{blackbabes} Clarkson, Blige to honor soul cities for VH1 Divas

NEW YORK (AP) — This year's "VH1 Divas" is celebrating soulful voices — and the cities where soul flourished.

Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, and Florence and the Machine are among the acts that will pay tribute to the places that helped create or contributed to the genre. According to a Thursday statement, Chicago, Detroit, London, Philadelphia and Memphis, Tennessee, will serve as the musical inspirations for the performers. They also will include Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Jessie J.

The Roots will be the house band for the "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul" special, which will air Dec. 19. The concert will be taped the day before in New York City.