Houston’s mother to sing tribute

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Whitney Houston’s mother will perform a tribute to her late daughter alongside other female singers at the upcoming BET Awards.

A source familiar with BET’s plans said Tuesday that Cissy Houston will take the stage at the July 1 awards show to honor her daughter. Cissy will be joined by “a few top divas,” the source said, though the source could not give their name.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the tribute has not been officially announced.

Arsenio Hall is returning to TV’s late-night scene, where he flourished with a talk show two decades ago.

CBS Television Distribution says it is developing a syndicated nightly talk show with the 57-year-old actor and comedian. The company said Monday that the show is set to premiere in fall 2013.

Hall is best known for hosting the Emmy Award-winning “Arsenio Hall Show,” which ran from 1989 to 1994.

Johnny Depp and his longtime partner, French model-singer Vanessa Paradis, have split.

A publicist for the actor said in a statement Tuesday that the two “have amicably separated.” The statement requested privacy for the former couple and their two children, 9-year-old son, Jack, and 13-year-old daughter, Lily-Rose.

Depp and Paradis never married during their 14-year relationship.

NBC says Sarah Palin’s husband, Todd Palin, will compete against retired boxing champion Laila Ali, singer Nick Lachey and other celebrities in an upcoming competition show called “Stars Earn Stripes.”

NBC announced Tuesday that retired Army Gen. and former presidential candidate Wesley Clark will co-host the series with TV personality Samantha Harris.

The eight competitors will tackle difficult missions inspired by real military exercises. Each competitor will be paired with a who has been a member of the armed forces or a law enforcement agency.

Each team will play for a military or veterans charity. A team will be eliminated weekly.

“Stars Earn Stripes” premieres Aug. 13.

Among celebrity birthdays today: Actress Olympia Dukakis is 81. Actor Martin Landau is 81. Actor Danny Aiello is 79. Actor John Mahoney is 72. Musician Brian Wilson is 70. Home repair show host Bob Vila is 66. Singer Lionel Richie is 63. Actor John Goodman is 60. Actress Nicole Kidman is 45. Singer Amos Lee is 35. Singer Grace Potter is 29.