Kanye West, Usher, Phylicia Rashad Among 2015 BET HONORS Recipients

Honorees for the 2015 BET Honors have been announced. The special event will be taped Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C., and will air Feb. 23. Ticket sales will benefit the National CARES Mentoring Program. Wayne Brady will host.

This year's nominees are as follows:

Kanye West | Visionary Award

Kanye West will be honored for his extraordinary contributions across the arts, including roles as a record producer, rapper, filmmaker and fashion designer. He's a multifaceted trailblazer and pioneer whose accomplishments are all marked by his unique and forward-thinking approach.

Usher Raymond | Musical Arts Award

It's been two decades since Usher stormed onto the scene with his self-titled debut. Since then, he has sold over 30 million records, including the RIAA Diamond certified Confessions. Because of the mark he has left on music and his grind that has no quit, the "Good Kisser" singer will be honored with the Musical Arts Award.

Phylicia Rashad | Theatrical Arts Award

Phylicia Rashad rose to popularity in her matriarchal role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show. After an eight-season run on the show, her infectious talents were brought to use in award-winning roles on stage and in film. With decades of work under her belt, we've only grown to love her more with every creative feat she takes on. We salute this year's Theatrical Awards honoree, Phylicia Rashad. (Photo: Matthew Jordan Smith)

John W. Thompson | Technology and Business Award

This year, we spotlight the business acumen and strategic vision of Microsoft Chairman Virtual Instruments CEO John W. Thompson. As a former IBM executive and Symantec Corporation CEO, his business leadership has been instrumental in the said notable competitive edge and overall success. (Photo: Microsoft Corp)

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole | Education Award

One can't help but to be inspired by the accomplishments of Dr. Johnetta B. Cole. A pioneer in African-American and women's studies, she became the first Black female president of Spelman College. Her devotion to education has expanded beyond the world of academia and into the arts. Dr. Cole is currently the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images for LACMA)

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

To post a comment, you must register and login.