Paula Abdul to Host VH1 Divas

Paula Abdul's post-American Idol career swings into high gear next month as the Emmy- and Grammy-winning diva prepares to host VH1's revamped live concert series VH1 Divas.

Abdul will be master of ceremonies at the concert, which is scheduled to highlight some of the same budding stars she encouraged in her American Idol role, where many described her as the "heart" of the judges panel.

But unlike in years past, musical veterans like Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, and Whitney Houston will not be on the roster. Instead, a brand new crop of fresh-faced divas including the likes of Jordin Sparks, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, and Miley Cyrus have been tapped to relaunch the music concert series.

Premiering on VH1 in 1998, VH1 Divas became known for airing 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 as to who would be part of that year's telecast.

The 2009 show will be broadcast live from the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Thursday, September 17, at 9 p.m. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

As in previous years, the VH1 Divas special will raise funds for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in U.S. public schools and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education.