The USO Presents 'VH1 Divas Salute The Troops'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- This year VH1 is giving the "Divas" franchise a military makeover by partnering with the USO to bring the iconic event to America's troops and their families. Drawing from the tone of the original USO shows and using Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego as home base, this year's "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" show will be a unique and uplifting version of VH1's high profile signature event. Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson and Nicki Minaj will perform in front of thousands of men and women in uniform at MCAS Miramar. Taking the effort overseas to thank troops serving in remote locations, Paramore will visit Marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors, coastguardsmen and reservists stationed at an undisclosed military base in the Middle East.  The USO Presents "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" premieres on Sunday, December 5 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on VH1.

From Bob Hope to Kid Rock, entertaining our nation's troops has always been and continues to be the USO's longest running, most celebrated and recognized tradition.  Launched in 1941, early USO shows featured some of the most iconic stars of all time including Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn Monroe. Today, those shows are still vital to boosting troop morale, and VH1 is dedicated to working with the USO to continue this tradition in new and innovative ways. For service men and women and their families stationed outside the U.S., "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" will also be broadcast internationally, courtesy of the Armed Forces Network. The event at MCAS Miramar will only be open to "all hands" (12 years of age or older) including active duty, reservist, retirees, DoD employees, their dependents and bona fide guests.  This special concert event will not open to the public.

"The USO is thrilled to be partnering with VH1 and honored to be a part of delivering such an uplifting event to our nation's troops," said Sloan Gibson, USO President.  "The holidays are especially tough for our men and women in uniform and their families, and having the opportunity to touch so many troops stationed around the world at a time of year that matters most lets them know that America still cares about their welfare.  There is no better time to celebrate our armed forces and support their efforts than now."  

"Next to MCAS Miramar's much celebrated annual air show, this 'VH1 Divas' USO concert is our biggest and most anticipated event of the year," said Col. Frank Richie, Commanding Officer of MCAS Miramar.  "Hosting events like this helps boost troop morale and unites military families, which is critical to our mission.  We thank both VH1 and the USO for bringing this event to our doorstep."

"We are thrilled and honored to be bringing our 'Divas' show to the troops and their families this year," said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. "'Divas' is always a spectacular annual event featuring music's most entertaining performers and we are extremely proud to be partnering with the USO on this signature event."

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 will be released in the upcoming weeks and can be found at 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.

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