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ELLEN DeGENERES: Ellen DeGeneres is to be presented with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Tuesday.

The stand-up comedian and talk-show host is to be honored Oct. 22 at a ceremony in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington.

Featuring a lineup of some of the biggest names in comedy, it will be taped for subsequent television broadcast.

"The Kennedy Center is happy to recognize Ellen DeGeneres' unique contributions to the world of comedy," Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement Tuesday. "Through her television programs, stand-up appearances, movies, and even commercials, her special brand of humor has allowed us to find hilarity in the mundane and has kept us laughing for years."

"It's such an honor to receive the Mark Twain Prize. To get the same award that has been given to people like Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, it really makes me wonder… why didn't I get this sooner?" DeGeneres said.

'DANCING WITH THE STARS:' Maria Menounos and Derek Hough were eliminated from Tuesday night's "Dancing with the Stars" semifinals in Los Angeles.

"Oh, my gosh. I learned so many things. I learned how strong I was. I learned to persevere," the host of TV's "Extra" program said upon learning her fate.

"It's been an amazing season," Hough said. "I've loved, loved, loved dancing with this woman. She's been an incredible person, not just on the dance floor, but just as a person. She's not just a champion of dancing, but a champion of life. Really, seriously."

Going into next week's finals with their professional dance partners are Donald Driver, an NFL wide receiver and author; Katherine Jenkins, a classical opera singer; and William Levy, a telenovela star.

LADY GAGA:Authorities in Indonesia declined to issue American pop star Lady Gaga a permit for a concert in Jakarta due to protests by Islamic groups.

The 26-year-old singer is known for her outrageous outfits and sexually charged lyrics.

The Sun newspaper in Britain said her planned June 3 show in the Indonesian capital has been canceled after the Islamic Defenders Front called her "vulgar" and "dangerous."

"She's a vulgar singer who wears only panties and a bra when she sings and she stated she is the envoy of the devil's child and that she will spread satanic teaching," the organization's head Salim Alatas said. "This is dangerous."

WHITNEY HOUSTON: Jordin Sparks and John Legend are to perform a tribute to late pop icon Whitney Houston at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards show in Las Vegas, ABC said Tuesday.

Houston is to be posthumously honored with the 2012 Billboard Millennium Award at the event, which her daughter Bobbi Kristina and sister-in-law Pat are expected to attend.

Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell are to serve as hosts of the ceremony at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Houston drowned in a hotel bathtub Feb. 11 in Beverly Hills, Calif., after using cocaine. She was 48.