Kathy Griffin to Host 'VH1 Divas Salute The Troops'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-time Emmy® award winning actress and comedian, New York Times bestselling author and Grammy® nominated performer, Kathy Griffin will host "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" from the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, CA. Known for her candid wit, the USO tour veteran has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders. Griffin is a multi-faceted performer who is sure to entertain the troops.

"After having had the honor of performing for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it gives me great pleasure to host an evening for them where they can really blow off some steam. I will not hold back, but I can't speak for Sugarland. It's going to be a wild night of great music and a heartfelt thank you," said Kathy Griffin.

Joining the star-studded list of performers is VH1's latest "You Oughta Know" artist - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.  Previously announced performers include Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj and Paramore.  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 event at MCAS Miramar will only be open to "all hands" (13 years of age or older) including active duty, reservist, retirees, DoD employees, their dependents and bona fide guests.  This special concert event will not be open to the public.

The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" will be an event unlike anything seen before featuring a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests as well as commentary from troops stationed on the front lines and "exclusive" USO tour footage shot overseas. This year's show is a female-fronted superstar spectacle that is fun, irreverent and will also include a "few good men." Additional information about the show and the featured artists can be found at Divas.VH1.com and USO.org.  

Additionally, Divas.VH1.com has launched with show information and news, artist profiles and 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, 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.

For more information please visit VH1's press website at www.VH1Press.com and www.USO.org

SOURCE VH1