Awarding and celebrating the music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment of African Americans is the annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards held annually at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

In light of the passing of King of Pop, Michael Jackson, the BET was reorganized to commemorate the life of the pop icon with the performers modifying most of their routines to perform Michael’s hits.

The event was hosted by singer/actor Jamie Foxx and the performers for the night included Beyonce, Maxwell, Kanye West, Ne-Yo & Fabolous, Jay-Z, Mary Mary, Keyshia Cole & Monica, Soulja Boy, Keri Hilson, Ciara, Drake, Lil Wayne, Jamie Foxx,Guy,New Edition,Bel Biv Devoe,Tevin Campbell,Johnny Gill,Tyrese,Trey Songz, and The O-Jays.

Micheal’s younger sister, Janet Jackson, made a surprise appearance during the closing and honored her brother and thanked his fans for their support. “My entire family wanted to be here tonight, but it was just too painful,” said the emotional but composed Jackson. “To you, Michael is an icon; to us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts.”

Here are the winners of the BET:

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Lil Wayne
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: M.I.A.

Best Collaboration: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain, “Blame It”
Best Group: Day 26

Best Male R&B Artist: Ne-Yo
Best Female R&B Artist: Beyonce

Best New Artist: Keri Hilson

Best Gospel Artist: Mary Mary

Video of the Year: Beyonce, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”
Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom

Best Actor: Will Smith
Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson

Best Male Athlete: LeBron James
Best Female Athlete: Serena Williams

Viewers’ Choice: T.I. featuring Rihanna, “LIve Your LIfe”
Centric Award: Jazmine Sullivan

(more articles and live coverage of the event: EW.com)