OutKast is double winner at BET awards

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Hip-hop group OutKast was a double winner and Whitney Houston was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the first BET awards Tuesday evening. OutKast was named best male group and won video of the year for "Ms. Jackson" during the two-hour event billed as where "black star power explodes." The BET Awards are given to black entertainers and athletes in music, film and sports categories. The 15 awards were voted by record label executives, media and fans. In a tribute to Houston, Christina Aguilera and Luther Vandross performed two of Houston's songs before she came on stage to a standing ovation. The 37-year-old singer-actress sang two songs, then her mother, Cissy Houston, and her young daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, presented her award. Other performers included OutKast, Destiny's Child, who won best female group, Lil' Bow Wow, winner of the viewer's choice award, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Sisqo, Jay Z and hip-hop artist winner Eve.