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September 8, 2009 Jennifer Hudson Joins VH1’s Divas
Jennifer Hudson just got added to the VH1 Divas line-up alongside Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Miley Cyrus. Not only that, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper and Martina McBride have all joined as special musical guests! Kathy Griffin, Toni Braxton, Ryan Kwanten, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port and the cast of MGM Film “Fame” (Asher Book, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Kherington Payne, Naturi Naughton, and Walter Perez) have all been added as presenters for the evenings festivities.
Hosted by Paula Abdul, the VH1 Divas live concert event will air live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9pm EST. Continue reading for the full VH1 press release containing more information about the special.
NEW YORK, NY – September 8, 2009 – Jennifer Hudson’s breakout roll as “Effie” in the Academy Award® winning hit “Dreamgirls” garnered her every major acting award, but it was her powerful vocal abilities that first won her acclaim. On her self-titled debut album, Jennifer received four Grammy® nominations and won for “Best R&B Album.” VH1 viewers will now get a chance to hear Jennifer sing live at the “VH1 Divas” concert which will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00pm.*
Special musical guests for the show include Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper and Martina McBride. Kathy Griffin, Toni Braxton, Ryan Kwanten, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port and the cast of MGM Film “Fame” (Asher Book, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Kherington Payne, Naturi Naughton, and Walter Perez) have all joined the “VH1 Divas” show as presenters for the evening.
“We are excited that Jennifer Hudson will share her award-winning talent with our ‘VH1 Divas’ audience next week. Adding Jennifer to our roster of young yet hugely successful performers guarantees that the show will truly be a night to remember,” said Tom Calderone, President, VH1. “We can’t wait for our viewers to enjoy the performances that will reflect the talent, hard work and tenacity that has come to define this new generation of divas.”
Paula Abdul is set to host the “VH1 Divas” live concert event. Previously announced “Divas” include Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks and Miley Cyrus.
For the first time ever, these leading ladies at the top of their musical game will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Continuing in true “Divas” tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests.
Fans can go now to Divas.VH1.com to submit a “Diva Stories” text or video testimonial that tells the world how their favorite divas have influenced their lives. VH1 wants to hear from all Divas’ fans – favorite songs, favorite moments and the craziest things they’ve done to show their diva how they feel. Select testimonials may be featured online and on-air leading up to this year’s live telecast. Divas.VH1.com has also launched close to 50 past “VH1 Divas” performances, featuring Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and many more. Join Divas.VH1.com on Thursday, September 17 for live blogging coverage before and during the live telecast. Users can also follow all show-related news by following the “VH1 Divas” twitter account at http://twitter.com/vh1divas
Premiering on VH1 in 1998, “VH1 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. 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 and many more.
“VH1 Divas” is executive produced by Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Patrizia DiMaria. As in previous years, this “VH1 Divas” special will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $43 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1,600 public schools in 100 cities, improving the lives of more than 1.2 million children
Exclusive VH1 Save The Music VIP tickets and Gold Circle ticket packages will offer premium seating to the live “VH1 Divas” concert plus pre and post party access and an exclusive gift bag. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available to the two distinctively different “VH1 Divas” Parties on the same night. For more information on tickets or to sponsor an event, please contact: Nia.Mack@vh1savethemusic.com or at 212-846-7324.
“VH1 Divas” is sponsored by Garnier® Fructis® and CoverGirl®.
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 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.
All times ET/PT
fefe powers
September 8, 2009 at 6:29 pm
How did I not know about this concert? That is a very talented line up! Love Jennifer and Adele is my girl. Will be tuned in! Thanks for this post. xoxoxo
parisboy
September 8, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Miley Cirus??? what the hell??! i don’t get it;….. she’s a diva?? i don’t think so…they must have put her there to get a younger odience but it s*!”s bad!
Anyway i can’t wait to see Jennifer Hudson that’s a diva!!! great voice ,great attitude, an oscar and a grammy!!!!!!!!
too bad they didn’t put Cindy Lauper on the picture she’s a real artist and i loved what she did with Patty Labelle a few years ago.
Nat
September 8, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I love Adele, but it’s interesting that they put her and Kelly Clarkson (who I also like) front and center, while Jennifer and Leona, who are equally talented, are grouped on the side. Miley and Jordin are throwaways, so whatever.
Also, when did Jordin, Jennifer, Kelly, and Adele for pete’s sake, get so skinny?!
Sad how music promotion is so hinged on appearance.
Thickumz
September 8, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Call me what u want but um…that’s a half wack list of so-called “Divas” Jennifer Hudson is getting WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY more props than deserved but hey. Half these people haven’t done enough (in my opinion) to be on that stage. It seems like VH1 through some names in a hat and hoped for the best. Anywho…I’m done!
Lexington
September 8, 2009 at 11:12 pm
OK…The Miley hate needs to stop. Her market is not Middle aged or even young adult minorities.
Its Kid who are gonna grow up with her, so get over it. All her albums out did many of these DIVAS, n she probably didnt even know they were released.
Stated simply: The Bitch Sells! Get over it.
@Thickumz (lol)
Jennifer is the new aged Whitney. She can out sing all the bitches up the, including Leona, so sit down!
Spicy Goddess
September 8, 2009 at 11:35 pm
STILL don’t understand why Miley Viruz is on there…. I can’t wait, if she’s gonna be on there…. she’ll just fugg it up for the REAL divas!!!!!!!!! SMDH
Thickumz
September 9, 2009 at 2:08 am
Yeah Miley C. still isn’t good TO ME…that’s why it’s called an opinion. I hate when ghetto individuals are angered by someone having an opinion. Miley C. is not paying any of your bills so chill. And yes, Jennifer Hudson is talented but I just believe there are others more deserving, just my thoughts. I respect everyone’s opinion not angered by them lol…that’s childish@ Lexington…grow up and respect other’s thoughts, this is just a website okay. I enjoyed reading everyone’s opinions I don’t think MY opinion is the only one that is important.
GAY
September 9, 2009 at 2:43 pm
This show should reschedule. It hasn’t been on in at least three or four years. If they produce a quality show with true divas then I think more people will enjoy it. It’s nice they sprinkled Toni in the mix.
TheMan
September 9, 2009 at 3:45 pm
man i miss those days when we had real Diva’s
parisboy
September 9, 2009 at 4:12 pm
what about alicia keys,beyonce, xtina agulera,pink????? they were not available??
i luv Adele but i don’t consider her a Diva,Leona it’s ok but i mean her carreer has just started she has more to prove….. the only one who really deserve to be in that show it’s the osacr and grammy’s winner Jennifer Hudson !!! luv u girl!