Diva

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For other senses of this word, see diva (disambiguation).

A diva is a celebrated female singer such as Maria Callas, Jenny Lind, Nellie Melba, Rose Ponselle, Leontyne Price, Joan Sutherland, Birgit Nilsson, Kathleen Battle, Beverly Sills or Renata Tebaldi.

However, the term is now also used to refer to an outstanding popular female performer of non-operatic works, such as Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin,Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys, Björk, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Patti Labelle, Barbra Streisand, Gloria Estefan, Cher, Tina Turner who are often referred to as divas due to their success and talent.

Also, some prominent women adored in gay male pop culture are referred to as divas, such as Taborah, Kathy Griffin, Joy Behar, and Joan Rivers.

The term was originally used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent. It derives from the Italian word 'diva' meaning "goddess" or "fine lady"[1]. TIME magazine observed in its October 21, 2002 issue: "By definition, a diva was originally used for great female opera singers, almost always sopranos."

In ballet, the equivalent of a diva is a prima ballerina assoluta.

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[edit] Negative connotation

The term is often used with a negative connotation. This derives from the implication that a star who is a "diva" is arrogant, difficult to work with, high-maintenance, manipulative, fussy, highly strung, privileged and demanding. He or she does not believe the law and accepted rules of courtesy apply to him or her. Professional actors often use this term to describe someone who desires the stage spotlight over others. Actress Debra Winger has been described as the "biggest diva in Hollywood".

The term "prima donna" has similarly entered common usage with exactly the same negative meaning.

[edit] Professional wrestling

The term Diva is also often used in World Wrestling Entertainment to describe its more well-known female performers, such as Mickie James, Candice Michelle, Melina Perez and Torrie Wilson.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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Opera terms