# BET Awards 2009

The 9th BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 28, 2009. The awards recognized Americans in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Comedian, singer, actor Jamie Foxx hosted the event for the first time, which was watched by 10.7 million viewers; the largest audience BET has ever received.

## Winners and nominees

The nominations were announced May 12, 2009 during 106 & Park's 2009 BET Award Nominations Special.
| Best Male R&B Artist | Best Female R&B Artist |
| Ne-Yo The-Dream Jamie Foxx Ryan Leslie T-Pain | Beyoncé Keyshia Cole Keri Hilson Jennifer Hudson Jazmine Sullivan |
| Best Group | Best Collaboration |
| Day26 GS Boyz N.E.R.D The Roots Three 6 Mafia | Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain – "Blame It" Keri Hilson feat. Lil Wayne – "Turnin Me On" Jim Jones feat. Ron Browz and Juelz Santana – "Pop Champagne" T.I. feat. Rihanna – "Live Your Life" Yung L.A. feat. Young Dro and T.I. – "Ain't I" |
| Best Male Hip Hop Artist | Best Female Hip Hop Artist |
| Lil Wayne Rick Ross T.I. Kanye West Young Jeezy | M.I.A. Lil Mama Trina |
| Video of the Year | Video Director of the Year |
| Beyoncé – "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) Beyoncé - "If I Were a Boy" Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain – "Blame It" T.I. feat. Rihanna – "Live Your Life" Kanye West – "Heartless" | Benny Boom Rik Cordero Gil Green Chris Robinson Hype Williams |
| Best New Artist | Best Gospel |
| Keri Hilson Kid Cudi Ryan Leslie M.I.A. Jazmine Sullivan | Mary Mary Regina Belle Shirley Caesar Smokie Norful Trin-i-tee 5:7 |
| Best Actor | Best Actress |
| Will Smith Jamal Woolard Common Samuel L. Jackson Idris Elba | Taraji P. Henson Jennifer Hudson Beyoncé Knowles Angela Bassett Rosario Dawson |
| Viewer's Choice | J Award |
| T.I. feat. Rihanna – "Live Your Life" Keri Hilson feat. Lil Wayne – "Turnin' Me On" Lil Wayne – "A Milli" Soulja Boy Tell'em feat. Sammie – "Kiss Me Thru the Phone" Beyoncé – "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" T-Pain feat. Lil Wayne – "Can't Believe It" Kanye West – "Love Lockdown" | Jazmine Sullivan Solange Knowles Seal Raphael Saadiq Musiq Soulchild |

## Michael Jackson tribute

On June 25, 2009, American recording artist and entertainer Michael Jackson succumbed to cardiac arrest just three days before the award ceremony aired. In honor of Jackson, BET announced, through their website, "With the untimely passing of an incomparable legend, the 2009 BET Awards will be shifting gears to honor the late Michael Jackson and his contributions to not only the music industry, but to the entire world. His loss is a difficult one to accept and BET will do its part to ensure that his legacy lives on. The 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the life, legacy and legend of music icon, Michael Jackson".
The ceremony began with R&B group New Edition performing a mash up of Jackson 5 hits, including ABC, which gained a standing ovation from the entire audience. Throughout the event, various artists performed covers of Jackson's hit singles, such as Ne-Yo's take on "The Lady in My Life", Ciara's cover of "Heal the World", and Keke Palmer's a cappella version of "Who's Loving You". In addition, many award winners thanked Jackson in their acceptance speeches, such as Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, and Jamie Foxx, who stated, "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everyone else." Foxx also paid homage by changing into multiple Michael Jackson-inspired outfits, like Jackson's silver glove and red Thriller jacket.
Towards the end of the night, Jackson's younger sister, Janet Jackson, made an emotional, surprise appearance, stating, "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 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."