Blige to perform national anthem at Game 1 in Fenway

BOSTON -- Nine-time Grammy Award-winning entertainer Mary J. Blige will get the 109th Fall Classic started by performing the national anthem before Game 1 between the Cardinals and Red Sox on Wednesday night at Fenway Park. Blige also performed the song before the Yankees' Game 6 World Series-clinching victory against the Phillies during 2009 in her native Bronx.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to perform the national anthem," Blige said. "I've conducted countless performances across the globe throughout my illustrious career, but performing the anthem at Yankee Stadium during the 2009 World Series was beyond a thrill, and so I'm looking forward to again being a part of baseball's great history."

Game 1 goes on-air at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX, and first pitch is 8:07.

Blige last week released her first holiday album, "A Mary Christmas," with legendary producer David Foster. She has sold more than 50 million records with a track record that includes eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus 29 nominations) and four American Music Awards. "A Mary Christmas" is Blige's 11th studio album.