By Rondell Conway

The BET Awards is usually a celebration of today’s entertainment giants, but last night’s show would belong to celebrating the life and times of the late Michael Jackson.

Last night BET held its annual award show at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angles. Hosted by actor/comedian Jamie Foxx, the show featured performances by Maxwell, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Queen Latifah and gospel duo Mary Mary. The O’Jays were honored with a lifetime Achievement Award (more on this in other post), while Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean received Humanitarian Awards for their charitable work with AIDS in Africa and poverty in Haiti respectively.

Awards were handed out to some of today’s brightest stars, but the biggest moments of the night came when stars performed songs in honor of the late Michael Jackson. With his father Joe Jackson sitting in the front row, BET dedicated the show the music icon who passed away Thursday of cardiac arrest. Among those who performed in honor of Jackson was Beyonce, Ciara, Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx, and New Edition (including Bobby Brown). There were video segments in honor of Jackson, and some artist shared their heartfelt personal thoughts of Jackson’s impact on their lives. However, the night’s tear-jerking moment came when Janet Jackson graced the crowd to give her and the Jackson family’s thank you to everyone for honoring Michael.

Here are some other moments from the night.

Overall the night was a little shaky, but kudos to BET for putting it all together under the tough circumstances.

BET . Beyonce . Jamie Foxx . Janet Jackson . Keri Hilson . Maxwell . Michael Jackson . Ne-Soul . Ne-Yo . New Edition . O'Jays . R&B . Soul Soul Summary