Best Female R&B nominee Rihanna, last year’s Best Male R&B winner Ne-Yo, Viewer’s Choice nominee Keyshia Cole and Best Gospel Artist nominee Marvin Sapp have joined previously announced performers Usher, Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and Young Jeezy for BET AWARDS ’08.  In addition, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Terrence Howard, Jennifer Hudson, Gabrielle Union, Mary Mary, Lauren London and Kevin Hart have been added as presenters and Jill Scott has been confirmed to perform a special tribute to legendary R&B Icon Al Green, who is receiving BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Quincy Jones, celebrated producer/arranger/composer, is also being honored this year with BET’s prestigious Humanitarian Award for his outreach to young African-Americans through the Listen Up Foundation.  Hosted by actor and comedian D.L. Hughley,  BET AWARDS ’08 premieres live from Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:00 p.m.*.

Tagged as “the hottest ticket on television,” BET AWARDS ’08 brings together the biggest stars in music, sports and entertainment for an electrifying evening.  For the past seven years, the BET AWARDS has boasted unforgettable moments such as Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during James Brown’s tribute; Rick James in his final duet with Teena Marie; Will Smith presenting Muhammad Ali with the first-ever Humanitarian Award; Prince onstage backing Chaka Khan; Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams and India Arie in a powerhouse tribute to Rufus’ first lady of funk; Destiny’s Child’s steamy lap dance; the reunion of one of hip hop’s most beloved trios, The Fugees; and last year’s touching opening performance with Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday.

BET has once again teamed up with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards® and the seven record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President, Music and Programming, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, BET Vice President of Specials, will executive produce the telecast. 

BET AWARDS ’08 will be sponsored by Dodge, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless, General Motors, P&G, Target, CIROC Vodka and Ford.