The award is so unique that it has only been presented seven times in the 36-year history of the American Music Awards. Whitney will be the eighth artist to receive the honor, after Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin, the Bee Gees, Aerosmith, Madonna and Beyonce.

“We’re honored to have Whitney Houston back on the AMA stage after ten years,” said American Music Awards producer Larry Klein. “She has won the most AMA’s 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.”

Whitney has been nominated 37 times and won 21 AMAs in her career, more than any other female solo artist. She also holds a record with the King of Pop himself for the most AMAs won in a single year for 1992’s The Bodyguard Soundtrack. Michael Jackson’s record from 1983 was for his breakthrough album Thriller.

Whitney has been making many public performances since her comeback premiere on the Oprah Show, where she talked candidly about her days of drug abuse. Last month she went on Simon Cowell’s The X-Factor, the British equivalent of American Idol, where she experienced a wardrobe malfunction.

Despite the slip, Whitney held her head high and remains in a positive place in her life.

Other performances this year include Rihanna, Green Day, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Keith Urban, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry and Adam Lambert.

The 37th Annual AMAs airs Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

It’s a big day for Lisa Loeb, who turns 40.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it,” the singer-songwriter-reality star tells me. “On one hand it sounds really old, but I don’t feel that old. It’s a strange place to be.”

To keep her youthful glow, Lisa says she wears sunscreen, sleeps as much as she can and stays happy. What else is in her wellness regime?

“I exercise very regularly,” she says. “I walk and jog five or six days a week, and do strength training at least twice a week, plus other additional things here and there. I prioritize sleep over exercise, and I eat pretty well-balanced diet. Mostly vegetables, fish, whole milk products, whole grain products, and then I eat what I like, but usually leaning toward healthier choices. If I really feel like a doughnut, I eat a doughnut.”

Favorite workout tune?

“‘Good Times, Bad Times’ by Led Zeppelin. You listen to it, and it makes you want to run.”

Watch out for Lisa’s second kids album, Camp Lisa, which will hit stores May 27.