The END

The 2009 BET Awards promised to honor Michael Jackson, and it sure did on Sunday night.

The show opened with a medley of songs by the Jackson 5, performed by a reunited New Edition with former member Bobby Brown. The it was host Jamie Foxx’s turn as he entered the stage to Michael’s “Beat It”, wearing the singer’s trademark red jacket and a white glove.

Artists continue to spotlight Michael throughout the show, including performances of MJ hits like “THe Lady in my Life” by Ne-Yo and “Heal the World” by Ciara. Many thanked the star for his influence as they took the stage to present or accept an award.

Beyonce Knowles, while accepting the award for Best Female R&B Artist, said, “This is for you, Michael Jackson. I have to thank Michael Jackson for being my teacher, my hero.”

But the big surprise of the night was when Janet Jackson herself took the stage at the close of the awards show, thanking the crowd for their support. “My entire family wanted to be here tonight. But it was just too painful,” she said. “So they elected me to speak with all of you and I’m going to keep it very short but I’d just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family.”

And even before the awards show began, the stars paid tribute to the late singer, who died on Thursday morning because of cardiac arrest. “He was a compassionate, amazing man,” Arsenio Hall said. “When I left my talk show, he was the first person to call me… The only thing we need to know about him was, he was the King of Pop. His talent was undeniable.”

Taking home top honors at the show were Beyonce, who won Video of the Year for “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” and Best Female R&B artist, and T.I. featuring Rihanna, who won the Viewer’s Choice Award for “Live Your Life.” Ne-Yo won Best Male R&B Artist, while Lil Wayne won the award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.