In a BET Awards ceremony last night that was heavy on tributes to MICHAEL JACKSON, the most surprising nod to the late entertainer came when his sister, JANET, stepped onto the stage towards the end of the night. In her first public appearance since Michael's death last Thursday, Janet said the audience may consider Michael to be an icon, but he was family to her siblings and parents. Janet, who said it was too painful for some family members to appear at the show, noted, quote, "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."

Michael's 80-year-old father, JOE JACKSON, also attended the ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. He said backstage, quote, "I think if Michael was here, then he would have enjoyed this celebration of him."

The celebration of Michael Jackson featured NEW EDITION performing several JACKSON 5 hits, including "I Want You Back" and "ABC"; NE-YO singing "Lady in My Life"; and CIARA covering "Heal the World." Many of the night's winners, including BEYONCÉ and LIL WAYNE, acknowledged the influence Michael had on their careers.

Host JAMIE FOXX saluted the King of Pop during an opening monologue for which he wore a red leather jacket and white glove. Foxx and Ne-Yo closed the show by performing the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."