In Pictures: BET Awards

Rapper T-Pain was joined on stage by acrobats at the Black Entertainment TV (BET) awards in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Wearing a spangled top hat T-Pain - who was nominated for five awards for his work with other artists - also performed with fellow nominees Big Boi and Ludacris.

Later a bare-chested Rick Ross flaunted his gut while singing Boss with T-Pain.

Kanye West performed with Young Jeezy. He won awards for best male hip-hop artist and best collaboration for Good Life with T-Pain.

Best male R&B artist went to Chris Brown who was later joined onstage by Ciara for a sizzling performance.

Alicia Keys won best female R&B artist. She invited vintage girl groups SWV, En Vogue and TLC to join her for a medley of their biggest hits.

Viewers Choice award winner Lil Wayne delivered a medley of hits including A Milli and Lollipop.

There were other performances from Keyshia Cole who descended from the ceiling while wearing a long flowing gown.

A dancer then ripped Cole's dress off, revealing a white top and shorts as she sang her hit Let It Go with Lil Kim.

Flo Rida performed his hit with T-Pain Low. Other winners included The Dream, who picked up best new artist, and Missy Elliott won best female hip-hop artist.