"VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" Adds Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson and Ledisi as Performers and Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony as Presenters

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To Tweet This Release: http://on.vh1.com/divaspr3

VH1's beloved, popular franchise, "VH1 Divas," announced today additional performers to join this year's tribute to soul music including: Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson and Ledisi. In addition, Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony will participate as presenters in paying 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.

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.

"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 and Travie McCoy.

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.

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®'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, Beyoncé, 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.

SOURCE VH1

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