BET will honor R&B singer Whitney Houston, actress/singer Queen Latifah and hip-hop entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs as part of its third annual BET Honors show premiering Feb. 1.
The 2010 show, which honors standout African-American individuals across several business and entertainment categories, is scheduled to tape Jan. 16 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., according to BET officials.
Multi-Grammy winner Houston will receive the network's entertainment award, while Oscar-nominee Latifah will take home BET's media award, and respected business mogul Combs will be recognized with an entrepreneur award. Also receiving awards will be accomplished educator Ruth Simmons (education) and world renowned neurosurgeon Keith Black (Public Service).
"Each of our five celebrants are dedicated to reaching back to help bring more forward and represent integrity, perseverance, fortitude and outsized talent, said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials for BET Networks in a statement. "Music, merriment and memories are only a small part of BET Honors. We also hope to encourage our viewers to embody and emulate the passion and drive of these individuals."
Last year's show, which showcased NBA legend Ervin "Magic" Johnson, singer/songwriter Mary J. Blige and actor/playwright Tyler Perry, averaged 2.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
