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Sting to be honored at American Music Awards

British singer and social activist Sting

Sting joins the ranks of Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson in receiving The American Music Award of Merit at the awards show next month.

In addition to taking to the stage, the musician, composer, actor and activist will be honored with an award that is given to artists who have made "truly exceptional contributions to the music industry."

Lennox was the last musician to receive the award in 2008.

In addition to releasing five studio albums with his band The Police, Sting went on to release 14 solo albums and receive a slew of awards, including 10 Grammys and most recently, a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score for his Broadway musical "The Last Ship" last year.

The honor comes ahead of his next album release -- the first in over a decade -- "57th & 9th" which drops November 11.

The American Music Awards will air at on November 20 at 8pm EST on ABC.