VH1 Divas Special Adds Parton, Jackson, Staples

The latest installment of the popular VH1 Divas series, set to air Monday, December 19 at 8 PM/CT, will pay tribute to great cities of soul music including Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia.

Newly added performers on the bill at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom include Wanda Jackson, Anita Baker, Mavis Staples, and Ledisi. Additionally, presenters will include Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common and La La Anthony.

Previously announced headlining “divas” include Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + the Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J., and Jill Scott. Also performing will be Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, and Travie McCoy. Performers will be backed by hip-hop/soul band The Roots, with drummer Questlove and Adam Blackstone serving as musical directors.

For the first time, the red carpet for the event will be livestreamed on vh1.com Sunday, December 18 from 4-6 PM/CT and hosted by VH1 personality La La Anthony. As always, the event will benefit VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of music education. Special ticket packages for the event are being auctioned here.