Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Mary J. Blige Takes On Pat Benatar, Journey In 'Rock Of Ages'

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul tells MTV News her character in the big-screen '80s musical is 'a light in a dark place.'By Jocelyn Vena Mary J. Blige Photo: MTV News Mary J. Blige is already one of the biggest divas in the music industry, but she's gearing up to set the big screen on fire in 2012 with the movie version of the hit Broadway show "Rock of Ages." "In the movie 'Rock of Ages,' I play a gentleman's club owner and her name is Justice Charlier and she has to try to be a light in a dark place. ... [My role is] to make these chicks feel better about their lives and move past the strip club," she told MTV News at "VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul," where she took the stage alongside Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson and Jill Scott. But the movie's not sad all the time. The singer noted that, much like the stage spectacle the film is based on, there are good times to be had. And for anyone who loved the Broadway show or has watched the "Rock of Ages" trailer, it's clear that '80s nostalgia and merriment will be celebrated in abundance. "[It's] a lot of '80s classic rock that I'm singing: Pat Benatar, Journey even," she said. "It's fun." Directed by Adam Shankman, the film drops next summer and co-stars Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin. Blige also was just nominated for a Golden Globe for her song from "The Help" soundtrack. Blige's "The Living Proof" also landed on the Oscars short list for Best Original Song. So, 2012 could be the year that Mary J. takes La La Land by storm. "I'm excited about all of the success because I work really hard," she explained. "I put time in. I'm the type of artist that doesn't get anything for free. I have to bust my tail for everything, and I did exactly that." Check out everything we've got on "Rock of Ages." For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com. Related Artists Mary J. Blige