Artists commemorate Michael Jackson's life at BET Awards

Michael Jackson tribute by Jamie Foxx & Ne-Yo           (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

The BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET.

The inaugural ceremonies in 2001 were held at the Paris resort on the Las Vegas Strip. From 2002 through 2005, the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood hosted the ceremonies. Since 2006, the awards have been held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Just three days after the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson BET re-organized most of the 2009 award ceremony, to commemorate the life of Michael Jackson.

Artists changed their original planned routine to sing many of the King of Pop's songs. His father Joe was present throughout the awards, but the surprise of the night was the arrival of his sister Janet Jackson at the finale of the show. She said how her family had chosen her to go speak and thank BET and the fans for all their support given to them.

Jamie Foxx hosted the show with multiple entertainment to pay tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson!

Michael's father, Joe Jackson, attended. Janet Jackson, a sister, appeared and spoke for the finale.

Janet Jackson, herself, is an American recording artist and actress and the the youngest child of the Jackson family of musicians.

Janet first performed on stage with her family beginning at the age of seven, and later started her career as an actress with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976. She went on to star in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes. 

Now Janet Jackson, along with others, mourns for her brother, Michael, but yet celebrates his life!