Michael Jackson's children Prince and Paris steal the show  at the Grammy Awards

It was a stand out moment that many considered to be the highlight of the Grammy awards, and one that the rest of the night's performers were hard pushed to top.

With their late father absent from proceedings, Michael Jackson's children Prince Michael and Paris took to the stage at the Staples Centre to accept the lifetime achievement award on their father's behalf.

Accompanied by three of their cousins, Prince Michael, 12, and his 11-year-old sister wore black suits with red armbands and red stripes down the seam of their trousers in tribute to the pop superstar.

Scroll down to see the Grammy's special Michael Jackson segment...

Grateful: Prince thanked his father's fans for always being there for him

Emotional: Michael Jackson's children Prince and Paris accept their father's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles

The show-stopping appearance was punctuated by a speech by his eldest child who, looking remarkably mature and no longer with the longer hairstyle he kept before his father's death, thanked Jackson's fans for their support.

Prince told the 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.

Love: Lionel Richie, right, embraces Michael Jackson's daughter Paris as he presents her with the Lifetime Achievement award for her father

Prince had longer hair just six months ago at his father's memorial service

'Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity, through all his hard work and dedication he has helped through many charities and donated to all of them.

'Through all his songs, his message was simple: love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world.'

Paris added:  'Daddy was supposed to be here. Daddy was going to perform this year but couldn't.

'Thank you, we love you daddy.'

It was the second time Paris' voice had been heard.

She first spoke at Michael Jackson's memorial in July last year which, incidentally, was held at the same venue - the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

Rendition: (l-r) Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson,Usher and Carrie Underwood perform Michael Jackson's Earth Song in front of a special 3-D video

Tribute: Celine Dion sang in front of a 3D video from an environmental film Jackson had intended to show on his tour played in the background.

The emotional moment occured as Jackson's sister Janet was on stage with the children.

Paris appeared, and took the microphone to announce to the audience: 'Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine.

'And I just want to say I love him so much.'

Spectacular: Beyoncé, Jay-Z and her nephew Juelz Knowles, Beyonce and Jay-Z wear 3-D glasses for the special film dedicated to Michael Jackson

Special event: Rihanna watched intently as she wore her 3D glasses

The children appeared after a rendition of Michael Jackson's Earth Song, performed live by Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Smokey Robinson and Jennifer Hudson.

A special 3-D video montage accompanied the rousing performance - the special film was made for the King Of Pop's This Is It series of London concerts.

Audience members, including the many celebrity guests, sported 3-D glasses to watch scenes of nature and children as the five singers sang the emotive Jackson hit.