VH1 Divas To Return In December

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.

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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.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]