MICHAEL JACKSON - MICHAEL JACKSON PRESENTS JAMES BROWN WITH AWARD

Pop superstar MICHAEL JACKSON presented soul legend JAMES BROWN with a lifetime achievement award at America's BLACK ENTERTAINMENT (BET) AWARDS last night (24JUN03).

Reclusive Michael made his surprise appearance at the event held at Los Angeles KODAK THEATRE and received huge applause when he danced with the fleet-footed GODFATHER OF SOUL.

Jackson told the audience, "Nobody has influenced me more than this man right here."

Other winners included QUEEN LATIFAH for BEST ACTRESS, R KELLY drew with JAHEIM for BEST MALE R+B ARTIST, while R+B quartet B2K won TOP GROUP.

This year (03) marks the third annual BET awards, which recognize people of colour in music, film and sports categories.