Never Can Say Goodbye

For anyone who's been to the Dirt Dishing Dame's cougar lair, you know firsthand that my home is covered in Michael Jackson memorabilia.

There are the obvious wall coverings from the Time Magazine Commemorative Edition to a throwback Entertainment Weekly and, of course, the LIFE coffee table book in my living room. If you look a little closer, there's a sequined glove atop a men's fedora in the closet, 4 DVDs and 1 VHS of his performances throughout the decades and T-shirts in the dresser emblazoned with images of his trademark moves.

Credit: Wikipedia

To say June 25, 2009 was a dark day is an understatement. Since then, we've seen millions of people around the world reacting to the death of an icon - some positive, some negative and some not even worth mentioning.

Last night at the American Music Awards, we saw an example of how Michael Jackson's legend will never die. And I couldn't be prouder of my jailbait, future ex-boyfriend - Justin Bieber.

The Biebs was nominated for four AMA's last night and won in all categories including Entertainer of the Year. His finale speech included a touching tribute to Usher Raymond - the man he justly credits with his success.

But if you took a minute to rewind your DVRs, you would have seen that the Biebs paid tribute to a man largely credited with inspiring Usher Raymond's artistic side: Michael Jackson.

Earlier in the show, Justin Bieber performed his new song "Pray" wearing a black jacket with a white band around his right arm. This was a signature Jackson trademark and Bieber's subtle yet touching performance tribute to the man whose legacy inspired most of the artists seated throughout the AMA audience.

Usher performed soon afterward and added several Jackson dance moves to his routine, something that has become quite common for the soulful crooner since Michael's passing last year.

With "entertainers" like Miley Cyrus and Taylor Momsen writhing on the ground in outfits far too mature for their teenage years, it's refreshing to see performers like Justin Bieber pay tribute to their predecessors who made their own successes possible.

Without Michael Jackson, there would be no Usher Raymond and, in turn, no Justin Bieber making 12 year old girls (and 20-something Dirt Dishing Dames) sigh contentedly and draw hearts on our three-ring binders.

In all seriousness, it was wonderful to see Bieber's maturity and respect for those who came before him oozing out of his pubescent pores. If I wasn't a fan before (and let's be honest, we all know I was), I am a mega fan now.

My Bieber Fever has given way to the Biebonic Plague - for which there is no cure. Thank you, Justin, for making me feel like I'm the Only Girl in the world!