Urban World

BET Awards Take Place In LA

The annual Black Entertainment Television Awards (BET Awards) took place this weekend. The live broadcast from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium was extended by half an hour to include last-minute unannounced guests who want to appear and pay their respects to Michael Jackson – who passed away three days earlier.

The show's running order had to be recreated after the sudden death of the King Of Pop.

One of the producers of the gala, which honours African-American achievements in music, film and sports, admitted the show underwent a "total overhaul".

"It has been planned and rehearsed for the last six months. So to change it all in less than three days is not easy, but they are all willing and looking forward to it," said Stephen Hill.

"There is a direct line from Beyonce to Michael Jackson, from Ne-Yo to Michael Jackson, from Jay-Z to Michael Jackson. They will want to pay tribute," he added.

Performers at the BET Awards included Lil' Wayne Ne-Yo, Ciara and a surprising reformation of New Edition, who together with host Jamie Foxx all paid homage to the singing legend.

The night was also attended by Michael's father Joe Jackson and, in what was possibly the most emotional moment of the night, Michael's little sister Janet Jackson took to the stage to address the audience. She said: “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 of your love, thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you so much.”

Performers and audience members at this weekend's Glastonbury Festival also paid tribute to Jackson's contribution to the world of music.

Full winners list of 2009 BET Awards:

• Video of the Year: Beyonce Knowles "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
• Best Male R&B Artist: Ne-Yo
• Best Female R&B Artist: Beyonce Knowles
• Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Lil' Wayne
• Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: M.I.A
• Best Group: Day 26
• Best New Artist: Keri Hilson
• Viewer's Choice: T.I Feat Rihanna- "Live Your Life"
• Best Collaboration: Jamie Foxx Feat. T-Pain - "Blame It"
• Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom
• Centric Award: Jazmine Sullivan
• Best Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
• Best Actor: Will Smith
• Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson
• Best Male Athlete: LeBron James
• Best Female Athlete: Serena Williams
• Humanitarian Award: Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean
• Lifetime Achievement Award: The O'Jays