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'VH1 Divas' Concert: Jordin Sparks, Melanie Fiona & Ledisi Pay Tribute to Whitney Houston

Posted Dec 17th 2012 12:10PM by Caitlin White
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Jordin Sparks Pedisi VH1 Divas Whitney Houston Christopher Polk, Getty Images

The divas came out in droves last night for the fourteenth annual "VH1 Divas" concert. Held in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium, the live show centered around honoring two singers lost this year: Whitney Houston and Donna Summer.

Several tributes to Houston hit the airwaves this year, including a stirring Grammys moment, and a special concert in October. But last night, the trifecta of Jordin Sparks, Melanie Fiona and Ledisi honored the legendary diva with exceptional skill. It seemed fitting that three women who are so new to the business salute a woman who undoubtedly shaped their careers from a young age.

Sparks began the tribute with a rendition of "I'm Every Woman," and bubbly Melanie Fiona danced in from the aisles singing "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "It's Not Right But It's Okay." Ledisi helped finish the set by performing "How Will I Know" along with the other two singers for the grand finale.

Aside from the celebration of Houston, former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland told a moving story about the inspiration she took from Donna Summer.

"Donna is a beacon of light for me. She's one of the reasons I sing, to be completely honest, and the reason I decided to take a stab at dance music when I did my collaboration with David Guetta," Rowland said, and went on to perform alongside Adam Lambert and Keri Hilson to honor Summers.

The trio performed a medley of "I Feel The Love," "Bad Girls," "She Works Hard The Money," "Love To Love You Baby," "Hot Stuff," and "Last Dance."

Lambert, who also served as a host for the evening, helped introduce recently engaged fellow "American Idol" alum Kelly Clarkson for her rendition of "Catch My Breath."

Divas of all genres graced the stage, as Miley Cyrus covered Billy Idol's anthemic "Rebel Yell," and women as eclectic as rapper Iggy Azalea and indie rockers Metric gave performances.

As in previous years, the funds raised from the show will go to VH1's "Save the Music" foundation that seeks to keep music education programs alive in American public schools.

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