Indeed, the coveted biopic role has launched many-an-act to stardom in its tenure by bringing to light the real personal lives of celebrated public figures.
Most recently, VH1 has taken the reins in preparation of a TLC biopic and continues to tease fans with snaps from the set of the highly anticipated film (like the one seen here). With many great biopics of yesteryear to live up to, our excitement for the venture leads us to ask you – That Grape Juice faithful:
Shortly before talent-devoid “divas” dominated charts with their brand of EDM or autotune-assisted fly-by-night hits (see: Katy Perry, Ke$ha, and oh na na what’s her name), 2006 saw an assembly of legendary divas gathered to be honored by Queen of Talk Oprah Winfrey.
Indeed, it would take someone with Winfrey’s stature to unify Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, and so many other legendary female entertainers and activists (Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, etc) for one worthy cause. Uniting for what was christened ‘The Legends Ball’, living legends lent their talents and stories for a group of distinguished guests including some of today’s top performers (Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and more).
Despite the absence of noted divas Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, and more, the three-day event (filmed for an ABC special) still won praise from viewers – especially its gospel themed finale.
With gospel hitmaker Bebe Winans at the helms, the ladies kicked off an impromptu “mic toss” where the singers showcased their gifts to the inspirational classic ‘A Wonderful Change’. Press PLAY above to see divas in action who earned the titling from their talent and not fashion accessories (note: no pitching correcting/modifying machines were on site).
Last night saw the airing of TNT’s annual Christmas special ‘Christmas In Washington’. Set in the United States’ capital, previous years have seen some of music’s hottest acts like Aaliyah, Justin Bieber, Ciara, Jojo, and more grace the stage to spread Christmas cheer for the sitting ‘First Family’.
Much to the pleasure of the Obamas, this year saw legend Diana Ross act as headliner as Demi Lovato (‘All I Want For Christmas’), ‘American Idol’ winner Scotty Mcreery, and more take the stage with their own brand of yuletide offerings. Even ‘Gangnam Style’ hitmaker PSY dropped by to perform his top-selling hit.
See the best of the performances from the Conan O’Brien-hosted affair below:
We asked and boy, did you answer. With a whopping total of over 80,000 votes, the faithful fans of Destiny’s Child, SWV, TLC, and more replied in groves to support their favorites in this showdown. One of our best yet, we asked ‘who’s the greatest girl group to ever do it’? In arenas of harmony, influence, and more, you voiced your opinion on who’s who of girl groups.
Sparking quite the debate, did the girl group blueprint The Supremes reign supreme over polls or did the listings see En Vogue victorious?
Without further adieu, the results of the tight race to choose the greatest girl group await:
They may have gone ghost from Pop charts, but still the girl groups of yesterday have provided an irreplaceable soundtrack to most of our lives by ushering in decades of hits. The absence of such would unquestionably place a void on modern Pop music. As emphasized by a previous precis, while charts lay devoid of a diva syndicate, the offerings of The Supremes, Destiny’s Child, and TLC are just a burning reminder of a time when girls really did run the world.
So, in an effort to pay homage and also remind future successors of the big stilettos they have to fill, That Grape Juice has compiled a list of the greatest girl groups to ever grace a stage. And, in constant quest of the thoughts of you – TGJ faithful – we’ve once against requested your input on the matter.
Who’s the greatest girl group to ever it? Was it the sass and class of DC3 or the harmony of En Vogue? The classic style of The Supremes or the crazy, sexy, cool combo of TLC?
Next up on From The Vault is, without exaggeration, one of the most recognized songs around the world. We are referring to Diana Ross’‘Upside Down’. Talk about a classic!
Leading the campaign for Diana’s eponymous eleventh studio collection, ‘Upside’ is without a doubt what you’d call a timeless track. Helmed by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, it was yet another #1 record for the Diva. At the time of its release in 1980, the track was helmed for its edgier sound and honest lyrics about a dysfunctional loving relationship.
The cut, for many, is considered Diana’s signature song; indeed it has been reinterpreted countless times by many a music hopeful on talent shows and covered and sampled several times over the years by the biggest names in music, most notably MC Lyte for her ‘Cold Rock A Party’.
With the onset of the “music video” not arriving until years after, the selected clip is one of a 1981 live performance where you can witness Ms. Ross commanding the stage by just being present and parading around.
While there exists many a stellar showing of the classic, we couldn’t resist showcasing The Boss and the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson grooving together like it’s 1999. Easily two of music’s most enduring and legendary figures, MJ and his Dirty Diana had a very strong bond throughout the years – one which birthed timeless showings such as this.
We’d say we’ve come a long way since that performance; for while Diana is obviously flaunting what her mama gave her (as she should too), she executes the whole shabang with class and sophistication aplenty. Which leaves one thinking about how sad it is that most of today’s multi-colored-wig princesses don’t possess an ounce of this.
Still, Ms. Ross’ legacy lives on through the likes of Beyonce, as well as the countless classic memories she blessed us with over the course of her illustrious career.
In somewhat of a surprise move, Clive Davis’ Annual Pre-Grammy Gala did indeed take place last night following the untimely death of Davis’ protégé, Whitney Houston - just hours prior.
The likes of LA Reid, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, and Diana Ross, were among those in attendance at the industry celebration; one producers insisted should go on – as it’s “what Whitney would have wanted”. A nod, it seems, to the age old Hollywood adage “the show must go on”.
Granted Whitney’s body was still at the very same venue (the Beverly Hilton Hotel), I can’t say it’s a sentiment we share.
Check out pics from what became a very sombre event below…
We asked and boy, did you answer. With a whopping total of over 21,000 votes, the faithful fans of Aretha, Celine, Cher, Diana, Janet, Madonna, Mariah, Patti, Tina, and Whitney replied in groves to support their favorites in this showdown. One of our best yet, we asked ‘Who is the ultimate diva’? In arenas of fashion, influence, and more, you voiced your opinion on which of the aforementioned divas reigned supreme.
‘Control’ diva Janet Jackson was undoubtedly in control of this panel, sweeping most of the categories. But does she come out on top?
Without further adieu, the results of the tight race to choose the ultimate diva await:
*All polls represent data calculated by 12a.m., January 16th*
Diva. A word, much like ‘flop’, ‘epic’, and ‘underrated’, that has, in years of late, seen itself overused and overextended to any chick who ever owned an ounce of relevancy. But, before it was a household term, there were a select few who denoted ‘diva’ effortlessly, helping to turn the term into the epitome of estrogenic swag that it is today. And while every genre has its set of leading ladies, there are some whose range defied limits – unable to be captured by any musical mode. In such, they captured the hearts of legions of fans and earned the title ‘diva’ by merit and not self-christening.
The divine 9 (plus 1…) – Aretha, Celine, Diana, Janet, Madonna, Mariah, Patti, Tina, and Whitney need no introduction. By mention of mononym alone, these musical monarchs inspire applause. So, in one of our most epic showdowns yet, we turn to you – That Grape Juice faithful – to tell us who dominates the diva domain?
In areas of performance, fashion, and overall influence, cast your vote for the ultimate as the Pop elite faceoff after the jump. They paved the way and set the bar for the likes of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and more to glide their heels across, but they’re still the few your faves are still trying to be…
Watch: Sweet Brown Dishes On New Reality Show, Weighs In On Charles RamseyLife has definitely been sweet for Internet sensation Sweet Brown. [...]ThatGrapeJuice.TV - Thirsty? […]
