Ep 1. VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul

VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul is the first episode of the tenth season of VH1 Divas. This episode is a tribute to the soul music genre and features various female artists performing classic soul hits. The show was filmed at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City and was broadcast on VH1 in December 2011.

The show is hosted by American actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg opens the show by paying tribute to the late soul icon, Aretha Franklin, who was honored during the show. The first performance of the night is by Mary J. Blige, who performs a medley of hits by Diana Ross, including "Upside Down", "I'm Coming Out", and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Blige is joined on stage by Lady Gaga, who performs "You and I" with her on the piano.

Next up is Jennifer Hudson, who pays tribute to the late Whitney Houston with a soulful rendition of "I'm Every Woman". This is followed by a duet between Florence Welch and Martina McBride, who perform a beautiful version of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind". The performance is met with a standing ovation from the audience.

The show then takes a comedic turn as Goldberg introduces a skit featuring comedian Kathy Griffin. Griffin plays the role of a receptionist at a recording studio, who is tasked with screening calls from various musicians wanting to perform on Divas. The skit includes cameos from some of the performers featured in the show, including Blige, Hudson, and Welch.

Back on stage, Jessie J takes the spotlight with a rendition of James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World". She is joined on stage by fellow British singer, Sharon Jones, who adds her own soulful touch to the performance. The two singers end the performance with a playful interaction, as Jessie J gives Jones a pair of her high heels to wear.

The next performance is a tribute to Aretha Franklin, who is presented with the Diva of the Year award during the show. Franklin is not able to attend, so a video message from her airs, thanking the artists and fans for their continued support. The tribute is led by Christina Aguilera, who performs "Ain't No Way", one of Franklin's classic hits. Aguilera is then joined by Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, and Martina McBride, and together they perform a medley of Franklin's songs, including "Chain of Fools", "Respect", and "Think". The tribute is a powerful homage to the queen of soul, showcasing the incredible vocal talents of the performers.

The show ends on a high note with a performance of "Gimme Shelter" by Mary J. Blige and Christina Aguilera. The song, originally performed by The Rolling Stones, is given a soulful twist by the two powerhouse divas. The performance is an epic conclusion to a night celebrating the music genre that has been the foundation of their careers.

VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul is a must-watch for fans of classic soul music and the female artists who have been inspired by it. Featuring incredible performances and moving tributes, this show is a testament to the enduring power of soul music and the divas who continue to keep it alive.