
It's just January and BET is ready to get the party started with a programming grid that surely will delight their loyal audience.
The African American-geared, Viacom-owned television network rolled out some of its spring planning during the Television Critics Association conference last weekend in Los Angeles.
Highlights include this year's 'BET Honors,' taking place Jan. 17 at Washington D.C.'s historic Warner Theater. "We have once again brought together a truly inspiring group of honorees,"said BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee. "We're happy to announce that we have a terrific lineup of performers and presenters joining us."
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, B. Smith, Judith Jamison and Congressman James E. Clayburn will receive honors during the show, also featuring appearances by Terrance Howard, Cedric The Entertainer, Samuel L. Jackson and Hill Harper.
'BET Honors,' hosted by Gabrielle Union, will air on BET Feb. 9.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images


Comments: (13)
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By: Jennifer on 1/15/2009 10:06AM
This is an interesting topic about this award ceremony for Mary J. Blige and Magic Johnson.
I think that Mary J. Blige is a good performer and R&b Artist. Her music comes from the heart and the soul. She helps with the Breast Cancer association and people who has suffered through losses of family through tornadoes and hurricans. As for Magic Johnson, he have helped support so many people need through chartities. I support the honnoring noninations of both great known celebs.
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By: Judge Shirley on 1/15/2009 11:04AM
why would any Black agency honor Magic Johnson. Why not let Hilary get his awards for him??? He's a disgrace!
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By: ppdiddy03 on 1/15/2009 11:26AM
I think the nomination of both of these mentioned celebs is great. Mary J Blige is a great role model and my sister absolutely adore her. She is classy and aint out here trying to shake her booty to make a dime. Further more, why not pick Magic Johnson? He has done many things for the community, gave money to countless charaties, build theaters and restaurants in areas within cities that wouldn't normally have access to them. The man is a genious. Yes, he does have aids, and cheated on his wife, and have probably done some dispicable things. However, this shouldn't take away from his goodness and his willingness to assist people who would have other wise been looked over.
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By: MAGGIE on 1/15/2009 4:30PM
MARY J LOOKS LIKE A BIG ANT, MAGIC, YUCK, DISEASED OUT FELLOW..........
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By: vhines3560 on 1/15/2009 8:17PM
The Stella Awards (at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN)is taking place the same night as the BET Awards (Washington DC), I just read an article that stated the people from the Stella Awards had been negotiating to get Yolanda Adams to Co-Host the show, but the deal fell through.....I guest the people at BET knew what to offer........Mmmmmmm$$$$$$$
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By: vhines3560 on 1/15/2009 8:25PM
Why is so hard for people to forgive? I think its great Magic and Mary J are being honored. They are two very hard working individuals, that have contributed to our communities. I think Mary J in her music she say the words that demonstrate our hurt and pain. And Magic, I think is the a total example of what to do, when life give you lemons....you make lemon cookies, pies and lemonade. Black men wake up!!!!!! and learn from a brother like Magic...
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By: Gene on 1/15/2009 8:36PM
Why do these awards always has to go to people that is in the public light? Yes they are talented and rich in their areas of experience, but what about our every day person who day in day out does things that advance the cause of our people. They (men and women) do in for no reward but just because they want to leave neighborhoods towns cities and states and fellow blacks better off then when they came into it. Why can't some of the unknowns get some recognition.
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By: phillyredd on 1/16/2009 1:53AM
I think it would be better for those persons responding to the questions and emails to get there complete thoughts together and present them as if education is a must in this day and age. It is very disappointing to have to read into the comments presented. Instead of presenting a half thought. Think out what your thought is and present it in and intelligent way. Messages that reflects or displays low or no complete knowledge of our great language is nerve racking. Just my thought. Spell check maybe.
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By: ALF on 2/09/2009 11:24PM
I watch this show every year and for the most part its good entertainment but I must say that everyone that received an award this year really deserved it.
Not sure why some people are down on Magic, he has done a lot for folks in the hood. His businesses put Black folks to work. I feel Magic is more than an x-jock.
GREAT JOB BET
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By: jenny p on 2/10/2009 7:45AM
The Honor award was good last-night.. I wish Ben Carson would get award.. The movie Gifted Hand .. It was so............great.... That Man need to get award.
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