American Music Awards: Sting to Receive Award of Merit, Perform Medley

The honor is presented to artists “who have made truly exceptional contributions to the music industry.”

Sting has been tapped to receive the American Music Award of Merit at the 2016 American Music Awards.

The composer, singer, actor, author, and activist also will perform a medley of songs, including “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You,” the first single off his new album, 57th & 9th, as well as some of his greatest hits.

The American Music Award of Merit is given to artists “who have made truly exceptional contributions to the music industry.” It was last given in 2008 to Annie Lennox; other honorees have included Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Prince and Frank Sinatra.

Sting joins the previously announced Bruno Mars, who is opening the show, set to broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 20 at 8 pm ET on ABC.

The nominations for the fan-voted awards show, produced by dick clark productions, were revealed earlier this month. Drake leads with a record 13 noms, while Rihanna has seven and Adele and Justin Bieber each have five.

The 2016 American Music Awards show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and Mike Mahan, with Larry Klein, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco serving as producers.

Source: hollywoodreporter.com