The recent resurgence of Aretha Franklin sparked a thought the other day: Whatever happened to VH1′s annual deliciousness known as Divas Live? Do you all remember it? Every year from 1998 through 2004, VH1 broadcast a live concert (except for the 2000 Diana Ross-centric show, which had to be pre-recorded because of her, um, rather divalicious demands) that brought together a sampling of the best female vocalists for one explosive night of melisma, finger waving, and glass-shattering notes. I think it goes without saying that it was quite amazing.
The original lineup in 1998 featured Aretha, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Carole King, and Mariah Carey. In fact, I’m including a clip of Carey’s legendary performance of "My All" from that night, below. Her ridiculously huge hair is the best part — it looks like she’s wearing four wigs and still stuck her finger in a light socket for a tad extra volume. Now that’s a diva! Skip ahead to about 3:40 in the clip, and that’s when Mimi really breaks it down — she gets emancipated, if you will. Even with her head down, you can almost see a little smile on her face as she knows what’s she’s about to do (with an army of backup singers, of course!) is simply killer. "The Divas," as they were called, always got together at the end and sang something, too. The first year was Aretha’s hit "Natural Woman," and it turned into a screaming match with the ladies trying their best to outdo each other. Genius.
Anyway, the big question here is: With so many cool, strong women out there today — women with amazing voices, mind you — why the heck hasn’t VH1 resurrected Divas Live?We should celebrate these ladies! Nothing is more empowering than acollection of women with pipes that’ll bring down the house. And,people, this is a time where hope is needed. What’s more hopeful than abunch of ladies singing about the promise of love and prosperity andwhatnot? Not much, folks. I can’t think of anything better.
But who should this new incarnation of Divas Live include? Sure, the final Divas Livein 2004 had gotten a tad sad, as the Pussycat Dolls, Joss Stone, andAshanti were included, but that was just because seven years in a rowkind of takes a toll on the pool of available divas. But in the fiveyears since then, I think we’ve got some new possibilities: KellyClarkson, Duffy, Amy Winehouse (if she’s well), and Leona Lewis anyone?Them, along with a few classic divas — Whitney Houston could use it asher big comeback! — would set a new standard. Maybe they could justcall it The New Divas Live: Kittens & Classics or somesuch? Let’s start a letter-writing campaign right now!
PopWatchers, are you feenin’for a new Divas Live? Which divas should be included?
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I forgot about Divas Live! But since VH1 keeps ariing reality TV that’s aimed at making women look desperate and slutty- maybe that’s not the network a celebration of great women should be on!
I have 98 Divas Live album! Thank you for reminding about this. I’ll make sure it pop it in tonight! =)
Sorry for the re-post but my last comment didn’t make any sense.
I have the 98 Divas Live album! Thank you for reminding me about this. I’ll make sure to pop it in tonight! =)
I loved Divas Live! The first one with Carole King was awesome, but I also loved the one where the Dixie Chicks were on and they all sang an Elvis medley….brilliant!
I would love to see Jennifer Hudson and Adele.
I’d love a Rock Divas with Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morisette… and throw in Pat Benatar too.
Oh and an R&B Divas night with Whitney, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Leona Lewis and Mariah.
I would love to see a divas live again!! I would love to see Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, and Kelly Clarkson on there….. Also Whitney..
I also liked the rock idea withPink, Kelly and some other rock gems!!
That would be so cool if Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Mariah Carey would perform.
I used to love this show! JHud is a must for any new version. Wouldn’t a duet with Beyonce and Etta be cattily delicious!
Pink for sure! amy crackhouse, alanis, mellisa ethridge, Sarah McLachlan, even a lil christina never hurt anyone (except at the vmas this year)
Given the fact that Vh1 almost never plays music anymore, well, lots of luck. You’d have a much better chance of getting a bunch of singers from the past without a record deal now, put them all in a house, and see what happens. Now that is what Vh1 goes for.
Jennifer Hudson, Duffy, Carrie Underwood, Amy Winehouse, Kelly Clarkson, and possibly one rap star, Missy Elliott. This would be a great, diverse lineup, with R&B, pop/rock, soul, country, and rap all present.
I definitely don’t think this is something I want to campaign for. Plus, everyone knows VH1 doesn’t show music anymore. Unless the divas are all smoking crack and living in a house together, it’s just not gonna happen.
i am obsessed with divas live, and would kill to have it on the air again. partner kelly clarkson, pink, carrie underwood, christina aguilera, and alicia keys with some of the classic artists in their genre and i’d be there, no problem!
I guess the younger generation doesn’t know what a true diva is (i.e., talented). I vote for Barbra Streisand.