Perry, Hilson & More Lead VH1 Divas Salute The Troops 12/5

Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj, Paramore and Grace Potter saluted America's armed service men and women in signature VH1 Divas style tonight with blow-out performances from military bases around the world. The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" concert event will be televised on Sunday, December 5 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on VH1 and internationally courtesy of the Armed Forces Network.

The evening also featured a star-studded roster of guest performers including Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart and presenters and special guests including First Lady MichelIe Obama, Brandy, Marisa Miller, MC Lyte, Jeffrey Ross, Michael Strahan and Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi & Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from MTV's "Jersey Shore." The show was hosted by the legendary Kathy Griffin.

In their inaugural performance as VH1's newest Divas, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Jennifer Nettles all took to the stage to kick off the night by paying homage to the troops with the classic Army song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

Host Kathy Griffin then officially started the show by introducing the night's performers. In her typical boundary-pushing style, she ran through the full list of "Things I Can't Discuss" to roaring laughter and applause.

Paramore next took the show around the world to Kuwait, where they met with troops stationed there before performing their hit song "The Only Exception." Katy Perry then immediately brought the action back in-house with a gravity-defying performance of her smash summer hit "California Gurls."

Sugarland took to the stage to perform their country crossover single "Stuck Like Glue," after a very special introduction by supermodel Marisa Miller and Jennifer Nettles' brother, a member of the Air Force.

Kathy Griffin cemented her status as grand Diva of comedy with her hilarious "News from the Homefront" sketch, bringing big laughs from the thousands of troops and civilians in attendance.

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi & Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino introducEd Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, who performed "Paris Ooh La La." In a stunning rock/pop collaboration, the band then performed with legendary Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart, singing "Crazy on You."

Hip Hop legend MC Lyte, alongside an Army officer, introduced Nicki Minaj, who performed "Moment for Life." She and Katy Perry followed up with a duet of former VH1 Diva Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Kathy and Katy then welcomed Comedy Central celebrity roast master and professional funnyman Jeffrey Ross, who entertained the audience with his unique brand of sharp-tongued humor.

Bringing the show back to the Middle East, Paramore sang "My Hero" from the base in Kuwait. Back at Miramar Air Force base, Brandy and a Navy soldier then introduced Keri Hilson, who performed "Pretty Girl Rock."

In the final two powerful performances of the night, Sugarland performed Aretha Franklin's "Think," with Keri Hilson, and Katy Perry ignited the audience with a performance of her red-hot single "Firework."

Adding a very special message to the evening was First-Lady Michelle Obama, who spoke about the inspirational work of the USO and all the men and women of the armed services.

Kathy Griffin, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson, Jennifer Nettles, Nicki Minaj, Grace Potter and Ann and Nancy Wilson all concluded the night with goodbyes and a sincere message of thanks to all the service men and women serving around the world. Throughout the evening, many service men and women also had the chance to share with viewers their experience serving and send messages to loved ones back home.

For sneak peek performances and moments from the show go to Divas.VH1.com now. Select solo performances not seen in the on-air show will be available only online at Divas.VH1.com following the on-air premiere on Sunday. Additionally, the "VH1 Divas Live Viewing Party," which starts at 6 PM ET at Divas.VH1.com will give fans an opportunity to chat with one another about the show as it airs. The live online viewing party will also include video footage including exclusive interviews from the show and select show performances.

Divas.VH1.com is also home to the "Salute the Troops Photo Mosaic." Users are encouraged to add their photos to the mosaic as a way to show their support for the troops. For every photo shared, VH1 will donate $1 to USO's Operation Enduring Care, up to $10,000. Users can submit photos at Divas.VH1.com using Facebook Connect. For the latest news and details about the show, visit Divas.VH1.com and USO.org.

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" franchise returned to critical acclaim after a four year hiatus, reinvigorating the franchise with the best of current female performers that included Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks. 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.

The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Greg Sills. Kelly Brock and David Wild serve as co-producers.

The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" is presented by AT&T, Old Navy, The Hershey Company, GEICO, Wendy's International and COVERGIRL.

About the USO:

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families millions of times each year at thousands of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners American Airlines, AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, LockheEd Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission and to learn more about the USO, please visit www.uso.org.

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 98 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.

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff

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