When country duo Sugarland hit the stage at "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops," they didn't just bang out their hits for the soldiers, they mixed up their set list with some offerings from the rap and R&B worlds as well.
Following an introduction by model Marisa Miller and frontwoman Jennifer Nettles' brother, who serves in the military, the country duo kicked things off with their twangy hit "Stuck Like Glue." Kristian Bush strummed the song's opening notes on an acoustic guitar, as Nettles helmed the first verse with her trademark plucky energy. Rocking a chunky statement necklace, black tank top and skinny trousers, the songstress drew hoots from the crowd throughout the catchy chorus. The soldiers swayed and sang along as Nettles belted the sunny jam to the mass of service members packed into the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar hangar in San Diego.
Nettles and company gave their country smash a hip-hop revamp courtesy of legendary femcee MC Lyte, who joined the pair midway through the set. Lyte bounded on stage in an olive drab jacket, dangly silver hoops and jeans, and dropped a few bars.
"We went together/ Whatever is whatever, I got the kind of love that just won't let up/ You for me, me for you/ Forever is forever, stuck like glue," Lyte rhymed.
(Click here to see photos from "VH1 Divas Salute The Troops".)
After hip-hop and country divas grooved together, Lyte skipped over to bust out some of the song's catchy "wah-oh, wah-oh" scats. Merging her hip-hop background with the country outfit, Lyte cheerfully galloped across the stage and commanded concertgoers to put their hands in the air.
The duo showcased their versatility throughout the night, and also covered R&B icon Aretha Franklin's 1968 hit "Think." Nettles donned a suitably sensational look to tackle the Queen of Soul's repertoire, working it out in a shimmery mini-dress with a swingy fringe hem. Not that they needed it, but the duo did get some assistance from an R&B pro when Keri Hilson — who joined Nettles and Katy Perry earlier for the show's opener — returned to the stage. Rocking a belted black vest and leggings, Hilson traded lines with her country counterpart, slowing things down a bit during the bridge. The duet culminated in a soulful back-and-forth of trills between the ladies, before Nettles dedicated the performance to the song's original singer and one of music's original divas.
"Miss Aretha Franklin, get well soon," Nettles declared. "We need your voice, baby!"
What did you think of Sugarland's performance at "VH1 Divas"? Let u know in the comments!
For photos, videos and info on how you can salute the troops, head to the "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" page.