Usher regrets absence from BET Awards

On Friday, BET CEO Debra Lee told reporters that Usher and Justin Timberlake would be last minute additions to Sunday's BET Awards telecast, which was being "overhauled" to honor Michael Jackson in the wake of his passing.

Neither performer made it to the ceremony on Sunday. The reason for Timberlake's no-show remains a mystery, but Usher explained in a statement released Sunday he was overseas and unable to make it to Los Angeles in time.

“It is with regret that I [was] unable to participate in the BET Awards Tribute to Michael Jackson on June 28,” Usher said.

“When the BET Awards producers and organizers reached out to me to participate in the tribute, I was extremely flattered and humbled by the opportunity to pay tribute to the world’s greatest musical icon,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately, I am currently overseas and would not make it back in time to the Awards show.”

Though Usher was not able to celebrate Jackson on Sunday, the singer revealed he has a tribute honoring the late singer in the works.

“I look forward to seeing the show and I plan to work on a tribute to Michael Jackson when I return,” Usher said.