Whitney Houston is to perform at the American Music Awards (AMAs) as a special honouree.

AMA producer Larry Klein said: "We're honoured to have Whitney Houston back on the AMA stage after 10 years.

"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 honour her with the International Artist Award this year at such an important time in her career."

The International Artist Award has only been presented seven times in the awards' 36-year history.

Previous recipients include Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, Bee Gees, Aerosmith, Madonna and Beyonce Knowles.

Other stars to perform at this year's AMAs at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre include Rihanna, Shakira, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez and The Black Eyed Peas.