PRINCE - PRINCE TO RECEIVE NAACP VANGUARD AWARD

PRINCE has been selected to receive the NAACP (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE) Vanguard Award this year (05). The award, which Prince will receive at the 36th annual NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, is given to those whose work "increases our understanding and awareness of racial and social issues".

It has been presented only twice previously, to film-makers STANLEY KRAMER and STEVEN SPIELBERG.

R+B hunk USHER leads the field of nominees with five NAACP Image Awards nods, including outstanding male artist and outstanding album for his colossal hit CONFESSIONS.

Other multiple nominees include KANYE WEST, ANTHONY HAMILTON, ALICIA KEYS, QUEEN LATIFAH and Prince.

The ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on 19 March (05).