Exclusive | The Third Annual BET Honors + Red Carpet Video

(Left to Right) Honorees Whitney Houston, Dr. Keith Black, Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Dr. Ruth Simmons

The Third Annual BET Honors celebrated the accomplishments of Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Dr. Ruth Simmons, and Dr. Keith Black in Washington DC at The Warner Theatre. The main focus of the star studded evening was the crisis in Haiti. DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and BET CEO Debra Lee called out to viewers and audience members alike to support relief efforts for those who were affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti. “Before this disaster, BET Networks, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, was set to donate thirty thousand dollars every month for a year to an organization that has dedicated itself to working towards a brighter future for the African American community,” said Lee in her remarks. “In light of the devastation in Haiti, BET plans to donate the first grant to immediate emergency relief in Haiti.” We applaud BET for putting focus on the Haiti crisis throughout the show and their generous donation for relief efforts.

Some of our favorite highlight’s from BET Honors:

Patti Labelle and Jazmine Sullivan‘s tribute performances for honoree Queen Latifah; Sullivan performed a soul soothing rendition of “Unforgettable” and “Rock Steady”, while Labelle took us back with her classic hit “If Only You Knew”

Mary J. Blige honored Sean “Diddy” Combs, whom she described as her “big brother”. Blige thanked Combs for believing in her when no one else did. Soon after she performed a medley of  her greatest hits “I Love You”, “Be Happy”, and “Love No Limit”

Sean “Diddy” Combs heart felt speech; “This award makes me work harder and dream bigger”, Diddy said, he went on to thank his mother (Janice Combs) for her tireless work ethics which inspired him to work harder.

R&B singer Maxwell (who is of Haitian decent) closed the show with “Fistful of Tears” and “Bad Habits”

Jennifer Hudson and gospel sensation Kim Burrell took to the stage to honor the legendary Whitney Houston. Hudson took on Whitney‘s biggest hit, “I Will Always Love You” and she delivered effortlessly. Burrell not only surprised Whitney but performed “I Believe In You and Me” for her dear friend. Trust us when we say, These are two performances you DO NOT want to miss!

Catch these highlights and much more during the third annual BET Honors, when it airs Monday, February 1, 2010 at 9 pm ET/PT (hosted by Actress Gabrielle Union)

Exclusive footage from the red carpet at BET Honors

EDIT | Performances

Jennifer Hudson

Mary J Blige

India Arie

Ryan Leslie

Stevie Wonder + Trey Songz

Stevie Wonder + Take 6

Jazmine Sullivan + Patti Labelle

Maxwell