January 07, 2008

By By Ann Donahue, L.A.

Alicia Keys will receive the Entertainment Award at the BET Honors, a gala scheduled for Jan. 12 in Washington D.C. that will air on the cable network on February 22.

It's the first time for the awards show, says Debra Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, and is scheduled as part of the network's Black History Month programming.

Those scheduled to appear on the show include Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Wyclef Jean.

Besides Keys, those being honored include Tyra Banks, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Richard Parsons, Maxine Waters and Cornel West.

"We are thrilled to pay tribute to the thinkers, trailblazers and trendsetters whose accomplishments serve as inspirations for current and future generations," Lee says. "Each of these remarkable individuals has made significant contributions to the Black community and American culture overall, and BET Networks is proud to recognize them through this very special, new tentpole event."

Cedric The Entertainer will host the awards, which will take place at the Warner Theatre.

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