Janet Jackson told the audience
at the Black Entertainment Television Awards
that the entire Jackson family had wanted to attend the show,
but it was too painful.
She said she had been elected to speak on their behalf.
"I'm going to keep it very short
but I'd just like to say that
to you
Michael is an icon,
to us
Michael is family.
And he will forever live in all of our hearts."
The actor and singer Jamie Foxx led the celebrity tributes,
with an upbeat performance.
He said there was no need to be sad
and that the night was an opportunity to celebrate the singer's achievements.