"VH1 DIVAS Celebrates Soul" Includes Special Tribute to Amy Winehouse with Performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch and Wanda Jackson

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

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

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2011 -- VH1's beloved, popular franchise, "VH1 Divas," has announced a special tribute to Amy Winehouse at this year's "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" with performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson. "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

The tribute will reflect Winehouse's contribution to modern, London soul music. Some highlights of the tribute will include Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing "You Know I'm No Good," and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson will perform her song "Back to Black." The Dap-Kings contributed a number of tracks for Winehouse's Grammy Award-winning album "Back to Black." In addition, Nas, who collaborated with Winehouse on the first single of her current posthumous album, will introduce the tribute medley.

"VH1 Divas Celebrates 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 headlining "divas" were announced at an earlier date including: Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J. and Jill Scott. Previously announced performers include: Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy, Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson and Ledisi. Previously announced presenters include: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony. In addition, Martha Reeves (Martha & The Vandellas) has just signed on as a performer and Archie Panjabi and Sherri Shepherd have signed on as presenters.

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 and Adam Blackstone as musical directors, each 'diva' will pay tribute through not only their own soul-inspired songs, but some of the greatest classics that have shaped a genre.

In addition, for the first time, the "VH1 Divas" red carpet will be livestreamed on VH1.com on Sunday, December 18 from 5-7pm ET (#VH1DIVAS). Sponsored by Samsung and hosted by VH1 personality La La Anthony, the livestream will provide fans an unfiltered front-row seat to all the red carpet action and will feature real time interviews with entertainment's biggest stars. Beginning Monday, December 19, fans can view a curated red carpet highlights video on VH1.com.

As in previous years, this edition of "VH1 Divas" will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music education in a child's life. VH1 Save The Music Foundation is auctioning special "Divas" ticket packages on leading charity auction site, charitybuzz.com. Fans will have an opportunity to watch the sound check, walk the red carpet and more, all available on http://www.charitybuzz.com/support/divas through December 15. Proceeds from these exclusive packages benefit the Foundation's mission to equip students with the tools to lead, innovate and create in the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.vh1savethemusic.org.

This year's sponsors for "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" include: AT&T, COVERGIRL, GEICO, Hershey(R)'s, Old Navy, Samsung 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.

ABOUT VH1

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 99 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, and extensive video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

ABOUT VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC FOUNDATION:

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, VH1 Save The Music has provided more than $48 million in new musical instruments to 1,800 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.8 million children. The 2012 Ambassador Class - dedicated to raising awareness and funds to benefit The Foundation - includes: Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry, Gavin Rossdale, AJ McLean, Vanessa Carlton, Matthew Morrison, Daughtry and Lupe Fiasco. Get involved at www.vh1savethemusic.com and follow us on twitter @vh1savethemusic.