“Mary J. Blige is one of the most prominent and powerful voices in the music industry,” said executive producer Frank Valentini. “She is an inspiration in both her music and her life, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to ‘One Life to Live.’”

“It’s absolutely amazing to be integrated into a soap opera I’ve watched since I was a little girl,” said Ms. Blige. “I performed on the show two years ago and had a ball, and I am beyond thrilled to be welcomed back again.”

“Mary J. Blige represents another of today’s top recording artists who sees the power of ABC Daytime as a promotional platform to reach the highly engaged, passionate audience of women 18-49,” said Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney ABC-Television Group. “Music is an important component to daytime storytelling — it is relevant, contemporary and builds emotional intensity.”

Ms. Blige previously appeared on “One Life to Live” on July 28, 2006. The following week, her album Soundscan sales soared 40 percent. She will once again appear as herself, this time as a surprise guest at Starr Manning’s (Kristen Alderson) Sweet Sixteen. Unlike her appearance in 2006, Ms. Blige will be accompanied by her band to perform her Grammy-nominated hit single “Just Fine,” as well as a second song from the CD, entitled “Hurt Again.” She tops an impressive list of recording artists to appear on “One Life to Live” that includes Timbaland with Keri Hilson and One Republic, Nelly Furtado, Jeannie Ortega, Lifehouse, Simply Red, Chris Botti and Erykah Badu.

Released on December 21, 2007, “Growing Pains” soared to the top of the Billboard chart, marking Ms. Blige’s 8th #1 CD on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and her 4th #1 CD landing at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Since her debut in 1992, she has been honored with six Grammy Awards and sold an impressive seven multi-platinum albums.