Mary J. Blige Heats Up GMA’s Summer Concert Series with Rock of Ages Classics
Published at
Bennett Raglin/WireImage/Getty Images(NEW YORK)–It was a hot morning in Central Park, New York, and it wasn’t only due to temperatures reaching 91 degrees. Mary J. Blige was onstage at Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series and Block Party, heating up the crowd.
The Rock of Ages star performed songs from the film’s soundtrack, including Journey’s “Any Way You Want It” and Pat Benatar’s “Shadows of the Night.” Mary J. also dished that her co-star Tom Cruise was helpful on the set of her debut silver screen role.
“He was just very supportive and still very supportive during the whole thing,” the 41-year-old singer said of Tom. “And I needed that because I’m a new actress and this thing is a job so I want to be the best.”
The “Just Fine” singer also revealed the best advice she received in her career, a question asked by one of her fans. “The best advice I ever got was from my friend Chaka Khan,” Mary J. admitted. “She told me years ago when I first met her, she said, ‘You’re an amazing vocalist, but when you get out of your own way your life will change.'”
Mary J., who has been very open about her previous struggles with addiction and alcoholism, did change. The Queen of Hip Hop Soul is set to again headline the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans next month.
D’ Angelo, Aretha Franklin and Trey Songz will also perform at the music festival. “It’s an amazing concert that Essence puts on. All your favorite artists that anyone could think about shows up there,” Mary J. said of her upcoming show on July 5-8.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio