The VH1 "Divas 2004" opened at the MGM Grand this evening with Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson and Cyndi Lauper singing LaBelle's sexy seventies song Lady Marmalade.

Cyndi Lauper, Photo Credit: John Shearer/vh1.com

Highlights of VH1 Divas 2004 Concert

Dressed in black "diva" dresses, legends, LaBelle and Lauper were "workin' it." Newcomer, Jessica Simpson looked like she was having pure fun.

Seventeen-year-old, Joss Stone gave the world a taste of her amazing, soulful talent by singing Fell In Love With A Boy from her debut album "Soul Sessions."

Joss Stone, Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Tyra Banks introduced Patti LaBelle as "the truly timeless diva, and the woman who makes the best fried chicken in all of America." On May 4th, LaBelle and the newly formed, Def Soul Classics will release her first album in four years called "Timeless Journey." The two time Grammy award-winner is already seeing her inspirational first single, New Day, sung at the MGM tonight, climb up the Adult Contemporary Charts.

Shortly thereafter, fellow Grammy award-winner, Cyndi Lauper introduced LaBelle as the godmother to her son, and her partner in tonight's venture. After singing Stay from her latest album "At Last" with Sheila E. playing the drums, Lauper sang Time After Time with LaBelle while Lauper played the dulcimer. Lauper's voice, and the gentleman seated to her right playing the trumpet, carried the song. The performance was like a jam session in Lauper or LaBelle's home.

LaBelle & Simpson, Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Twenty-three year-old, Jessica Simpson performed Take My Breath Awhile. As beautiful as she looked and sounded, our only criticism was that she chose a song that was a repeat from her Variety Show debut last Sunday night. Fortunately, the triple platinum diva also sang Angels from her album "In This Skin."

The most "Vegas-style" performance of the night was by the Pussycat Dolls' contemporary, burlesque cabaret act led by Carmen Electra, Carly Simon, Usher and Vanessa Williams singing Softcell's Tainted Love. Whoa! Incredible!!

Tom Jones, Photo Credit: John Shearer/vh1.com

Then sporting hotpink boas and black hats, the Pussycat Dolls backed up legendary ladies man, Tom Jones, who was in the house to sing Randy Newman's "You Can Leave Your Hat On."

Blondie's Debbie Harry showed her roots singing One Way or Another with sultry, barefoot "crazy girl" Joss Stone.

The stunningly beautiful and soulful Gladys Knight sang The Way We Were. She then introduced "Miss Joss Stone." Together they sang Gladys Knight and The Pips' I Don't Want To Do Wrong. Stone, who is used to performing with R&B greats like Willie "Little Beaver" Hale and soul pioneer Betty Wright, looked like she was in her element. She proved she was thrilled to share the stage was such legends as Knight and Harry when she said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I just sang with Gladys Knight."

Stone stepped down and Jessica Simpson stepped up to join Gladys sing their own rendition of Midnight Train to Georgia. Then, Joss, Gladys and Jessica did a powerful Keep On Keepin' On.

Later, Joss sang Sting's If You Love Somebody Set Them Free.

The evening ended with all the divas singing Attitude.

Blondie's Debbie Harry, Photo Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

So what qualifies a diva?

A perfectionist.

Someone who wants their M&Ms sorted a certain way.

Fearless.

A woman with style & grace.

Someone who needs a humidifier in her room with the perfect temperature.

Ridiculous demands.

Dynamic.

Strength.

Drama.

Fashion.

Incredible Talent.

Someone who receives a NETGEAR MP101 Wireless Digital Music Player as a gift for participating in the seventh annual "VH1 Divas" concert.

Tonight's event, executive produced by Greg Sills and Lee Rolontz, was recorded in front of a live audience of 17,000 at the MGM Grand with millions of VH1 television viewers watching at home. Tickets to the MGM Grand Garden Arena cost $75 and $150. The diva line-up helped raise over $300,000 and growing for Save The Music Foundation.

Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $25 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1000 public schools in 80 cities across America, improving the lives of more than 500,000 children.

To learn more about the foundation go to VH1SaveTheMusic.com.

To give a donation, please call 1.800.VH1.4MUSIC

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King,

P.S. Check out the VH1 Divas 2004: iTunes Play List For Your iPod