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And it’s about time!
Throughout the late 90s and early 00s, “Divas” was a yearly staple on VH1. It brought us some memorable performances and was, in general, a really big deal. IIRC. it was right up there with the MTV Video Music Awards in terms of the attention and press garnered by the event.
So, it comes with much excitement that I share that “Divas” is making its return to the network this year. Billboard brought the news earlier today, reporting that the show will “air live on September 17 from the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House in New York.” Good deal. Good deal.
So, who is considered a “Diva” nowadays? Is the focus going to be on celebrity and media pull, or actual talent? In the later years, the franchise seemed to veer away from the women who can sang to those who were in the industry, but just happened to be really famous.
To me, Divas are the women who are vocalists. Who don’t need special effects, sets, or outfits to capture the awe of the audience. All they need is their voice. Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and Christina Aguilera fall into this category. In fact, I think I fell in love with Anastacia when she appeared on the show. My girl Joss Stone has also graced the Divas stage.
For the answer to that query, VH1 is looking to fans for input. You can visit divas.vh1.com and voice your opinion. I would think, since the last Divas, singers that should be consider include Duffy, Adele, Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, and Fergie. Someone I think would be invited purely for the media attention is Rihanna. I love the girl’s songs as she is a pop music machine! She’s also in the direct eye of the media due to the Chris Brown situation (still smh at that), so Viacom may seek to take advantage of that. They’ve done it before. Other people who do not need to be invited: Britney, Ciara (I still love her though), Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus and all the current Disney ‘stars’. I can see Katy Perry being invited. And while I do think she’s talented as a singer, I think there are better choices.
So my advice to VH1 is please go back to your roots. It should about the vocal talent, not the celebrity.