Chris Brown and Rihanna, ‘Empire,’ Janet Jackson and other surprises from the BET Awards 2015

Call it a comeback: All eyes were on Janet Jackson at tonight’s BET Awards. The singer, who last week released her first single (the unfortunately spelled “No Sleeep”) in seven years, was honored in a tribute, which included a performance by Ciara.

As if Janet’s performance wasn’t throwback enough, Sean Diddy Combs and his label Bad Boy Productions reunited at the awards show, giving a tribute to old school rap. Lil Kim, French Montana, Pharrell Williams, Faith Evans and Ma$e joined him on stage. It looks like Combswasn’t going to let that little UCLA arrest stop him from takign center stage.

Another performance that pushed Twitter into overdrive: The “Empire” hit “Drip-Drop” which Bryshere Y. Gray performed in character as Hakeem. It looks like we can expect the youngest Lyon to continue his rise to fame in season two.

Chris Brown, Omarion and Tyga also took the stage together, performing a triple header of “Liquor,” “Ayo” and “Post To Be.” While Brown was performing, the camera panned to Rihanna who was dancing and singing along, showing nothing but support for her on-again, off-again flame.

As far as who won big, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Smith, Terrence Howard and The Weeknd all took home awards. Click here for a complete winner’s list.

Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmLaurence