VH1 "Divas" special to celebrate soul music

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - This year, VH1 is putting some soul into its annual "VH1 Divas'' special in December.

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, Tenn., will serve as the musical inspirations for the performers, who will also include Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Jessie J.

Clarkson took to Twitter on Thursday, telling fans she was "super stoked" to be part of the special.

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 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

Last year's show was dedicated to U.S. troops serving abroad.