The late Michael Jackson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy's this weekend.

The singer's oldest children Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, accepted the award on behalf of their father. The children were accompanied by three of their cousins and wore black suits with red armbands to pay tribute to their father.

Prince Michael told the captive audience: “We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson. First of all we'd like to thank God for watching over us these last seven months and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support.”

“We'd also like to thank the fans, our father loved you so much because you were always there for him.”

Lionel Ritchie hugged Paris as he presented her with her fathers award and then she spoke for only the second time in public.

“Daddy was supposed to be here. Daddy was going to perform this year but couldn't. Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.”

She added: “And I just want to say I love him so much.”

Jackson's hit Earth Song, was performed by Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Smokey Robinson and Jennifer Hudson as a special 3-D montage of images of nature and children was played. The film was made for what would have been Jackson's farewell tour, This Is It.