Just when you thought the star power at the 2009 American Music Awards couldn’t get any brighter, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston have been announced as performers.


Jackson, who releases her greatest hits album Number Ones on November 17, will open the 37th annual show by performing a medley of hits spanning her illustrious career.

“We’re thrilled about having Janet Jackson open this year’s show,” stated American Music Awards producer Larry Klein. “She is an incredibly dynamic performer, and I think the audience will be excited to see what she has in store.”

Whitney Houston is also set to return to the AMA stage for her first primetime U.S. network performance in five years. She will sing her powerhouse ballad “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” and receive the International Artist Award.

“We’re honored to have Whitney Houston back on the AMA stage after ten years,” said Klein. “She has won the most AMAs of any female artist in history and is without a doubt an international superstar, so it’s only fitting we honor her with the International Artist Award this year at such an important time in her career.”

Other previously announced performers include Shakira with Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Eminem, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Keith Urban, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, Daughtry, and Adam Lambert.

The 2009 American Music Awards will air live from the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 22, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.