Sales spikes from VH1 Divas

DIVAS RISING: All six headliners on VH1’s Dec. 19 telecast of VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul saw album sales increases of at least 50% in the past week, according to SoundScan data—and who are we to argue? That would be Florence + the Machine (+101%), Jill Scott (+101%), Mary J. Blige (+75%), Kelly Clarkson (+50%), Jessie J (+105%) and Jennifer Hudson (+67%). On top of that, David Guetta’s latest LP, featuring “Night of Your Life,” which Hudson performed on the telecast, was up 115%. Coincidence? VH1 thinks not. The show, which is being aired through the holidays, also included performances from Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, Martha Reeves and Ledisi. The divas were backed by The Roots, with Questlove serving as co-musical director. (12/29a)