”

His younger sister, 11-year-old Paris – who so memorably spoke during the public memorial for Michael over the summer — then took to the microphone with a brief comment before exiting the stage.

“Daddy was supposed to be here and Daddy was going to perform this year [because he] couldn’t perform last year,” she said. “Thank you. We love you Daddy.”