A great deal of hype has surrounded this year's BET Awards.

Since the passing of arguably the greatest entertainer of all-time, Michael Jackson, this weekend's buzz has been all about how Black Entertainment Television will re-vamp its annual awards show to pay tribute to the King of Pop.

From the show's beginning, it was clear this night's festivities would honor the 'Thriller' singer in more ways than one. But big names like Usher, Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown, who were all rumored to participate in the show were noticeably absent.

New Edition, includingbad boy Bobby Brown, kicked off with a medley of Jackson 5 hits, including 'ABC, 'The Love You Save' and 'I Want You Back.' They even nailed the choreography of the Jacksons in their performance.

2009 BET Awards host Jamie Foxx, wearing MJ's signature red leather jacket and white glove -- replete with dancers -- performed a short rendition of Jackson's 'Beat It.' The Academy Award-winning actor also moonwalked across the stage.

Keri Hilson sang her hit songs 'Turnin' Me On' and 'Knock You Down.'

Without any frills, NeYo sang Jackson's touching 1982 ballad 'Lady in My Life.'

'Akeelah and the Bee' star KeKe Palmer performed an accapella version of 'Who's Lovin' You' before introducing Foxx ,who then performed his number-1 hit song 'Blame It.' Snoop Dogg joined him on-stage to dance around, as did T-Pain and rocker Travis Barker, who played drums, as the song turned into a rock 'n' roll version.

Rapper Soulja Boy performed his 'Turn My Swag On' single. Beyonce followed shortly thereafter and sang her version of 'Ave Maria.' Mary Mary were joined by Queen Latifah for their song 'God In Me.'

Foxx took the stage for a second time as a performing act, and this time behind the piano, for 'She Got Her Own' with Ne-Yo and Fabolous.

One of the night's highlights was Ne-Yo & Friends' blast from the past: Keith Sweat performed 'I Wanna,' Guy performed 'I Like' and Ne-Yo joined Bell Biv DeVoe to sing 'Poison.'

Ciara, adorned in a Jackson-esque blazer, performed his 'Heal the World' while Keyshia Cole teamed with Monica for a duet of 'Trust' and Jay-Z took the stage, shortly after his wife Beyonce won the award for 'Best R&B Female,' to perform his new single 'Death of Auto tune.'

BET President Debra Lee honored the humanitarian recipients Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean.

Academy-Award nominee Taraji P. Henson, who won the Best Actress award, joined her 'Baby Boy' co-star Tyrese who pretended to be 'Jodi' his character from the John Singleton flick.

Another highlight was the O'Jay's tribute. Not only did the legendary soul singers take the stage and sing 'Let Me Make Love To You,' 'For the Love of Money' and 'Used To Be My Girl,' but Tevin Campbell honored the group singing 'Forever Mine,' as did 'Johnny Gill, Trey Songz and Tyrese who sang 'Backstabbers,' 'Darlin' Darlin' Baby' and 'Stairway to Heaven.'

To close out the show, Janet Jackson took the stage to thank everyone for the support and love that has been shown to her family since the passing of her big brother. She said the following:

"My entire family wanted to be here tonight but it was just too painful. So, they elected me to speak with all of you so I am going to keep it very short. I'd just like to say to you Michael is an icon, to us Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts. On behalf of my famiy and myself thank u for all of your love thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much thank u so much"

Ne-Yo and Foxx sang 'I'll Be There' to close out the show.

BET Awards 2009 Winner's List

Best Female R&B Artist: Beyonce

Best Male R&B Artist: Ne-Yo

Best Collaboration : Jamie Foxx and T-Pain - 'Blame It'

Viewer's Choice: T.I. and Rihanna 'Live Your Life'

Best Group: Day 26

Best Male Hip-Hop: Lil' Wayne

Best New Artist: Keri Hilson

Video of the Year: Beyonce 'Single Ladies'

Best Actress: Taraji P. Henson

Male Athlete of the Year: LeBron James