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UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 6 February 2010:

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Remains at No.47 (2nd week) - 40 weeks on chart.
 

New Zealand Tickets...

Sunday Star Times: Whitney Houston Heading for Kiwi Concert

POP soul diva Whitney Houston has announced her first and only New Zealand concert at New Plymouth's TSB Bowl of Brooklands during Taranaki's anniversary weekend on March 6.

Houston, who has made a remarkable career comeback after ditching class A drugs and Grammy Award-winning, but troubled, ex-husband Bobby Brown, is promising to sing all her hits – including "How Will I Know", "Greatest Love of All", "I Wanna Dance With Somebody", and "Didn't We Almost Have It All", as well as material from her new album, I Look To You.

She has produced over 170 million combined albums, singles and videos during her career and famously featured in one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums, The Bodyguard soundtrack, with Dolly Parton's "Will Always Love You" in 1992.

Tickets go on sale from Monday, February 8. To book go to www.ticketmaster.co.nz or call 0800 111-999.

 

Competition Reminder...

For 25 years, the music industry has been blessed with the legendary sound of Whitney Houston and to celebrate her upcoming anniversary, Billboard.com is giving one lucky fan the soon-to-release DVD/CD anniversary package. Here is the link to the contest and details on the special content included in the giveaway package.

Competition closes on 3 February 2010.

31 JANUARY 2010
 

New Zealand Show Announced...

Stuff.co.nz: Whitney Houston To Sing At Bowl
By FELICITY ROSS - Taranaki Daily News

First it was Fleetwood Mac, then Cliff Richard and now it's Whitney – the A-list acts keep coming for Taranaki.

A Whitney Houston concert has been confirmed for March 6 and the Bowl of Brooklands is the only New Zealand venue she will play. The exclusive gig at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands will mark the first time the American singer has performed in New Zealand.

New Plymouth District Council manager of business developments and events Garry Sharpe- Young said getting Houston was an impressive coup. "She has never performed here before and now she is touring with all of her hit songs and there are a lot of them," he said. "She is the first international diva to play in New Zealand."

After tickets for the first Fleetwood Mac concert last year sold out within minutes, Mr Sharpe-Young anticipates Houston's one-off concert will sell quickly but, unlike Fleetwood Mac, he says there will be no second show announced. "It's her big comeback tour and tickets are going to go fast. "Fleetwood Mac's two December shows sold out lightning-fast, which shows how eager people are to see top-flight international acts at the Bowl," he said.

An exclusive TSB Bank customer pre-sale will take place on February 2 with general public tickets going on sale on February 8 through Ticketmaster. Tickets are $120 for general admission, $250 for silver and $320 for gold.

The platform seats over the lake will again be in place for the concert.

Mr Sharpe-Young said nabbing the Grammy-winning singer for the only New Zealand show was a challenge.  "A lot of it is built on what we have achieved with previous concerts," he said.

"The TSB Bowl of Brooklands is the perfect venue for her. The combination of New Zealand's most beautiful venue and Whitney Houston will make for a magical evening."

Mayor Peter Tennent said the bowl was establishing a reputation as the must-perform venue around the world for the best of the best.  "We impressed everyone who had the privilege of coming through for Fleetwood Mac weekend and I've got no doubt at all that it will happen for Whitney Houston. It was a huge coup by all those involved in bringing her here and so I am thrilled," Mr Tennent said.

Houston's Nothing But Love Tour will visit Australia before hitting Taranaki.  The region's concert was going to be later in March but the cancellation of Houston's two Perth concerts for March 6 and 7 meant New Plymouth could nab an earlier spot.

The cancellation of her Perth concerts have been blamed on AC/DC and George Michael, by her promoter Andrew McManus.   He said difficulties in securing rock'n roll air ride trucks to transport the touring sound and lighting equipment to Perth had forced the concerts to be called off.

Houston has more than 400 awards including two Emmys, seven Grammys, 24 Billboard Music and 22 American Music awards.  Her hits include I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and Greatest Love of All.

30 JANUARY 2010
 

Perth Cancellation...

PerthNow: Whitney Houston Perth concert cancelled

THE promoter of Whitney Houston's Australian tour has cancelled her Perth concert - saying there aren't enough trucks to bring her stage equipment west.

"Andrew McManus has today regrettably announced that due to difficulties in securing rock n roll air ride trucks to transport the touring sound and lighting equipment to Perth, Whitney Houston’s concert at ME Bank Stadium on Saturday 6 March 2010 has had to be cancelled," the promoter said in a statement today.

The AC/DC and George Michael tours had taken up 95% of the air ride trucks available, the promoter said.

Ticket holders were urged to contact Ticketmaster (136 100) for full refunds.

A second Perth concert advertised for March 7 at the same venue was cancelled previously.

The remainder of the Australian tour would proceed as scheduled, the statement said.

More on Perth...

Brisbane Times: Whitney Houston cancels
DAILE PEPPER
January 28, 2010

Whitney Houston has cancelled her Perth concerts, and her promoter has blamed AC/DC and George Michael.

Andrew McManus today confirmed that "difficulties in securing rock n roll air ride trucks to transport the touring sound and lighting equipment to Perth" was the reason why the diva's concerts, scheduled for March 6 and 7 at ME Bank Stadium, have been called off.

"The shortage of air ride trucks has come about by the AC/DC and George Michael tours taking up 95 per cent of those available," the release said.

The rest of the soul-pop diva's Australian tour is going ahead as planned.

Houston's Nothing But Love tour will take her around the world, and this trip is the first tour of Australia she has done since her Moment of Truth tour in 1988.

The diva, who has made a remarkable career comeback, is the only artist to have accrued seven consecutive multi-platinum albums, with The Bodyguard soundtrack, featuring hits I Have Nothing and I Will Always Love You, one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.

Her rendition of Dolly Parton's hit is still the biggest US single of all time.

She had been set to perform all of her greatest hits.

Centric TV...

www.whitneyhouston.com: Whitney and Centric TV

Centric TV celebrates the release of Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition CD with a dedicated block of classic Whitney videos February 1 at 10AM EST on their Soul Sessions program. You can also go to CentricTV.com for your chance to win a Whitney Houston Prize Pack, which includes the new CD, among other things.

Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition is available in-stores and online now! Order from the Whitney Houston store.

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 6 February 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Down to No.147 (from No.133) - 21 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Down to No.130 (from No.118) - 21 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Remains at No.28 (2nd week) - 21 weeks on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Up to No.21 (from No.24) - with Bullet - 25 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Up to No.21 (from No.24) - with Bullet - 25 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Down to No.6 (from No.5) - 19 weeks on chart.

I LOOK TO YOU:
Hot Dance Club Play - Down to No.47 (from No.40) - 9 weeks on chart.

 

28 JANUARY 2010
 

Nothing But Love...

The Star: Whitney Houston - Things Looking Up

WHITNEY Houston looks a Million Dollar Bill of health as she laughs all her past troubles away. The superstar, [46], will be back in Britain shortly as part of her worldwide I Look To You tour promoting her recent album of that name.

Kicking off at Manchester’s MEN Arena on April 8, the UK leg also includes dates in Glasgow, Birmingham, Nottingham and Newcastle upon Tyne, ending with three shows at London’s 02 Arena. It’s 11 years since Whitney’s last major gigs in Britain and she said: “I’m so excited to be performing for my fans after all this time.”

Keep your eyes peeled for Whitney’s new single [Nothin' But Love], which will be released in April.

27 JANUARY 2010
 

Exclusive Tour Photo...

www.whitneyhouston.com: WHITNEY HOUSTON TAKES EXCLUSIVE PHOTO AS SHE PREPS FOR WORLD TOUR

Whitney Houston from her exclusive photo shoot for her tour book. Whitney's "Nothing But Love" World Tour starts on Feb 6 in South Korea and continues onto Japan, Australia and Europe.

Photo Credit: Randee St. Nicholas

Whitney Houston: Deluxe Anniversary Edition Released Today!

Rising Star...

Houston Chronicle: Whitney Houston captures a rising star

Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston
Arista
***1/2 (three-and-a-half out of four stars)

Whitney Houston -- despite the drugs, the drama, the Bobby Brown -- is still a musical force of nature.

Her current album, I Look To You, was a welcome return -- if not exactly to form, then to a fitting new place. ("I crashed down, and I tumbled, but I did not -- crumble," Houston sings in I Didn't Know My Own Strength, the disc's key track.)

It's hard to believe Houston's self-titled debut album was released 25 years ago, long before Auto-Tune, country sweethearts and trash-pop ruled the charts. (On Valentine's Day 1985, appropriately enough.) The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, online and in stores Tuesday, is a grand reminder of why there's still no substitute for pure vocal talent.

The disc's signature hits -- Saving All My Love For You, How Will I Know, Greatest Love of All -- still sparkle with youth, energy and an astonishing maturity. And take a new listen to You Give Good Love, Houston's first pop hit. It's a master class in control, delivery and silky soul.

Whitney Houston took more than a year to hit No. 1. But when it did, the disc began a record-breaking run that resulted in sales of more than 25 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling debut album of all time.

Today, it's unexpectedly timely, thanks to a pair of guests. Houston duets with Teddy Pendergrass (who died Jan. 13 of colon cancer) on Hold Me, which pits his low-key approach against her blossoming diva-dom. And Jermaine Jackson pops up on heartfelt ballad Nobody Loves Me Like You Do and the oh-so-'80s Take Good Care Of My Heart.

The package also features new interviews with Houston and Clive Davis, along with four music videos. With so much riding on the album, a few songs likely ended up on the cutting-room floor. But we don't get any unreleased material.

The real treats are the live performances, including her debut TV performance on the Merv Griffin Show, an astounding take on the Dreamgirls tune I Am Changing and a big-haired appearance on the 1987 Soul Train Awards.

Davis calls Houston "a natural resource" on the accompanying DVD. And though her voice may not be what it once was, there's still some fire in her spirit. The magic, when it works, is far from tapped out.

Whitney Houston...

Wall Street Journal: New Music Preview: “Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition”
By Christopher John Farley

Remember when Whitney Houston was Whitney Houston? She didn’t even need that last name — no true diva does — and she was hitting roof-raising notes, sweating through glamorous gowns and appearing seemingly nonstop on Top-40 radio. The new-old album “Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition” marks the 25th year since the release of her self-titled debut, and takes listeners back to a happier, pre-Bobby Brown era.

“Whitney Houston” was not an instant megahit — back in the 80s, albums were given time to blossom and find an audience. The album was released on Valentine’s Day 1985, when Houston was 21 years old, and entered the Billboard album charts at No. 166. More than a year later, in April 1986, the album finally hit No. 1 for an extended run. According Arista, the label behind the record, it has sold more than 25 million copies world-wide.

“Whitney Houston” also earned the singer a best album Grammy nomination in 1986 — she lost to Phil Collins’ “No Jacket Required” — but she took home an award for best female pop vocal for the song “Saving All My Love For You.” Houston’s most recent album “I Look to You” (2009) posted disappointing sales after a strong first week and didn’t get any Grammy nominations.

The 25th anniversary edition of “Whitney Houston” offers up remastered versions of the album’s now-familiar hits, including “Saving All My Love For You,” “You Give Good Love,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “How Will I Know.” It also features several bonus tracks, including a live version of “Greatest Love of All,” and a DVD with interviews with Houston, her mentor Clive Davis and music videos.

Some of the highlights include Houston performing the song “Home” from the “The Wiz” on “The Merv Griffin Show” and her take on “I Am Changing” from the stage musical “Dreamgirls.”

Houston helped remake the image of the R&B diva into something poppier and more marketable. She walked down a path that had been blazed by Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and others, and cleared a new route of her own.

While previous female R&B singers courted the mainstream, Houston — by virtue of her talent and her canny Davis-led marketing — became the mainstream. Motown, with all its great singers, had been billed in its heyday as “the sound of young America.” Houston relocated soul from the church and the club into the hearts and minds of middle Americans everywhere, black and white, young and old.
 

UK Chart Detailed...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 30 January 2010:

25 JANUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 30 January 2010:

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Down to No.47 (from No.39) - 39 weeks on chart.
 

24 JANUARY 2010
 

'Whitney Houston'...

New Jersey Star Ledger: CD review: Whitney Houston
By Jay Lustig/The Star-Ledger
January 21, 2010, 2:55PM

“Whitney Houston: 25th Anniversary Edition”
Whitney Houston
(CD/DVD set, Arista/Legacy)

In every way possible, Whitney Houston’s self-titled 1985 album was a breathtaking debut. She was just 21 at the time of its release, but sang with the polish of an old pro, and seemed equally at home with elegant ballads (“Greatest Love Of All,” “All At Once”) and pure pop (the aggressively catchy “How Will I Know”). The album made her a star, and ended up selling more than 25 million copies, worldwide.

This 25th anniversary reissue is suitably lavish, combining the original tracks with five more, plus a DVD with music videos, live performances, and new interviews with Houston and the album’s executive producer, Clive Davis.

The non-hit that casual fans will have the most fun rediscovering is the perky dance-pop tune “Someone For Me,” which was released as a single but didn’t chart. Least deserving of more listens are duets with Jermaine Jackson (“Nobody Loves Me Like You Do,” “Take Good Care Of My Heart”) and the late Teddy Pendergrass (“Hold Me”). While Houston always sings with dazzling assurance on her own, these collaborations are strikingly unadventurous.

The two most notable extras, strangely enough, find her tackling songs from musicals: The DVD includes footage of her singing “Home” (from “The Wiz”) on her 1983 television debut, on “The Merv Griffin Show”; and “I Am Changing” (from “Dreamgirls”) at an intimate 10th anniversary party for her label, Arista, in 1985. In both cases, she makes the songs seem like intensely personal statements. It’s a thrill for the viewer in part because you can feel how thrilled she was to be singing so well.

The four music videos pack a nostalgic punch for anyone who remembers when they were ubiquitous. A clip of her performing “You Give Good Love” at the 1987 Soul Train Music Awards is solid, though she already had lost a bit of her youthful vibrancy.

The bonus CD tracks include three remixes; a previously unreleased live version of “Greatest Love Of All”; and “How Will I Know” with the vocals isolated. This last track is the biggest revelation: with the pop trappings stripped away, the vocals sound even more fiery.
— Jay Lustig

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 30 January 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Down to No.133 (from No.108) - 20 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Down to No.118 (from No.103) - 20 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down  to No.28 (from No.25) - 20 weeks on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Down to No.24 (from No.21) - 24 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.24 (from No.21) - 24 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Up to No.5 (from No.6) - with Bullet - 18 weeks on chart.

I LOOK TO YOU:
Hot Gospel Songs - Down to No.26 (from No.24) - 20 weeks on chart;
Hot Dance Club Play - Up to No.40 (from No.43) - 8 weeks on chart.
 

21 JANUARY 2010
 

'Whitney Houston'...

Entertainment Weekly: Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition (2010)
Whitney Houston
Reviewed by Mikael Wood | Jan 20, 2010

Release Date: Jan 26, 2010; Lead Performance: Whitney Houston; Genre: Pop

Last year's I Look to You didn't quite succeed in refocusing consumers' attention away from Whitney Houston's personal travails and toward her one-of-a-kind voice. Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, the CD/DVD reissue of her delightful 1985 debut — which featured gigantic hits like ''Greatest Love of All'' — does a better job, with extras including a raw live performance of ''I Am Changing'' (from Dreamgirls) and an a cappella 
 mix of ''How Will I Know'' that displays the singer's precision long before the advent of Auto-Tune. A-

Win 'Whitney Houston'...

For 25 years, the music industry has been blessed with the legendary sound of Whitney Houston and to celebrate her upcoming anniversary, Billboard.com is giving one lucky fan the soon-to-release DVD/CD anniversary package. Here is the link to the contest and details on the special content included in the giveaway package.

20 JANUARY 2010
 

'Whitney Houston'...

Billboard: Arista Records/Legacy Recordings will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Whitney Houston's career-establishing debut album, "Whitney Houston," with a special CD/DVD package.

In addition to a remastered version of the original 1985 album -- which spent 14 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 -- the anniversary package features five bonus tracks including Houston's a cappella recording of "How Will I Know" and a live performance of "Greatest Love of All."

The accompanying DVD boasts three rare TV performances (including "You Give Good Love" from the first annual "Soul Train Awards Show" in 1987), four videos showcasing the album's hit singles (including "You Give Good Love") and new interviews with Houston and mentor/producer Clive Davis.

Tour Packages...

www.whitneyhouston.com: Whitney Houston Gold/Platinum Travel Experiences

Don’t miss your chance to score seats right in front of the stage and even meet Whitney after the show!! Limited spaces are still available in Paris, Dublin and London for Platinum Travel Experiences and Gold VIP tickets:

Platinum Travel Experience - Limited space available for the best seats and the chance to meet Whitney in Paris, Dublin and London!
Gold VIP –Great seats in Paris, Dublin and London still available.

You won't want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime to witness Whitney's return to the stage - Details here!
 

19 JANUARY 2010
 

King Holiday...

San Jose Mercury News: 'King Holiday': An all-star single worth remembering
By Jim Harrington
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 01/18/2010 01:00:00 AM PST

Everyone seems to remember "We are the World" and "Do They Know It's Christmas?—" the two all-star singles from the mid-'80s that benefitted famine relief programs in Africa. Some also recall 1985's "Sun City," the celebrity-packed protest song that helped generate more than $1 million for anti-apartheid projects.

Yet, it seems most have forgotten there was a fourth major all-star benefit single released during this delightfully peculiar period in pop music history, when standing up for a cause was just as cool as topping the charts. The song was "King Holiday," released in January 1986 to honor the first observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day national holiday.

The tune, also a benefit for the

Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, wasn't a smash hit — it debuted on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at No. 77, eventually peaking at a modest No. 30. Still, some of the participants involved consider "King Holiday" a true career highlight.

"To be associated with a project about a man that's a mentor for all of us — that was real touching," says rapper Jalil Hutchins of Whodini, one of more than a dozen popular acts that contributed to "King Holiday." "To be part of history like that, that's a blessing. We thank God for that."

Impressive lineup

Though it's fallen far off the radar, "King Holiday" represents music history if for no other reason than its cast of performers. The song featured arguably the most impressive crew of R&B and hip-hop artists ever assembled in one studio.

On the R&B/pop side, there was Teena Marie, New Edition, James "J.T." Taylor (of Kool and the Gang fame), Menudo and Whitney Houston, among many others. The hip-hop crew featured the Fat Boys, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Whodini, Kurtis Blow and Run-D.M.C. — the latter of which was well on its way to becoming one of the most significant groups of the '80s.

The song was written by Blow, Melle Mel, Bill Adler and Phillip Jones.

"Of the rappers on there, only Run-D.M.C. were really what you could call legitimate superstars," says Oliver Wang, a UC Berkeley grad who co-authored the influential book "Classic Material: The Hip-Hop Album Guide." "Kurtis Blow and Melle Mel were already heading toward the twilight of their career — probably Whodini, too. The Fat Boys were still enjoying novelty hits, but only Run-D.M.C. were on the rise in any real way."

On the R&B/pop side, however, you'll find two artists that were on the rise in a big way — Menudo's Ricky Martin, who would later fashion a highly successful solo career, and, most spectacularly, Whitney Houston.

Houston, who in January 1986 had just one album under her belt, used "King Holiday" to underscore her stunning vocal ability. Her performance on the song left many listeners breathless.

"That was the Whitney Houston that we all fell in love with," remarks Whodini's John Fletcher (who's better known by the hip-hop handle Ecstasy).

The recording sessions were put together by Blow, the rapper best known for his landmark 1980 single "The Breaks," and King's son, Dexter Scott King, who is now chairman of the King Center.

The result was a song that not only stood as a moving tribute to King, but one that, some believe, ranked among the better singles of the era.

"I think the song is a sign-of-the-times classic, perfectly coproduced by the legend Kurtis Blow," says longtime Bay Area radio personality Sterling James, who currently hosts the afternoon slot at KBLX 102.9 FM. "Each individual performer or group stayed true to their own flavor but came together not only to honor Dr. King but to 'sing, sing, celebrate' the dreams realized because of his work and sacrifice."

So why wasn't a huge hit? One factor might have been that the listening public, which so embraced "We are the World," had hit its saturation point for all-star benefit singles by the time "King Holiday" rolled along. Its appeal might also have been stymied because hip-hop had yet to become a mainstream commercial force. And, unlike songs fighting famine, "King Holiday's" subject matter sparked controversy because some opposed the idea of the King national holiday.

Hard to find

These days, securing a copy of "King Holiday" isn't easy. The single's been out of print for quite some time, and it has not been released on CD or digital download. Vinyl copies do exist, although they're rare — and come at a steep price. Amazon.com recently showed only four available copies, the cheapest of which was listed at $36.99.

But "King Holiday" lives on in a video that draws thousands of viewers on YouTube, many of whom are likely hearing "King Holiday" for the first time. Viewed 24 years after its taping, "King Holiday" captures some of the greatest R&B and hip-hop performers of the era giving a voice to the joy felt by millions when King's birthday finally became a national holiday.

"It was real important to make a statement," Fletcher remarks. "That was done from the heart — not for the payday."
 

UK Chart Detailed...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 23 January 2010:

18 JANUARY 2010
 

Whitney leaves DC...

Celebrity-Gossip.net: Whitney Houston: Frazzled Flyer

Finished up with her short stay in the nation’s capital, Whitney Houston was spotted catching an early morning flight out of Washington DC on Sunday (January 17).

The Grammy winning singer was a bit stunned to see photographers greeting her so early in the morning, making a few interesting faces as she passed through the Dulles Airport terminal.

As previously reported by Gossip Center, Miss Houston was in town to be honored at the BET Awards taping session last night.

With Gabrielle Union acting as the evening’s host, the 3rd Annual BET Honors will hit airwaves with the show’s debut on February 1 at 8PM on BET.

UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 23 January 2010:

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Remains at No.39 (3rd week) - 38 weeks on chart.

17 JANUARY 2010
 

Whitney Houston at BET Honors...

BET Honors Whitney Houston...

PRNewswire: 'THE BET HONORS' Proved What Extraordinary Looks Like by Recognizing Leading Luminaries

The Third Annual Event Celebrated the Accomplishments of Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Dr. Ruth Simmons, and Dr. Keith Black

THE BET HONORS Premieres on Monday, February 1, at 9:00 p.m.*

NEW YORK, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- With the help of the entertainment industry's finest, BET Networks honored distinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels in their fields by presenting the third annual BET HONORS. Hosted by the beautiful and talented actress Gabrielle Union, this phenomenal show will premiere during Black History Month, on Monday, February 1 at 9:00 p.m.*

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

The 2010 honorees included legendary songstress Whitney Houston (Entertainment), multi-faceted entertainer Queen Latifah (Media), respected business mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs (Entrepreneur), accomplished educator Dr. Ruth Simmons (Education), and world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black (Public Service). Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, India.Arie, ELEW and others will pay tribute to these phenomenal stars with riveting performances.

BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee and the Honorable Mayor Adrian Fenty of Washington, D.C. welcomed the audience. Both Lee and Mayor Fenty called out to viewers and audience members alike to support relief efforts for those who were affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti. Lee also referenced BET's own initiatives as part of the worldwide effort to aid Haiti.

"Before this disaster, BET Networks, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, was set to donate thirty thousand dollars every month for a year to an organization that has dedicated itself to working towards a brighter future for the African American community," said Lee in her remarks. "In light of the devastation in Haiti, BET plans to donate the first grant to immediate emergency relief in Haiti."

Following Lee's remarks, Stevie Wonder, Trey Songz and India.Arie delivered a soulful rendition of the "Wake Up Everybody" in memory of the recent passing of soul-man extraordinaire, Teddy Pendergrass and his message of hope and commitment to the community.

Queen Latifah, this year's recipient of the BET Honor for Media, was presented with her award by the talented and always hilarious Taraji P. Henson, while R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan performed soul-stirring interpretations of "Unforgettable" and "Rock Steady." Next, the powerhouse legend Patti Labelle performed "If Only You Knew." Actor and comedian Chris Tucker then introduced the Public Service award honoree, neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Black, who was treated to an extraordinary performance of "Can't Imagine Love Without You" by the iconic Stevie Wonder accompanied by Take 6.

Hip-hop pioneer Andre Harrell presented his longtime friend Sean "Diddy" Combs with the Entrepreneur BET Honor. 2009 BET HONORS recipient Mary J. Blige performed a medley of her greatest hits "Love No Limit," "I Love You," and "Be Happy," as a personal tribute to her mentor and friend. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Diddy attributed his success to his mother's tireless work ethic, also giving credit to the hip-hop community.

BET Networks also paid tribute to Dr. Ruth Simmons (Public Service), who was presented with her award by veteran actress Victoria Rowell. It was followed by the moving performance by India.Arie, who was accompanied by pianist ELEW (Eric Lewis), with songs "Beautiful Flower" and "Someday We'll All Be Free."

Lastly, Whitney Houston was on her feet for a surprise soul-rousing performance by one of her favorite artists, gospel great Kim Burrell singing "I Believe In You and Me." And if that wasn't enough, Jennifer Hudson brought the crowd to its feet singing Houston's chart-topping "I Will Always Love You," as she was presented with The BET Honor for Entertainment by Ne-Yo.

Other highlights of the show included Trey Songz and Stevie Wonder's medley of each other's hits, "That Girl" and "Invented Sex," as well as Ryan Leslie performing his latest single "I Choose You." Maxwell also performed "Fist Full of Tears" and "Forgive Me."

Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks are executive producers, along with John Cossette of John Cossette Productions.

The official BET HONORS after party was presented by AMBI® Skincare, a beauty brand committed to empowerment, education and providing women of color with skincare solutions for flawless, even toned skin. The star-studded event will take place in Washington, DC's renowned Ronald Regan Building & International Trade Center and will be transformed into an AMBI® Brand oasis in which honorees, celebrity guests and the media will unwind and enjoy the evening's entertainment in the AMBI® Brand's 'Flawless Beauty Lounge.' "As a brand dedicated to empowering and supporting women of color, we are proud to partner with BET HONORS to pay tribute to the accomplished honorees who are an inspiration to us all," says Denna Singleton, AMBI® Brand Product Director.

For more information on THE BET HONORS, visit www.bet.com/bethonors.

*All times ET/PT

16 JANUARY 2010
 

Whitney Arrives in Washington...

Celebrity-Gossip.net: Whitney Houston Visits US Capital

Surrounded by an entourage of helpers, Whitney Houston was spotted arriving in Washington DC on Friday afternoon (January 15).

Wrapped up in a giant fur coat to brave the chilly weather, the “Million Dollar Bill” singer flashed her pretty smile once she made it to the warmth of her chauffeured vehicle.

Ms Houston is in DC for the taping of the annual BET Honors event, which is being recorded later tonight but will not air until Feb. 1st at 8pm.

The show will be hosted by Gabrielle Union and is taking place at the Warner Theatre where Whitney will be honored as a legendary figure in entertainment.
 

15 JANUARY 2010
 

Teddy Pendergrass...

Utalkmarketing: Impact of ‘X Factor’ guest star appearances on music sales revealed

Appearing on the ‘X Factor’ impacted on digital download sales (online and mobile), online buzz and radio airplay for the special guest stars promoting a track, according to new insight from Neilsen.

According to the recorded music industry trade body, the BPI, digital downloads account for 98 percent of UK single sales.

Unsurprisingly, download sales for the song each guest star performed on the ‘X Factor Results’ increased as, mostly, it coincided with the digital release of that single or album. However, tracks already available before to buy before the show also had large hikes in sales after.

Four of the five guest stars who sold the most UK downloads of their song during the week following their appearance are TV talent show discoveries.

Leading the way was Cheryl Cole (pictured), from ‘Popstars: The Rivals’ winners Girls Aloud, who sold over 221,000 copies of her single ‘Fight For This Love’ in the week after her performance.

Cole was followed by 2008 ‘X Factor’ finalists, Alexandra Burke (145,320) and JLS (86,725). After the Black Eyed Peas (79,706), 2006 X Factor winner Leona Lewis was fifth with 67,404 sales of ‘Happy’ - her first of two 2009 finals performances.

Shakira benefited most from appearing on the show, selling 358% more copies of ‘Did It Again’ the week after the show compared to the week before - even though the track was available for purchase five weeks earlier.

Michael Bublé’s ‘Cry Me a River’ had already been available for a week before his appearance, via the album, but he benefited from a 323% increase in sales the week after the show.

Leona Lewis’ performance of ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ - her second performance during the 2009 finals - contributed to a 215% increase in sales even though the single had already been available, via the album, for a month.

For almost all the 18 guest stars promoting a track on the X Factor, online buzz in the UK increased after their performance. Only George Michael, Rihanna and Bon Jovi saw a decrease in online mentions or ‘talkability’.

The eight most buzzed about stars during the fortnight around their appearance were all female, lead by previous X Factor winners Leona Lewis, around her ‘Happy’ performance, and Alexandra Burke.

Just as the stars discovered by TV talent shows sold most digital download sales, they tended to benefit most in terms of increases in online buzz levels (87 percent average increase) around their ‘X Factor’ performance than their counterparts who rose to fame through traditional avenues.

Susan Boyle (139 percent) and JLS (138 percent) benefited most in terms of increased buzz levels during the week commencing the Sunday of their performance, compared to the week before. Alicia Keys (130 percent) and Whitney Houston (114 percent) were the ‘traditional’ artists with the greatest increase in levels of online buzz.

Westlife were the only guests for which the show was the debut airing of the song – all the others had their song broadcast on the radio for varying periods of time before their ‘X Factor’ performance.

The most radio plays the week of a performance correlated almost identically with the most download sales – being dominated by the TV talent show guest stars.

Cheryl Cole led the way (3,082 plays) followed by Alexandra Burke (2,748) and JLS (2,554). Leona Lewis’ “Happy” was fifth (2,069) but behind Whitney Houston (2,284) not the Black Eyed Peas.

In terms of increased radio airplay, Mariah Carey was, by far, the biggest beneficiary of an ‘X Factor’ performance with a 297 percent increase in plays of ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ - despite the song having its first UK radio play 12 weeks earlier.

Alicia Keys followed, with a 72 percent increase in plays of ‘Doesn’t Mean Anything’, its debut airing being seven weeks earlier. Third was Susan Boyle, with ‘Wild Horses’ benefitting from a 71 percent airplay increase, six weeks after debut.

“The X Factor results programme is a major marketing vehicle for established stars – particularly for those discovered through the TV talent show medium itself,” said Managing Director of Nielsen Music Control, Jean Littolff.

“This type tends to have most activity in terms of download sales, online buzz and radio airplays post performance. However, the greatest impact in terms of changing levels of activity pre vs. post performance is for artists who have travelled a more traditional route to fame.”

Teddy Pendergrass...
 

Billboard: Music fans are mourning the loss of an R&B legend, as Teddy Pendergrass passed away (Jan. 13) at age 59.

The singer was a stalwart on Billboard's pop and R&B charts in the '70s and '80s and will also be remembered for his help in introducing one of the most successful artists in music history: on the June 9, 1984, Hot 100, Pendergrass debuted with "Hold Me."

The song marked the first chart entry for its then-rookie featured artist, Whitney Houston.

"To all his fans who loved his music, thank you," the singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said. "He will live on through his music."
 

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 23 January 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Down to No.108 (from No.101) - 19 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Down to No.103 (from No.96) - 19 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down  to No.25 (from No.24) - 19 weeks on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Down to No.21 (from No.20) - 23 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Down to No.21 (from No.20) - 23 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Down to No.6 (from No.3) - 17 weeks on chart.

I LOOK TO YOU:
Hot Gospel Songs - Down to No.26 (from No.24) - 20 weeks on chart;
Hot Dance Club Play - Down to No.43 (from No.39) - 7 weeks on chart.
 

14 JANUARY 2010
 

Teddy Pendergrass...

EOnline: Velvety Voiced Teddy Pendergrass Dead at 59

Teddy Pendergrass' soul has taken flight.

The buttery smooth R&B singer died Wednesday at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Philadelphia. He was 59.

Pendergrass, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident in 1982, underwent surgery for colon cancer eight months ago and had a "difficult recovery," according to his son, Teddy Jr.

A Philly native, Pendergrass came to fame in the early 1970s as lead singer of the Blue Notes, responsible for hits such as "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and "Wake Up Everybody."

He released his self-titled debut in 1977 and enjoyed a successful solo career, siring velvety singles like "Close the Door" and "Turn Off the Light."

Pendergrass spent six months in the hospital after his 1982 crash, but perservered in the studio, going on to duet with Whitney Houston on "Hold Me," from her 1985 debut effort, appearing at Live Aid that year, and releasing a slew of new albums into the '00s.

He founded the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance to aid in the education, employment and overall lifestyle enhancement of people with spinal cord injuries.

13 JANUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Detailed...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 16 January 2010:

11 JANUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 16 January 2010:

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
UK Singles Chart - Down to No.69 (from No.46) - 14 weeks on chart.

I LOOK TO YOU:
UK Album Chart - Up to No.62 (from No.64) - 12 weeks on chart.

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Remains at No.39 (2nd week) - 37 weeks on chart.

10 JANUARY 2010
 

Happy New Year from Whitney...

www.whitneyhouston.com: Happy New Year From Whitney

Happy 2010 to all my whitney.com "peeps" and all my fans everywhere!

First of all, let me wish you the happiest, healthiest and most blessed New Year! 2009 was a great year for me and I am pleased to let you know that my album has sold 2 million copies worldwide and is still going strong! Look for a new single soon.

As you know, this is the year of my first world wide tour in almost 11 years so I hope to see many of you at my shows.

Korea...

Korea Herald: Whitney Houston to perform in Seoul

After seven years of self-imposed exile from the pop music scene, Whitney Houston, is set to kick off her world tour for her latest album "I Look to You" in Korea next month.

This will be the six-time Grammy Award-winning singer's first concert in Korea, set to be staged at the Olympic Park Gymnasium in southern Seoul on Feb. 6.

For over two decades the pop-R&B diva has been turning out hit after hit of memorable pop songs like "Saving All My Love For You," "Greatest Love of All" and "I Will Always Love You" from the movie "The Bodyguard," in which she starred alongside Kevin Costner. All of these hits also topped the Korean charts.

Considered the artist responsible for cementing Arista Records as one of the premiere labels for grooming future pop divas, Houston has established a benchmark for her contemporaries.
With more than 170 million combined records and videos sold worldwide throughout her career she is still the reigning Queen of the pop-R&B genre.

She is what many consider to be a "singer's singer" who has influenced countless other vocalists, both female and male.

Some of her record-setting accomplishments include being the only artist to notch up seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 1, and the only artist with seven consecutive multi-platinum albums.

At the peak of her career, she parlayed her success as a singer into acting where she starred in a string of box office hits like "The Bodyguard," "Waiting to Exhale," and "The Preacher's Wife."

Her latest album "I Look to You" was released last August debuting at the top spot on the Billboard charts.

To date it has sold 2 million copies worldwide.

But all of her success gave way to personal demons that she has had to battle.

During her seven-year hiatus, the 46-year old diva has been a staple on tabloid pages for her alleged substance abuse and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

From run ins with the law for marijuana possession, the infamous Diane Sawyer interview in 2002, to being victim of domestic violence, Houston has had to claw her way back from one setback after another during the years away from the public spotlight.

During a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier in 2009, Houston admitted to using drugs with her then husband Bobby Brown and spoke of her desire to get back in the music game.

Houston is set to perform in Japan, Australia and kick-start the European leg of her tour afterwards.

Concert tickets costs from 180,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information visit www.hyundaicard.com, www.yes24.co.kr, ticket.auction.co.kr, or contact (02) 1566-1369.

The forthcoming concert is part 8 of the Hyundai Card Super Concert series ahead of this month's Green Day concert, which is also set to be staged at the Olympic Park Gymnasium.

Mary on the Return of R&B...

MTV: Mary J. Blige Celebrates 'The Return Of R&B' On New Album
'People need lyrics and the warmth in live instruments and music to help them through their day,' she says of Stronger With Each Tear.

Mary J. Blige released Stronger With Each Tear right before Christmas, and her devoted fanbase rewarded her with hefty album sales of more than 330,000 the first week. The people trust that in addition to entertaining, Mary will give them music to help them grow.

You gotta come from an honest place of where you are," the singer said about the LP's name. "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger in life. I don't care if you're doing great; you're gonna always have peaks and valleys. I hit a valley. And in that valley, I became stronger, because it didn't kill me. Now I'm here again, and I'm stronger. In that strength, I found that it's OK to be vulnerable. It's OK to need someone. It's OK to say, 'I don't need you.' That's what 'stronger' means. Do not box yourself in. Be free and uninhibited. That's what 'stronger' is about."

Mary's album capped off a stellar year of R&B from a wide range of stars, such as Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, Maxwell and Whitney Houston.

"The return of R&B is the best thing that could've happened in the universe," Blige testified. "It's so much healing power in it. From the time we were kids and we were listening to Stevie Wonder songs [from] In the Key of Life. From the point when we were kids to when we were grown-ups, there are so many songs that we can say, 'Oh, it saved my life. It helped me here, it helped me there.' People need lyrics and the warmth in live instruments and music to help them through their day. You can't just electronic everything. I understand people being frustrated a little bit with so much Auto-Tune, so much this. I get that.

"Music is everything," she continued. "It has helped us in our lives. It has given us a story. Every time you think of a song, automatically you can remember where you were and what you were doing. Maxwell's album is insane. We need Whitney's album. Whitney's album is insane. We need that energy from Whitney. We need Whitney to tell us her story. How did you get out of that? That's what happened in R&B forever: People have told a story that helped you out of something."

Billboard Chart Update...

The Billboard update for the week ending 16 January 2010:

I LOOK TO YOU:
The Billboard 200 - Down to No.101 (from No.58) - 18 weeks on chart;
Top Current Albums - Down to No.96 (from No.54) - 18 weeks on chart;
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Down  to No.24 (from No.14) - 18 weeks on chart.

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs - Up to No.20 (from No.24) - with Bullet - 22 weeks on chart;
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay - Up to No.20 (from No.23) - with Bullet - 22 weeks on chart;
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Up to No.3 (from No.4) - with Bullet - 16 weeks on chart.

I LOOK TO YOU:
Hot Adult R&B Airplay - Up to No.24 (from No.28) - with Bullet - 24 weeks on chart;
Hot Gospel Songs - Down to No.24 (from No.23) - 19 weeks on chart;
Hot Dance Club Play - Down to No.39 (from No.36) - 6 weeks on chart.

Leff Lorber on Clive Davis and 'Whitney Houston'...

Minneapolis Star Tribune: It's time for the smooth jazz story-telling sounds of Jeff Lorber

Smooth jazz pioneer Jeff Lorber said music industry heavyweight Clive Davis didn't exactly know what he had in those first albums from Whitney Houston and Kenny G.

The founder of Jeff Lorber Fusion was in Minneapolis as the featured performer of Shaun LaBelle's tremendous two-day, four-show gig at the Dakota. Incomparable musicians Dave Barry, Daryl Boudreaux, Kenni Holmen, Donnie LaMarca and Stokley Williams also played.

At Manny's for dinner on Saturday night with LaBelle, Lorber told stories that made me wonder Where's the book, Jeff? According to Lorber, Davis was "not at all" confident he had a hit with Houston's first album. "He was really worried about it," said Lorber, who thought he heard a few sure-fire hits in "You Give Good Love," "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know" and "The Greatest Love of All."

Lorber said Davis was "insecure. He wasn't sure. It's a tough business. And at that time, I don't think Arista was doing that great as far as R&B music. You know, the music business is very cyclical. I think they were in a downward cycle at the time."

When it came to Kenny G., whose solo career was launched after he had been a credited member of Jeff Lorber Fusion, Davis didn't foresee the platinum sales in the sax player's future. "I had to convince him [Kenny G.'s] album would do well," Lorber said.

Davis also had an interesting way of showing his toughness. If you were on time for a meeting with Davis, who was perpetually late, he might invite you to sit in on the meeting he was wrapping up. "He would let you in to hear him rip somebody else a new [expletive], about something absolutely none of your business, before he got to you," Lorber said.

The butt of jokes

Multi-instrumentalist Shaun LaBelle played his tail off on that bass.

That's saying something considering LaBelle was experiencing considerable coccyx pain during rehearsals and performances of songs from his first CD "Desert Nights" and some of his favorite Jeff Lorber tunes. LaBelle had slipped on ice leaving a KBEM Jazz 88 radio interview with Patty Peterson. "As I was airborne, I knew as soon as I hit the pavement that it was going to be serious. I got up and I was dazed and almost nauseous from the pain," he said. But the show must go on, so he drove to the Maple Grove studio where the band was rehearsing sans Lorber, who first rehearsed with the group hours before their early show Sunday.

"How's your [butt]?" KARE11 photog Scott Madson, another friend, asked LaBelle, who walked gingerly and experienced the most pain getting in and out of seats. "Hurts like hell," LaBelle said, wincing.

Madson told him it could have been worse: "I said, 'At least you didn't break your wrist. Of all the things you're gonna break, it might as well be your tail bone.'"

Lorber, who's incredibly humble about his legendary stature in the music world, is so soft-spoken it was surprising to see him contributing to the buttocks humor. After quietly manipulating his iPhone, Lorber showed LaBelle a medical graphic of the bone in question, asking, "Is this it?"

A budding prodigy?
"I call him 'Beat Box,'" said Stokley Williams of his 2 1/2 year old, Arion, who is already showing a strong, though by no means unexpected, proclivity for the drums, one of his dad's instruments.

Arion, his 7-year-old sister, Aaliyah, and their mom, Sylvia Williams, of Sylveelicious.com, the bakery/patisserie, came to see their dad's/husband's early show on Monday.

I had already heard Stokley telling his pals how the little boy was finding his groove on a kiddie drum set.

Between sets, Arion was not willing to showcase his drumming skills for the public, but "He knows all the songs," Sylvia said.

No last-minute addition

David Aaron Thomas tried to horn in on Shaun LaBelle's show.

Before Monday's late show, Thomas -- a Twin Cities trumpet player who also runs a music school and has a CD, "Wingin' It" -- dropped by the green room to renew acquaintances with Jeff Lorber. Then Thomas asked if he could sit in on their performance. Lorber politely said no.

When Thomas left, I asked Lorber about the request. "Abnormal," said Lorber, who joked that the Dakota needed better security.

With LaBelle spending each day for months agonizing over every detail of this show, an unknown last-minute variable was way out of the question.

Informing me that he taught clarinet to one of FOX9 anchor Tom Butler's daughters, Thomas also noted that he'd sat in "with Wynton" and others.

"It was a looser thing as opposed to a show they put together," the Dakota's Lowell Pickett told me Tuesday. And the night Wynton Marsalis dropped by with members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Marsalis was not there as a scheduled act and Thomas performed after Wynton, according to Pickett's recollection.

7 JANUARY 2010
 

NAACP Image Awards Nominee...

Whitney Houston has been nominated for two awards for this year's NAACP Image Awards:

Outstanding Female Artist
Alicia Keys (Columbia Records)
India.Arie (Universal Republic Records)
Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen)
Rihanna (Def Jam)
Whitney Houston (Artista Records)

Outstanding Music Video
"Blame It" – Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain (J Records/MBK Entertainment)
"Boom Boom Pow" – The Black Eyed Peas (Interscope Records)
"I Look To You" – Whitney Houston (Arista)
"Pretty Wings" – Maxwell (Columbia Records)
"Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" – Alicia Keys (J Records/MBK Entertainment)

6 JANUARY 2010
 

Whitney Houston Honoured by BET...

PRNewswire: 'THE BET HONORS' Exemplifies What Extraordinary Looks Like by Recognizing Leading Luminaries

On Saturday, January 16, BET Networks Honors The Accomplishments of Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Ruth Simmons, And Keith Black

THE BET HONORS Premieres on Monday, February 1, at 8:00 p.m.*

NEW YORK, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Giving back to give forward, BET Networks presents the third annual BET HONORS, hosted once again by the beautiful and talented actress Gabrielle Union. Taping on Saturday, January 16 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., this inspirational show which highlights distinguished African Americans performing at exceptional levels in their fields will premiere during Black History Month, on Monday, February 1 at 8:00 p.m.*

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

The 2010 honorees include legendary songstress Whitney Houston (Entertainment), multi-faceted entertainer Queen Latifah (Media), respected business mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs (Entrepreneur), accomplished educator Ruth Simmons (Education), and world renowned neurosurgeon Keith Black (Public Service). Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, India.Arie, Patti LaBelle, ELEW and others will pay tribute to these phenomenal stars with riveting performances.

"Celebrating the 30(th) anniversary of BET Networks this year, we are so proud to present the third annual BET Honors, a show celebrating the life works and accomplishments of inspiring African Americans," said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks. "Each of our six celebrants are dedicated to reaching back to help bring more forward and represent integrity, perseverance, fortitude and outsized talent. 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 and inaugural ball were monumental, and served as a kick off to the historic presidential weekend. Honorees included Mary J. Blige, Tyler Perry, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, B. Smith and Congressman James E. Clyburn. Hosted by Gabrielle Union, the event boasted once-in-a-lifetime performances and presentations by Stevie Wonder, Terrence Howard, Angela Bassett, Samuel L. Jackson, Hill Harper, Joss Stone, and more.

Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks are executive producers, along with John Cossette of John Cossette Productions.

For more information on THE BET HONORS, visit www.bet.com/bethonors.

**Media outlets who would like to cover the BET Honors red carpet arrivals should email Lyntina Townsend at Lyntina.Townsend@bet.net for important information on how to properly submit your request. The media credentials deadline to submit requests is Thursday, January 14, 2010.**

*All times ET/PT

About the 2010 BET Honorees

WHITNEY HOUSTON - Whitney Houston has established a benchmark for superstardom that will quite simply never be eclipsed in the modern era, with over 170 million combined album, singles and videos sold worldwide during her career with Arista Records. She is a singer's singer who has influenced countless other vocalists, both female and male. Music historians cite Whitney's record-setting achievements: the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits; the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1; and the only artist with seven consecutive multi-platinum albums. Her current album "I Look To You" debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts when it was released this past August and to date has sold 2 million copies worldwide. In February, Whitney will commence her long-awaited Nothing But Love World Tour 2010, with dates starting in Soeul, Korea and moving on to Japan, Australia and Europe.

QUEEN LATIFAH - Queen Latifah is a Grammy® Award-winning musician, television and film actress, label president, author and entrepreneur. Blessed with style and substance, Queen Latifah has blossomed into a one-woman entertainment conglomerate. On January 4, 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to be crowned with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has received rave reviews, an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe nomination and a SAG Award nomination for her portrayal as Mama Morton in Miramax's Chicago.

SEAN "DIDDY" COMBS - Sean "Diddy" Combs is a mogul in every sense of the word. As a top record executive, performer, TV/Film producer, writer, arranger, clothing designer, and actor, he's mastered what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Winning three Grammy® Awards, a Council of Fashion Designers of America Award as well as a FiFi Award for Fragrance of The Year are just a few of his stellar accomplishments. At the helm of Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide, Mr. Combs oversees Bad Boy Records; the clothing lines Sean John and Sean by Sean Combs, a movie production company, a fragrance line, and is also co-owner and brand builder for Ciroc vodka.

RUTH SIMMONS - Ruth J. Simmons was sworn in as the 18th president of Brown University, an Ivy League school, on July 3, 2001. She also holds an appointment as a professor of comparative literature and of Africana Studies at Brown. Dr. Simmons graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans and completed her Ph.D. in Romance languages and literatures at Harvard. She served in various administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University, and Spelman College before becoming president of Smith College, the largest women's college in the United States.

KEITH BLACK - Dr. Keith L. Black serves as Chairman and professor of the Department of Neurosurgery, Director of Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, and Director of the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. An internationally renowned neurosurgeon and scientist, Dr. Black joined Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in July 1997, and prior to that served on the University of California, Los Angeles faculty for 10 years where he was Professor of Neurosurgery. Since 1987, he has performed more than 5,000 operations for resection of brain tumors, and has a unique ability to combine cutting-edge research and an extremely busy surgical practice.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. ( VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.


SOURCE BET Networks

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bet.com

5 JANUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Detailed...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 9 January 2010:

4 JANUARY 2010
 

UK Chart Update...

UK Chart Update for the week ending 9 January 2010:

MILLION DOLLAR BILL:
UK Singles Chart - Up to No.46 (from No.62) - 13 weeks on chart.

I LOOK TO YOU:
UK Album Chart - Down to No.64 (from No.48) - 11 weeks on chart.

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION:
UK Album Chart - Up to No.39 (from No.46) - 36 weeks on chart.

3 JANUARY 2010