"WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY(R) SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON" SET TO AIR FRIDAY, NOV. 16 ON CBS

CELINE DION, JENNIFER HUDSON AND USHER ARE THE FIRST PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE ONE-HOUR CBS ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL, WHICH PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIX-TIME GRAMMY(R) AWARD WINNER WHITNEY HOUSTON AND TAPES THURSDAY OCT. 11 AT THE NOKIA THEATRE L.A. LIVE

Five-time GRAMMY(R) Award winner Celine Dion, GRAMMY and Academy Award(R) winner Jennifer Hudson and seven-time GRAMMY winner Usher are the first performers announced for WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY(R) SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON. The one-hour special will celebrate Houston's life, artistry and most memorable performances through interviews with and performances by various artists paying homage to the six-time GRAMMY winner. The special will tape on Thursday, Oct. 11 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, and air Friday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY(R) SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON will include never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, along with artists sharing their memories of her. Additionally, the special will feature highlights of Houston's career, including great GRAMMY and other iconic performances.

Tickets to the general public for WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY(R) SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON go on sale today and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800-745-3000. For more information on VIP packages and discounted group tickets, please call 1-877-AEG-TICKETS (1-877-234-8425) or visit www.aegtickets.com.

As one of the biggest pop stars of all time (male or female), Whitney Houston sold a combined 170 million albums, songs and videos, garnering six GRAMMYs and two Emmys, among countless other awards and accolades. She graced the GRAMMY Stage eight times over the years - one of a few artists to have had the distinction of performing the most times on the annual broadcast. Most recently, she appeared as a presenter at the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2009 (ultimately presenting Jennifer Hudson with her first GRAMMY, for Best R&B Album).

WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU: A GRAMMY(R) SALUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ken Ehrlich is the executive producer. Louis J. Horvitz is director.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegrammys and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.