go Vote for your Fav. artist at BET Awards!!!!

[Hambone (Guest)]

WASHINGTON, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The countdown has begun for a full-scale "Black Star Power" explosion on Tuesday, June 19 when Black Entertainment Television (BET) returns to Las Vegas to celebrate its inaugural awards ceremony -- the first in the network's 21-year history -- with a star-studded extravaganza featuring a two-hour live telecast. The BET Awards celebration, hosted by popular actor-comedians Steve Harvey and Cedric "The Entertainer," begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the Theater of the Arts at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. A special BET Awards Pre-Show presentation will also air live from 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET/5:30 - 6 p.m. PT. BET has teamed again with Cossette Productions, famed producers of the music world's Grammy Awards, last year's BET 20th Anniversary Gala and the BET Walk of Fame, to handle production of this historic telecast.

"For more than two decades, BET has been a platform for showcasing the best in African-American entertainment," said Debra Lee, BET president and chief operating officer. "Now, for the first time, we will honor the best and brightest performers in the areas of music, film and sports with this historic awards ceremony and telecast."

Some of the hottest names in music and film are scheduled to appear and perform at the inaugural event, with award-winning funnymen Steve Harvey and Cedric "The Entertainer" tag-teaming in their well-known comedic fashion to lead a Hollywood "hot list" of nominees and presenters.

"I'm extremely pleased to be a part of the leading African-American network's first-ever ceremony and telecast, dedicated to honoring the finest achievements by African-American music, sports and film professionals," said Harvey.

"Being paired with my friend and colleague for this occasion is an amazing treat, standing side-by-side to help BET usher in another historic first for Black entertainment," added Cedric.

Multi-talented Grammy-winner Whitney Houston has been named the pioneer recipient of the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, with other award categories for this year's ceremony including:

Best Male Group
Best Female Group
Best Male R&B Artist
Best Female R&B Artist
Best Male Hip Hop Artist
Best Female Hip Hop Artist
Best New Artist
Best Gospel Artist
Video of the Year
Best Actor in a Film
Best Actress in a Film
Athlete of the Year
Viewer's Choice

The BET online audience also has an opportunity to participate in the selection process by logging onto http://www.BET.com to cast their votes for their favorite performer in the BET.com Viewer's Choice poll. Then, viewers can tune in the ceremony to see if their chosen performer won the big prize.

While keeping most of the production plans under wraps, BET's Senior Vice President of Entertainment Programming and Network Operations Curtis Gadson said the combined talents of the hosts, BET producers and Cossette Productions, as well as the caliber of performers, should make for an exciting telecast. Additional announcements regarding specific celebrity performers and presenters will also be issued as part of an ongoing series of awards-related announcements leading up to the June 19 event and telecast.

"Over the years, many BET viewers have raised the notion of honoring the achievements and superlative performances of African American entertainers," said Gadson. "After considerable planning and bringing the right mix of expertise and 'Black star power' together, BET will make this event a reality, demonstrating our commitment to the viewing audience."

The evening opens with a star-studded "red carpet" arrival of the performers, celebrities and invited guests at the Paris Las Vegas hotel under its impressive Arc de Triomphe entrance. Paris Hotel's Theatre of Arts will then provide an intimate backdrop for a live telecast filled with stirring performances, tributes and celebration. Festivities conclude with a private poolside party at the Bellagio Hotel.

Several platinum-level sponsors are participating in the inaugural event, including Coca-Cola, Southwest Airlines and Blockbuster, Inc. In addition, a multi-tiered marketing strategy has been developed to support the telecast and event, including print, television, radio and outdoor advertising.

As part of its special Black Music Month programming, BET will televise encore presentations of the BET Awards Pre-Show from 7:30 - 8 p.m. ET/PT and the BET Awards Special from 8 - 10 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesday, June 26; and the BET Awards Special on Saturday, June 30, from 9 - 11 p.m. ET/PT.


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