Justin Timberlake, Usher, Ne-Yo Talk About Michael Jackson's Influence

Artists reflect on MJ on CBS' "Michael Jackson: Picking Up the Pieces." By Jocelyn Vena Michael Jackson Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage In a segment of CBS' special "Michael Jackson: Picking Up the Pieces" on Tuesday, MTV News reflected on the influence that Jackson has had on a whole generation of young artists who came of age long after "Thriller" first hit airwaves. Ne-Yo, Usher, Justin Timberlake and David Cook and others revealed the ways that Jackson influenced not only their music but the way they dance, dress and even tackle their careers. "He influenced me in so many ways, more than just music ... as a humanitarian, as a philanthropist, as an artist, as an individual who transcended culture," Usher said in the special. "I wouldn't be who I am today without Michael Jackson." Ne-Yo , who said he learned to sing by listening to Off the Wall, remembered that when Jackson "dropped a video, it was an event." Justin Timberlake admired Jackson's  ... (link)