Tributes to Michael Jackson dominated the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards last night (28.06.09)

Joe Jackson – the father of the 50-year-old pop legend, who died of a suspected cardiac arrest last Thursday (25.06.09) – was one of the first to pay homage to his son, speaking about him on the red carpet at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium.

He said: “I wish the world had recognised him when he was living. Right now, he’s bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this.”

Janet Jackson also made an appearance, and thanked Michael’s fans for all their support in the wake of his passing.

She said: “My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful so they elected me to speak with all of you.

“I would just like to say that to you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family, and he will forever live in all of our hearts.

“On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all your love – thank you for all your support. We miss him so much.”

Jamie Fox hosted the show, and entered wearing a red leather jacket in a nod to Michael’s costume in the music promo for ‘Beat It’.

After the event opened to a medley of Jackson 5 songs – including ‘ABC’ and ‘The Love You Save’ – Jamie walked onto the stage to ‘Beat It’.

He said: “No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man. We are going to go through all of Michael Jackson.”

The singer-and-actor also performed Michael’s signature dance move the moonwalk and performed the Jackson 5 hit ‘I’ll Be There’ alongside Stevie Wonder and Ne-Yo as images of the late King of Pop flashed up on a big screen.

Winners at the BET Awards included Beyonce Knowles, who took home a prize for her ‘Single Ladies’ video. The 27-year-old singer was also named Best Female R’n'B Artist.

Ne-Yo was crowned Best Male R’n'B Artist, while Lil Wayne won the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist accolade.

Other winners included M.I.A. in the Best Female Hip-Hop Artist category, Best Actor went to Will Smith and Taraji P. Henson was named Best Actress.

Many stars paid tribute to Michael throughout the show.

Male Athlete of the Year, basketball star LeBron James, said: “My heart and prayers go out to the whole Jackson family. What they did for us was amazing.”

Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keyes and Wyclef Jean all also mentioned Michael.

Ne-Yo’s rendition of Michael’s hit ‘Lady In My Life’ reduced Joe to tears, while Ciara covered ‘Heal The World’.