Pop diva Katy Perry entertains US troops with sexy salute clad in Stars and Stripes

IT MAY not go down too well with some of their Muslim allies, but a raunchy Salute the Troops concert has been staged involving some of America's biggest stars.

Staged to give a morale boost to hard-pressed US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, the event will be broadcast tonight on US television.

Pop diva Katy Perry, dressed in a series of sexy outfits, was the star of the show, which also featured performances from the scantily clad likes of comedienne Kathy Griffin and R&B star Keri Hilson.

Perry descended on to the stage at Vh1's Salute the Troops show in a parachute, emblazoned with the American flag.

She cut a sexy figure in a pair of blue sparkly hotpants teamed with a Stars and Stripes plunging top and knee-high white boots. It was one of four racy outfits worn by the 26-year-old singer throughout the night, which was staged to honour the work of America's military.

In typically attention-grabbing fashion, Perry also wore an eye-catching gold dress, with matching studded peep-toe heels and a sailor hat and later slipped into a strapless red number split to the thigh.

And another outfit change was in order when she performed with singer Nicki Minaj, with Perry slipping into a camouflage PVC skirt and top.

Earlier Perry, new wife of Russell Brand, posted a picture on her Twitter site showing herself dressed in a Second World War-era army uniform.

But the uniforms didn't stay on for long. Once she took to the stage Griffin, who has just celebrated her 50th birthday, was even more risqu than Perry.

She stripped off to a camouflage bikini and belt made of bullets, which she teamed with a pair of high heeled PVC boots.

And pushing the boundaries even further, Griffin then embraced a moustachioed male dancer on stage.

Also at the event was Snooki and The Situation from hit US TV show Jersey Shore, who joined Griffin onstage.

The television event will feature the female acts performing at an undisclosed military base in the Middle East and a Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego, as well as on stage in Miramar, California.

Perry later took to her Twitter.com page to send her personal thanks and dedicate the night to service men and women around the world, writing: "THIS ONES FOR THE TROOPS! Thank you Troops! It doesn't matter what position u serve in, from computers to pilots we appreciate you ALL! GOD BLESS YOU & get home safe!"

Sloan Gibson, president of troop support group the United Service Organisation (USO), said: "The USO is thrilled to be partnering with VH1 and to be a part of delivering such an uplifting event to our nation's troops.

"The holidays are especially tough for our men and women in uniform and their families, and having the opportunity to touch so many troops stationed around the world at a time of year that matters most lets them know that America still cares about their welfare.

"There is no better time to celebrate our armed forces and support their efforts than now."