The Black Entertainment Television network in the U.S. established the BET awards in 2001 to honor black and other minority artists in the fields of music, acting, and sports. On Sunday, top black performers paid high tribute to fallen pop star Michael Jackson at this year's gala. The star's sister Janet Jackson and father Joe Jackson made their first public appearances since his death.
Show host Jamie Foxx put the program in party mode from the start, dancing Jackson's famous moonwalk, singing his hit song "Beat It" and wearing a classic King of Pop costume -- red leather jacket and one white glove. Many other performers sang Jackson songs and dressed as he did when he was on stage. The show's most moving moment came in a final tribute when Janet, a pop star in her own right, took the stage to thank the audience for turning out to honor her deceased brother.
