The Roots rapper Black Thought performed his 1999 hit record “You Got Me” with the assist of singers Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.
(Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Singers Chaka Khan, Mavis Staples and Erykah Badu did a rendition of “I’ll Take You There.”
Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Philly natives Boyz II Men represented for the men during the VH1 Divas special.
Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Joyful Noise castmates Queen Latifah and the legendary Dolly Parton sang a duet during the show.
Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Lady in red Jennifer Hudson channeled her inner Sasha Fierce and stunned in a red sequins outfit.
Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Former Floetry songstress Marsha Ambrosius sang “Nowhere to Run” during a Detroit medley set.
(Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Motown legend Martha Reeves sang her heart out, while tapping away on her tambourine.
Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige was one of the night’s honorees.
(Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Powerhouse vocalist Ledisi teamed with Sharon Jones for a duet.
(Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
The Roots served as the houseband for the event. Band member Questlove was on the ones and twos.
Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Rapper Nas paid homage to the late Amy Winehouse with a tribute medley.
(Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
London-born singer Jessie J had three costume changes throughout the night. She’s seen here in the most daring outfit.
(Photo Courtesy: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Vh1)
Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and Chaka Khan are just a few of the soul sisters who brought the house down at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom during the live taping of the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul special on Sunday.
The special, which will air tonight at 9p.m. on the cable channel, features a mix of old- and new-school divas belting out hits — some from their own repertoire and others from the collections of their musical idols.
Take a look at the Grio’s slideshow featuring photos of the divas in rare form.
