By Craig Johnson
Special to CNN

(CNN) -- The star-studded BET Awards got under way without "the greatest star in the world," Joe Jackson, father of the late Michael Jackson, said on Sunday night.

"I wish the world had recognized him when he were living," Joe Jackson told CNN's Don Lemon outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.

"Right now he's bigger than ever. But I wish he was here to see all this, to hear all this," Joe Jackson said.

When asked about circumstances surrounding his son's death, he said, "I have a lot of concerns but I can't get into that. ... I don't like what happened."

The awards opened with a fleet-footed New Edition, with Bobby Brown, performing an energized version of the Jackson 5 hit "The Love You Save," to raucous praise.

Host Jamie Foxx wore a red, leather "Billie Jean" jacket for his opening monologue and did his best to imitate Jackson's backward glide across the floor. See photos of the show's tributes >

In addition to Foxx, presenter Jeremy Piven mixed praise for Jackson with comic relief.

"If it wasn't for Michael Jackson, people like Justin Timberlake would be selling curly fries in the valley," the actor said. "I mean that with love."

This year's performers included, Beyonce, Keyshia Cole and R&B artist Neyo who performed a hard-hitting tribute to the 1990s with appearances by acts Keith Sweat, Guy and Bell Biv Devoe. Watch celebrities walk the red carpet before the show >

Near the end of the show, Michael Jackson's sister Janet Jackson spoke holding back tears: "My entire family wanted to be here tonight. It was just too painful. To you Michael is an icon. To us Michael is family. And he will forever live in all of our hearts."

The presenters included the past and present Uhura of "Star Trek": Zoe Saldana, who starred in the film, and Nichelle Nichols of the TV show.

The show also honored the soulful Ohio trio, The O'Jays, who were presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tevin Campbell performed a rendition of The O'Jays classic "Forever Mine." Johnny Gill, Tyrese and Trey Songz performed a rumbling, soulful medley of The O'Jays hits that had some in the audience wondering if Songz was older than his years.

Among the award winners, Atlanta, Georgia-based singer Keri Hilson, who was nominated in four categories, received best new artist and Beyonce won best female artist.

Debra L. Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of Black Entertainment Television, said Jackson's death both saddened and energized the awards organizers.

"When we heard the news of Michael Jackon's passing we knew immediately we'd have to change the nature of this show," she said.

"We put the show together in a matter of three or four days. It's truly been a labor of love for us," Lee said.