BET to Honor Janet Jackson at 'BET Awards'

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BET will honor entertainer Janet Jackson with its “Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award” during Sunday’s BET Awards ceremony, the network announced Tuesday.

Jackson, who will launch her first studio album in seven years later this year as well as embark on a world tour this fall, will receive her honors during BET's live BET Awards telecast. Performers Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe will perform a special dance tribute to the iconic entertainer, which is set to include her just released single, No Sleeep. 

“This is Janet Jackson, people!  We are excited beyond belief to present her with our inaugural 'Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual' award and we are thrilled that she chose the BET Awards as the first step on her new road,” said BET president of programming Stephen G. Hill in a statement.

The BET Awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, will also include performances by Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill, while Michael Ealy, Sanaa Lathan, Laverne Cox, Michael B. Jordan and Zendaya, will serve as presenters for the show

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.