Madonna lead the tributes to Michael Jackson at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York last night (September 13).

The singer opened the ceremony with an emotional dedication to the King of Pop, during which compared the singer's life to her own.

She said: "Michael Jackson was born in August 1958. So was I. Michael Jackson grew up in the suburbs of the Midwest. So did I. Michael Jackson had eight brothers and sisters. So do I.

“When Michael Jackson was 6 he became a superstar and was perhaps the world's most beloved child. When I was 6 my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick."

Madonna, who was dressed in black, went on to describe the late singer as “one of the greatest talents the world has ever known”.

"Most of us had turned our backs on him," she said, adding: "Long live the king!"

Pink, Beyonce and Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine were among the musicians who fell silent during the speech.

Elsewhere during the ceremony, Jackson's sister Janet performed a special rendition of 'Scream' – the song she recorded with her late brother.

Host Russell Brand, who caused controversy at last year's event, said simply that the show was “dedicated to the great Michael Jackson”.

Taylor Swift, Eminem, Green Day and Lady GaGa were among the winners at last night's awards ceremony.

(by Jason Gregory)