MTV has announced,via website, that Janet Jackson will open this year’s Video Music Awards in a special tribute to her late brother, King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The five-time Grammy Award winner is expected to be the highlight performance on Sunday, with 20 back-up dancers including legendary chorographers Gil Duldulao, Tina Landon, Wade Robson and Laurie-Ann Gibson, according to TMZ.

Janet, who is a nine-time VMA winner herself, has been in “rehearsals that last up to 15 hours a day”, said back-up dancer Kryiss Grant. No set list has been announced for Jackson’s performance, but according to Grant, “there won’t be a dry eye in the house.” The last time Janet performed at the VMA’s was in the year 2000 in promotion for her #1 single, “Doesn’t Really Matter”. The MTV Video Music Awards will air Sunday, September 13 at the Radio City Music Hall 9PM Pacific Time.

Ms. Jackson is also breaking her silence about her brother’s sudden death with the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar. Janet recalls the last moments her and Michael spent together (May 14,two days before her 43rd birthday) stating,

“The last time we were together he’d laugh so hard, he would start crying.”

The MTV Icon says she is “okay” and has devoted her time and energy to her upcoming projects.

Janet will star in Tyler Perry’s first sequal, Why Did I Get Married Too?, set to hit theaters April 2, 2010, and will also release to her first book, True You, where she will discuss her weight struggles and self-esteem issues, around the same time. In addition, the ‘All For You’ singer has teamed back up with longtime producers Jimmy ‘Jam’ Harris and Terry Lewis to record a new album expected to be released first quarter of the new year, with a world tour to follow. Ms. Jackson also spoke on marriage, adopting children and revealed she is now single, ending her 7 year relationship with producer Jermaine Dupri. No details of the sudden break-up were given. Janet Jackson’s October issue of Harper’s Bazaar will hit newstands September 22.