HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Dancing With the Stars paid tribute to Michael Jackson on Tuesday night's show, with the late singer's sister, LaToya Jackson, noting the King of Pop's love for dance.
"Michael liked all kinds of choreography. He liked Dancing With the Stars," she said. "He was a fan of the show."
The tribute kicked off with a performance of the vintage Jackson 5 hit "I Want You Back."
"He influenced not only dancing itself, but choreography. We lost not only an icon, but we lost the father of dance and choreography," said dancer Karina Smirnoff.
"It's really important to do this tribute because he pretty much opened doors, and I thank him for opening doors for all of us," reflected dancer Louis van Amstel.
Dancer Mark Ballas said of the tribute: "It just felt so great to dance to MJ songs and feel his moves. He's just an inspiration to all of us. He will be missed."
"He gave the world so much happiness and joy, and his music will live forever," added fellow dancer Kym Johnson.
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