VH1 will be hoping that the masses mark December 5th on their calendars. For, after a four year hiatus, the date brings with it the return of VH1 Divas.
Full story below…
An annual sensation in the late 90’s and early 00’s, the show was instrumental in re-shaping the meaning of divadom. Indeed, the term went from having negative connotations to being celebrated as a major marker of success.
Previous instalments spotlighted the career contributions of icons such as Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross. And on each of those occasions, the creme de la creme of the charts were drafted in to perform for and with them.
However, by the mid-00’s the franchise began to lose steam and was eventually benched – albeit temporarily. Subsequent re-launches have scaled varying levels of dismal and decent. Yet, none have reached reached the dizzying levels of dynamite that were the earliest efforts.
Seemingly aware of this, producers again benched the show after 2012.
It’s back, though, and will this year boast a Holiday theme.
Jury’s out on who’s being lined up to perform. But we have one (just one) key request:
Enlist Actual Divas!
The term “diva” is thrown around so loosely these days that many underserving names are being gifted the label without merit. Said practice has seen organisers for shows like this sign on comical names and the result was a joke – with ratings to match.
Award shows are almost obligated to mirror the radio and chart climate [both of which are highly political]. But surely there should be more flexibility with TV specials like this?
For example, Miley Cyrus may sell more than a Jennifer Lopez, yet for a show like this it’s a no brainer which of the two would make the most compelling watch. Or at least it should be. Cyrus was billed as a headliner at the 2012 show and we’re still trying to wash the thought out of our mind.
As the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors proved, it’s not always about whose manager has the most pull. It’s simply a case of selecting relevant and able talent (talent being the operative word) to ensure the most electrifying show.
Put simply, we hope every layer of the line-up delivers “diva” in abundance. From the top billed names to the budding divas hoping to show and prove.
VH1, we’re rooting for you.
It used to be my jam but………..??
A diva – is not Brandy. A diva is not – Miley. A diva is NOT Jennifer Lopez. Divas + big vocals + big hair + big personality: Celine Dion. Mariah Carey. Patti Labelle. Aretha Franklin. Gladys Knight. Gloria Estefan. Shania Twain. Dolly Partin. Christina Aguilera. Annie Lennox. Martina Mcbride. Pat Benatar…….the show lost steam because the put B+ celebs on this A+ show.
Word!!
Brandy could be considered a diva. Beyoncè obviously is one also. But I agree with your comment.
This show is all about TV ratings and unfortunately all the people with actual talent have either been on before or don’t sell that many records to pull in an audience.
With the Hip Hop Honors the expectation of ratings were lower than they would expect for this.
I’m really hoping not to see Adele or Ariana Grande.
I was hoping for some suggestions from yourselves TJG
At least some fresh news. Hope only the real divas shall showcase there
I agree cast (actual divas). The problem is the word “Diva” has been watered down and no longer has that heir of prestigious it once has. Girls like “Selena Gomez” are considered divas and she can’t sing, dance, or blaze a stage live if their careers depended on it. Also women who are actually talented like (Fantasia, Jazsmine Sullivan, Melanie Fionna will not get an invite because they aren’t mainstream enough… Despite the fact they actually embodied the definition of the word diva.
It’ll really like it to be a Celine Dion affaire with girls like Ariana and tori singing around… it will be great. No Selena or Miley.
Ariana is just sooo annoying and unoriginal though. She has a voice but she´s such a basic product. However, she´ll probably be tehre. Sadly, I think that´s what people think is the best an artist from today can get. Sad.
I’m not here for this unless they are tributing the true queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey. If it’s about the holidays and she isn’t involved in some capacity, I’m not here for it!
“…the true queen of Christmas…”
Yaas! You betta stan for Queen Mimi chile!
Janet Madonna Christina Britney Pink Jenifer Lopez Kylie Minogue Rhianna and Beyonce… A rabbit can dream but that would be epic don’t care what anyone says.
I think they should leave it alone. Last few years haven’t been good. And no more repeats. If they do need real singers like Roberta Flack, Shirley Bassey, Toni Braxton, Barbara Streisand, Bette Milder
Wow yas! what choices!!!
Aretha looking like the big ass Queen that she is in that picture. She was blowing all over everybody that night. Celine was the only one that stood up to her. Dion hit a smooth but very powerful chesty F#5 note. And, Aretha dug real deep & exploded with 3 massive G5 mixed chest notes. I was gagging. Aretha just couldn’t let Celine have her moment lmao! Everybody said Celine won, but honestly Aretha did. 1st of all, she’s 20+ years OLDER than Celine, and was waaaaaaaay outta her prime then. But, STILL was going toe too toe with the biggest vocalist in the industry (Celine) that night. And, wasn’t afraid. Aretha truly is the Queen Of Soul/R&B. They just don’t make em’ like that anymore…
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Aretha Franklin & Barbra Streisand are the most acclaimed, accomplished vocalizing Diva’s this industry will ever see imo. They were able to keep their voices in tact for over 4 decades, with tones of hits, and I mean true classics, truthfully earned musical world class acclaim, respect, impact, influence & LONGEVITY. And, from what I’ve been able to see on “Youtube”… Those ladies NEVER lip synced a single performance.
.
.
My top 10 favorite vocalist (diva’s) of all time are:
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Aretha Franklin
Karen Clark Sheard
Whitney Houston
Mariah Carey
Barbra Streisand
Lisa Fischer
Chaka Khan
Patti Labele
Beyoncé
Sarah Vaughan
–
I listen to those ladies voices the most. Technic & Tonal quality is the most important factor for me as a listener & lover of my vocalist. It’s a shame, I gotta go back 100 damn years to find out what a real diva is tbh… Anyways, hopefully they do this show justice.
*technique
I’m sorry, I do agree with your list, the only change I would do is replace Beyoncé with Celine Dion.
That’s cool. See the thing with Celine is I hate her tonal quality. It’s nasal & has this country accent. Her belts are f****** amazing tho. Especially, during her prime. But, I’ll much rather listen to Beyonka.
That’s a really interesting list. And I agree with it (not the order). But I’d definitely add Ella Fitzgerald to that list. And even Bessie Smith.
“Everybody” did NOT say that Celine won. I think it was pretty unanimous that it was Aretha’s night and while Celine came the closest, anyone who tried to challenge Aretha got upstaged. That’s why VH1 made that hilarious pop-up video showing how Aretha would step up her vocals each time Celine tried to come for her. Also VH1 later decided to dedicate an entire Diva show strictly to Aretha, they knew that hands down she is the Queen of all divas.
She really is. I used to hate on Aretha… Until I educated myself. That lady is not only a great vocalist, but a fine songwriter, producer & pianist. I see why a lot of these high respected publication’s pretty much sites her as the best overall diva in pop culture. It’s because she was an actual musician & vocalist. And, her catalog is timeless.
Even Mariah Carey said Celine was disrespectful for that lol. But Aretha said “I’m the head b**** in charge” and closed out that set the way only she can lol. I love them all lmaoooo.
It was Aretha´s night, she was the older diva and they were paying homage. It was planned like that. It didn´t just happen that she was better.
I´m very sorry but no. Barbra and Aretha did not keep their voices in tact for 4 decades. 60s Barbra is definitely one of the most glorious things pop music industry has ever known. And at the beginning of the 70s her voice wasn´t like in the 60s at all already. In the 80s it was just soooo much weaker. Not to take anything away from her. It´s just that what you said is not true. All of these peopel´s voices weren´t the same after 10 years in the business. It´s normal. Oh and Beyonce cannot move like those others. You need more than technique. I know you´ll say that´s an opinion but it needs to be said. Beyonce´s voice alone has never been able to sell a product, like those other stunning and unique ladies´ voices have.
I wouldn’t mind seeing a Barbara Streisand led Divas Live with her joined by Adele, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor.
Jennifer is not big enough. And Trainor why exactly??? 🙂 The other two YES.
Jennifer’s music career may not be big enough but her name and voice certainly are. I can’t think of any other current young black girl that represents class and talent and can stand next to Barbara Streisand besides Jennifer. As for Meagan, they always throw in a newbie to draw the younger audience. I couldn’t think of anyone more likable that Barbara would approve.
Actually I would replace Meagan with Pink
The climate has changed too much. They’re aren’t any real “divas” out now who are compelling enough to watch. They’d just invite flavor of the moment pop stars like Megan Trainor and Tinashe, who no one over the age of 20 even knows, and it would be a joke.
Toni Braxton
Pink
Alicia Keys
Christina Aguilera
Barbara Streisand
Faith Hill
Perfect Line up that covers every Genre.
I remember when they used to show The Real Divas that could actually sing and vocally keep up with each other and balance each other. Not only that they had real singers from different genres so it was a coming together affair. I would love to see Jazmine Sullivan or Ledisi Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera or Leona Lewis. If they do this get real vocal talent.
I think I’ll watch Got 2B Real Again
Damn I forgot about Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson
LMAO Who with? There are no divas out there of that caliber in the charts. Only Adele.
If they book Sia and Lady Gaga for example then it will be a pretty great show with real artists and voices in it at least. However, if it becomes a show like they did a few years ago, it will be a joke (Katy perry, Mylie Cyrus and the likes, you know, the mediocrity they had last time).
Beyonce is currently on the charts… I agree though!!
I would like to see Lauryn Hill and her covering other songs as well as the likes of her own music.
Jill Scott has a strong voice and a great repertoire and she can sing anything.
Jasmine Sullivan is great.
Mary J. Blige is a good for a few numbers.
Of course Faith Evans and Jennifer Hudson.
Gladys Knight still has it.
Lelah Hathaway and Ledesi would be great for the concert.
Mamuouna Youseff the once American Idol and known on BET and Baltimore native sings very well.
Even Beyoncé would be great with her popular string of megahits including Destiny’s Child.
Amiel Lareaux and even to bring Groove Theory with her would be great.
The last American Idol Runner up La’Porcha needs a positive spin especially after she made that homophobic comment?, folks would forgive her now lol.
Of course K. Mitchell needs to be there on stage with women of her true caliber.
I could go on.
And beyond it all, it would be so nice to see Sade there who has never in her career been to a show performance like this with all women line up for such a prize night of recognition.
Everybody who I named would fill up the time slots and it be the most watched and talked about VH1 DIVAS LIVE SHOW EVER
Here’s a template for what a REAL DIVA stands for.
1 Must have an immediately recognizable voice and know how to use that voice on record and “LIVE” in concert!
2 Must have a fabulous hairdo.
3 Must have at least 5 different world tours that included at least three different continents.
4 Must have at least 5 worldwide known songs everybody (fans/none fans) can sing along to.
5 Must have some special demands.
6 Must be nominated at least 10 times for an award for her work and won at least 5 times.
7 Must be given a special award once in her carreer.
8 Must have empowering songs with a strong message.
9 Must know how to throw a shade.
10 Must have some impersonators.
11 Must have recogniseble hand/arm gesture(s).
12 Must have at least 5 #1 hit single’s on Bilboard hot 100 and at least 5 #1 hit single’s abroad!
13 Must have participated in a project for a good cause!
14 Must have sung the National Anthem at least once.
15 Must have made a movie once.
16 Must have participated in a movie soundtrack.
17 Must have vocally challenging songs.
18 Must have recorded at least one power ballad.
19 Must have sung a movie theme song while she didn’t perform in that movie!
20 Must have some great dance songs.
21 Must be respected, praised by… and be an inspiration for younger artists!
22 Must be a commercial success and have sold more than 100 million records worldwide!
23 Must have raised bars and set unbreakable records!
24 Must be at least 45 years old!
25 Must be in the business for at least 25 years!
26 Must have recorded different styles of music.
27 Must be an inspiration for others in and out of showbizz!
28 Must have (had) some drama in her personal life.
29 Must be a style icon on the red carpet!
30 Must have recorded at least one duet!
31. Must have some controversial books writen about her life.
32. Must have some music of her sampled by others!
33. Must have some songs covered by other artists.
34. Must have some streets, buildings etc… named after her.
35. Must have a Star on the Walk of Fame!
36. Must have performed for Kings & Queens & Presidents!
37. Her career must have been an inspiration for a book, play or movie.
38. Must have made a song her own even thought it was originally done by another artist!
39. Must have had a spectacular entrance/exit at a concert or show.
40. Must have over the top stage outfits.
I agree with most of this but I dont think you have to have 5 #1 hits. Aretha, Patti, Chaka etc. dont have much number ones but they are still legendary divas. You also dont have to have a star on the hollywood walk of fame; literally any celeb can buy those (pitbull even has one). You also dont have to be 45 years old. Whitney, Mariah, Celine, Beyoncè, Christina weren’t 45 when they entered diva status.
Mariah was like 28 and Whitney was 35. Brandy was 20, Celine Dion was around 29 and Shania Twain may have been 30.
Thats no one then…
Beyonce has already been on Divas. I doubt she would do it again. I want to see Rihanna do it next.
Comedy. That b**** can’t sing.
Plenty of those women are deff Divas in their own right. I do agree the show needs to be sprinkled with older Divas and New to CURRENT Divas. I just do not agree with a Diva just simply having a big voice etc…there’s plenty of attitude that goes into a Miss Jackson if you will…and with that success and IMPACT JANET is INDEED a DIVA! Madonna also….and these are women without the powerhouse voice. There are women who make music and don’t have that Celine/Mariah/Whitney/Aretha voice but they still slay in their own way with their music and power of Dance etc! The shows over the past have not been anything compared to the other ones! Although Ciara brought that stage down with her performance and I think showing her skill was deff a reason she headlined that show! So why not mix old and new divas with their vocal prowess and our stage BLAZER queens from older to current who bring that house down just as big!
I agree. A diva is not about having a big voice. It’s about commanding the stage and being at the top of your game amongst your peers whether past or present. Janet certainly is a diva. Ciara is a diva in training. Diana Ross is a diva. Alicia Keys is a diva despite not having a great voice. Even Rihanna is a questionable diva but a diva none the less. Let’s also not forget about Madonna and Britney Spears.
Id like the to finally see them honor some of the Gospel divas. Cece Winans & Yolanda Adams have both sold millions. People know their music. Karen Clark Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell. That would be dope to see mainstream artist do their songs.
Monica brandy toni SWV Whitney Mariah Beyoncé pink Christina Tamia all need to be honored but needless to say that white people are too political to admit that there’s basically no real white divas
Toni braxton
Alicia Keys
Beyonce
Faith Hill
Adele
Monica
Brandy
My top divas to perform in the show:
01. Christina Aguilera
02. Adele
03. Mariah Carey
04. P!nk
05. Beyonce
06. Celine Dion
07. Fantasia
08. Dolly Parton
09. Carrie Underwood
10. Faith Evans
Way ment what about the vh1 hiphop honors ? For anybody the most would have been missy since Mona Scott (aka the devil behind LHH franchise) is her manager
We would get great duets! I still remember the Katy and Nicki one it was so cute
Christina, Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Ariana, Jessie J, JHud, Fantasia.
Ughh there is only one queen of the holiday and that is the ultimate diva ! The queen of festive Mariah Carey ??
Nice
I love peoples interpretation of Diva as meaning big voices LOL
That’s YOUR interpretation of a Diva. Madonna/Janet Jackson & JLO all would be considered Diva and they don’t have big voices. It’s not all about who can scream you out of a room – it’s about career longevity, stage presence, attitude, fan following, accomplishments. I would love for them to spread out from just choosing people who wants to yell at you for 2 hours. Can we give others opportunities as well. You can’t keep choosing ear piercing singers all the time…because you’re going to run out of options (I.E Miley Cyrus announced for 2012 – yikes!).
I would love to see:
Janet (if she’s up for it, just having a baby at 50 and all…)
Madonna,
JLo,
Pink,
Adele,
Beyonce
Dolly Parton
to name a few!
Let’s go with a more “performance” based show – watching singer after singer just stand in one spot yelling for 2 and a half hours is a bit taxing. Let’s mix it up…that’s why the show begin to fail in the first place.
If they wanted to create the best Divas Live now, they should bring out the big guns and tribute Mariah Carey. She has the catalog and new school/old school appeal. For me, the only requirement that makes a diva a “diva” is a big voice.
– Christina Aguilera
– Alicia Keys
– Kelly Clarkson
– Andra Day
– Meghan Trainor
– Alessia Cara
– JoJo
…and maybe even Sia.
I know Rihanna and Adele were big fans, but something tells me they wouldn’t show up.
They should like Tribute, Mariah Carey Toni Braxton & 2 other artist
& have a wide span of artist’s who would be most likely able to deliver & still be commercially appealing to everyone. Here is my choice
Exp
Kelly Rowland – Fantasy/ABMB
Brandy – He wasnt man enough+?
Jojo – Get Your Number
Jazmine S – Your makin me high
Xtina – We Belong Together
Tamar – Make it Happen/YMTWTM
For the other 2 artists
Pink –
Kelly Clarkson –
Jessie J –
Ariana Grande –
Sia –
5th harmony-