A devastated Janet Jackson appeared in public for the first time since her brother Michael Jackson died on Thursday, when she came together with a plethora of other celebrities to commemorate the undisputed King of Pop’s colourful life.

The pop star found it difficult to keep it together as she gave thanks to everyone for their support during a speech at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards in Los Angeles.

Joining her at the awards show was another member of the Jackson family, Joe Jackson, Michael’s father. He took a seat in the front row at the Shrine Auditorium as one star after another went up to say a few words about the pop legend and the historical stamp he has made in the music industry.

The BET awards ceremony was not originally being held in memory of Michael Jackson but organisers made the decision that it should be all about him shortly after hearing of his untimely death on Thursday. It was to be a celebration of his life and music.

“When we heard that he had passed, we knew we had to revamp this year’s show and make it special for him,” BET’s chief executive Debra Lee said.

The star studded event was hosted by the Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx.

He got the show off to a flying start as a Jackson 5 tune boomed throughout the auditorium as he slinked onto the stage wearing a quintessentially Michael Jackson red leather jacket complete with white glove as he demonstrated his moonwalk moves.

Speaking to the glitzy audience, Foxx said, “No need to be sad. We want to celebrate this black man. We gonna go through all of Michael Jackson.”

Celebrating his music was not hard as they played all of his classic hits throughout the evening with different acts taking part in the performances, with award winners barely getting a look in on the tribute night.

Guests were given the opportunity to go up to reminisce over fond memories and thoughts of the troubled legend.