Paula Abdul didn’t remain without TV employment for long. The former “American Idol” judge has signed to host the “VH1 Divas” concert to be televised live on September 17th.
With the multiple Emmy and Grammy winner booked to host the live concert, VH1 also announced that the platinum selling pop artist, Jordin Sparks, has been added to the evening’s performances. Previously announced “Divas” include Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The “VH1 Divas” concert will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00 pm ET.
For the first time ever, the leading ladies of music will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
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.
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.
“VH1 Divas” is executive produced by Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Patrizia DiMaria.
RBR/TVBR observation: OK, it’s just a one-night gig, but it keeps her out in the spotlight. It seems that quitting Idol has made Abdul a hot property. Now we’ll wait to see who steps up with the big bucks to sign her to a long-term deal.
