LOS ANGELES — The BET Awards became the official Michael Jackson TV celebration Sunday, with joyous tributes to the King of Pop from a New Edition-Jackson 5 medley to host Jamie Foxx’s tender monologue delivered in that classic red leather zipper jacket and white glove.
Joe Jackson, the singer’s father, was on hand to represent the grief-stricken family.
“I just wish he could be here to celebrate himself,” he said. “Sadly, he’s not here, so I’m here to celebrate for him.”
A tearful Janet Jackson appeared on stage at the end of the BET Awards. After a long pause to gather herself, she spoke haltingly but deliberately to the audience.
“I’d 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,” she said.
Producers of the annual awards show — which recognizes the best in music, acting and sports — revamped the show to meet the moment.
While Beyonce and T.I. were the leading award nominees with five apiece, trophies were an afterthought; honoring Jackson was the show’s main focus.
“We all know none of us in this room wouldn’t be here for Michael Jackson,” Lil Wayne said as he picked up his award for best male hip-hop star. The Associated Press
List of Winner for the 2009 BET Awards
Best Female R&B Artist
Beyoncé Knowles (Winner)
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan
Best Group
Day26 (Winner)
GS Boyz
N.E.R.D.
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia
Best Gospel Artist
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Mary Mary (Winner)
Smokie Norfu
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Lil Mama
M.I.A. (Winner)
Trina
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
Lil Wayne (Winner)
Rick Ross
T.I.
Kanye West
Young Jeezy
Best New Artist
Keri Hilson (Winner)
Kid Cudi
Ryan Leslie
M.I.A.
Jazmine Sullivan
Best Collaboration
Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain – Blame It (Winner)
Keri Hilson f/ Lil Wayne – Turnin’ Me On
Jim Jones f/ Ron Browz and Juelz Santana – Pop Champagne
T.I. f/ Rihanna – Live Your Life
Yung L.A. f/ Young Dro and T.I. – Ain’t I
Video Director of the Year
Benny Boom (Winner)
Rik Cordero
Gil Green
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams
Video of the Year
Beyoncé Knowles – If I Were a Boy
Beyoncé Knowles – Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) (Winner)
Jamie Foxx f/ T-Pain – Blame It
T.I. f/ Rihanna – Live Your Life
Kanye West – Heartless
Best Actress
Angela Basset
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P. Henson (Winner)
Jennifer Hudson
Beyoncé Knowles
Best Actor
Common
Idris Elba
Samuel L. Jackson
Will Smith (Winner)
Jamal Woolard
Best Female Athlete
Tamika Catchings
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Serena Williams (Winner)
Venus Williams
Best Male Athlete
Kobe Bryant
Reggie Bush
LeBron James (Winner)
Dwayne Wade
Tiger Woods
Viewer's Choice Nominees
Beyoncé Knowles – Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Keri Hilson – Turnin Me On (f/ Lil Wayne)
Lil Wayne – A Milli
Soulja Boy Tell'em – Kiss Me Thru The Phone (f/ Sammie)
T.I. – Live Your Life (f/ Rihanna) (Winner)
T-Pain – Can't Believe It (f/ Lil Wayne)
Kanye West – Love Lockdown
BET J Award Nominees
Musiq Soulchild
Raphael Saadiq
Seal
Solange
Jazmine Sullivan (Winner)
Special Honorees:
Humanitarians of the Year – Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean
Lifetime Achievement Award – The O'Jays
