Michael Jackson's eldest two children accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of their late father at last night's Grammys (31.01.10).

Prince Michael, 12, and 11-year-old Paris received a standing ovation as they took to the stage at Los Angeles' Staples Center - where their dad's public memorial was held last July - to collect the honour and then paid an emotional tribute to him.

Prince said: "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 for these past seven months, and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support. We would also like the fans. Our father loved you so much because you were always there for him.

"Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. Through all his hard work and dedication, he has helped many charities and donated to all of them. Through all his songs, his message was simple - love."

A musical tribute was also paid to the legendary 'Thriller' singer, in which stars - including Celine Dion, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson - sang one of his biggest hits 'Earth Song', accompanied by a 3-D mini-film which was created by Jackson as part of his planned 'This Is It' tour.

The big winner on the night was Beyonce Knowles, who scooped six honours - a record for a female artist - including Song of the Year for 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for 'Halo'.

When accepting that trophy, Beyonce - who is married to rapper Jay-Z - told the star-studded audience: "This has been such an amazing night for me and I'd like to thank the Grammys.

"I'd like to thank my family including my husband, I love you."

However, she was beaten to the coveted Album of the Year by country singer Taylor Swift, who has honoured for her LP 'Fearless', as well as winning a further three awards.

The Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z and Kings of Leon - whose hit 'Use Somebody' was named Record of the Year - all picked up three trophies each, while Lady Gaga and Eminem won two.

Main list of winners form the 2010 Grammy Awards:

Record of the Year
Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'

Album of the Year
Taylor Swift - 'Fearless'

Song of the Year
Beyonce Knowles - 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)'

Best New Artist
Zac Brown Band

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Beyonce Knowles - 'Halo'

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Jason Mraz - 'Make It Mine'

Best Pop Performance by a duo or group with vocals
Black Eyed Peas - 'I Gotta Feeling'

Best Pop Vocal Album
Black Eyed Peas - 'The END'

Best Dance Recording
Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face'

Best Electronic/Dance Album
Lady Gaga - 'The Fame'

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
Michael Buble - 'Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden'

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
Bruce Springsteen - 'Working On A Dream'

Best Rock Performance by a duo or group with vocals
Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'

Best Rock Song
Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'

Best Rock Album
Green Day - '21st Century Breakdown'

Best Alternative Music Album
Phoenix - 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix'

Best R'n'B Song
Beyonce Knowles - 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)'

Best Contemporary R'n'B Album
Beyonce Knowles - 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'

Best Rap Solo Performance
Jay-Z - 'D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)'

Best Rap Performance by a duo or group
Eminem, Dr Dre and 50 Cent - 'Crack A Bottle'

Best Rap Song
Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West - 'Run This Town'

Best Rap Album
Eminem - 'Relapse'

Best Country Song
Taylor Swift - 'White Horse'

Best Country Album
Taylor Swift - 'Fearless'

Best Short Form Music Video
The Black Eyed Peas - 'Boom Boom Pow'