VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul With Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, Florence + The Machine, Kelly Clarkson and Jessie J

"VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" Pays Tribute to the Great Cities of Soul Music Including Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia

The Roots Confirmed to Perform as House Band

Special will air Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2011 -- VH1's beloved, popular franchise, "VH1 Divas," returns and will pay tribute to the cities where soul gave birth to music's most powerful classics and inspired today's divas. Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, Florence + The Machine, Kelly Clarkson and Jessie J will pay homage to these cities and soul music's timeless classics at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom. "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

"This year's telecast will showcase the vast impact soul music has had on the 21st century's music and pop culture landscape as our talented and diverse lineup will attest," said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. "This year's 'Divas' offers a modern twist on soul music, all while tipping its hat to the legacy of key cities that created this musical heritage."

"VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul" will bring together some of the best singers across the globe, men and women alike, to honor the soulful cities that inspired these divas and their art. The cities honored include: Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia. Accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove as musical director, each diva will pay tribute through not only their own soul-inspired songs, but some of the greatest classics that have shaped a genre.

As in previous years, this edition of "VH1 Divas" will benefit VH1 Save The Music Foundation and its programs to restore music education in public schools. For more information, please visit www.vh1savethemusic.org.

This year's sponsors for "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" include: COVERGIRL, GEICO, Hershey�'s, Old Navy and The Wendy's Company.

Additional performers, presenters, special guests and sponsors will be announced as they are confirmed.

Visit DIVAS.VH1.com and Twitter at @VH1 and #VH1DIVAS for more information.

Premiering on VH1 in 1998, "Divas" became synonymous with some of the most memorable, live, female vocal performances in television history. The show quickly became a highly anticipated annual phenomenon, generating speculation among music fans and industry executives on who would be part of that year's telecast. Last year, the "Divas" saluted the armed forces with "The USO Presents: 'VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" with Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Paramore and Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. Previous featured performers over the years included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cher, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks and numerous others have graced the "VH1 Divas" stage.

"VH1 Divas" is executive produced by Greg Sills for Chloe Productions and Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim for VH1.

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