From Mariah Carey to Madonna why divas deserve to be difficult
In Beyoncé’s song ‘Diva’, she tells us that a “diva is a female version of a hustler”. Certainly, when men work hard – even if that means neglecting their families or lashing out at crew members for not understanding their creative visions, for example – they rarely get criticised in the same way. For a female star to lean into ‘hustle culture’ and creative perfection is to become selfish, arrogant, over-confident, and a diva. We travel to La Scala in Milan, Italy the iconic stage where every opera singer dreams of performing. Exploring the definition of diva-dom is the exhibition DIVA, just opened at the V&A, London. “The exhibition will show that there are many definitions and interpretations of a diva,” lead curator Kate Bailey tells BBC Culture.
- In a world where women are routinely placed into categories, often with negative connotations, like ‘whore’, ‘virgin’, ‘slut’, ‘hormonal, ‘hysterical’, etc, ‘diva’ is just another example that only serves to lazily reduce a woman to nothing more than a mere concept of a person.
- “Perhaps Maria Callas, beyond her genius as a musicienne assoluta, so timeless and perpetually modern in the sensory impact it has on the listener, continues to fascinate because she actually has no true descendants.”
- She strutted onto the stage like a true diva, demanding attention with every step.3.
- “And yes, part of that is real.” Hip-hop star Lizzo, queen of feathers, fake furs and sexy stage wear, is another artist who leans into it, while, as a plus-size woman, subverting the archetype.
- The diva’s diva, she demanded a separate dressing room and specific food requests.12.
- Fans eagerly awaited the diva’s next release, eagerly anticipating her musical genius.10.
- Above all, the V&A’s DIVA will be celebratory, says curator Kate Bailey, who is keen to redress an injustice served to these extraordinary performers.
What does being a ‘diva’ really mean? The misogynistic history of a controversial label
The image of Callas as an archetypal diva, and the notion that the goddess-star should suffer for her art, is loaded; there is no equivalent that positions a male divo on quite the same pedestal, or exposes them to the same judgements. Yet Callas did arguably channel real-life trauma and conflict into her musical delivery, and seemed bound by the notion of “destiny”. Above all, the V&A’s DIVA will be celebratory, says curator Kate Bailey, who is keen to redress an injustice served to these extraordinary performers. “If you look at the nature of the diva as an artist and how often they are looked at and scrutinised in a way which carries a lot of negativity, when actually, these solo artists are hard-working, ambitious, visionary, trail-blazing… and should be celebrated for that,” she says.
The diva’s performance at the award ceremony left the audience spellbound, reaffirming her status as a true star.14. Despite her diva status, the singer remained humble, always grateful for her success. The renowned opera diva captivated the audience with her breathtaking performance.2.
Callas at 100: ‘This is the stuff legends are made of’
- There were just as many hard-to-work-with men in the industry – and continue to be – who do not receive the diva label.
- While this is certainly the case for many stars (of all genders) who let fame get to their heads and then lash out at those they consider beneath them, it can’t be denied that many women are called divas when, really, they just know what they want, won’t be bossed around by others, and have the courage to go after their goals.
- The diva’s performance at the award ceremony left the audience spellbound, reaffirming her status as a true star.14.
- “If you look at the nature of the diva as an artist and how often they are looked at and scrutinised in a way which carries a lot of negativity, when actually, these solo artists are hard-working, ambitious, visionary, trail-blazing… and should be celebrated for that,” she says.
- “She worked so hard, she made herself Maria Callas – she made herself the greatest diva,” Stella Kourmapana, archivist at the Athens Conservatoire, explains in Maria Callas, part of the BBC series Take Me to The Opera.
- For many people, especially during this golden age, seeing a woman act determinedly to achieve success was startling and, quite frankly, enough to earn them the diva label.
“And yes, part of that is real.” Hip-hop star Lizzo, queen of feathers, fake furs and sexy stage wear, is another artist who leans into it, while, as a plus-size woman, subverting the archetype. The diva’s powerful voice filled the concert hall, leaving the audience in awe.2. As the diva exited the Diva limousine, paparazzi eagerly snapped photos, desperate to capture her every move.3. Behind the scenes, the diva was known for her meticulous attention to detail and perfectionism.5. The diva’s extravagant wardrobe was filled with designer gowns and sparkling jewelry.6.
For many people, especially during this golden age, seeing a woman act determinedly to achieve success was startling and, quite frankly, enough to earn them the diva label. Callas maintained her poise in the face of astounding cruelty, and long before mainstream notions of artist wellbeing or body positivity; it’s hard to imagine people camping out for Beyoncé or Gaga shows solely to jeer or pelt the stars with vegetables. Derided in her youth for being fat, Callas was later slated for being too thin; her weight loss was said to contribute to her vocal decline, although the intensity and range of her work was surely a factor.
While these facts are likely very true – Davis might have very well been an insufferable person to be around – how much of this criticised behaviour was enacted by male stars, too? There were just as many hard-to-work-with men in the industry – and continue to be – who do not receive the diva label. And even worse, many of these men committed acts far worse than arguing with directors or looking down on others – like sexual harassment or abuse.
The journey to become an opera singer
She strutted onto the stage like a true diva, demanding attention with every step.3. The pop diva’s album soared to the top of the charts within days of its release.4. Her reputation as a diva preceded her, causing anticipation and excitement wherever she went.5. The fashion diva effortlessly pulled off the latest trends, setting the style for others to follow.6. Despite her diva persona, she had a heart of gold and regularly donated to charity. Callas united so-called high culture and pop culture, without compromising her repertoire.
Rhymes for diva
There is only one Callas, yet there are seemingly countless incarnations; as listeners, we project our personal desires, and distresses, onto her expressions – and we continue to bond with her music, in unpredictable ways. A new documentary explores the highs and lows of Callas’s life, as well as what her legacy is today. “She worked so hard, she made herself Maria Callas – she made herself the greatest diva,” Stella Kourmapana, archivist at the Athens Conservatoire, explains in Maria Callas, part of the BBC series Take Me to The Opera.
It is derived from the Italian word ‘diva,’ which means ‘goddess’ or ‘female deity.’ In the world of opera, the term ‘diva’ was historically used to refer to the leading female singer, often the soprano, who typically portrayed the central female character, often a heroine or a mythological figure. These women were considered the stars of the show, possessing exceptional talent, confidence, and sometimes demanding personalities. Over time, the term ‘diva’ has broadened to describe not only talented female singers and performers but also individuals, regardless of their profession, who exhibit qualities of exceptional talent, confidence, and occasionally a degree of assertiveness or high expectations. Thus, the etymology of ‘diva’ highlights its historical association with female deities and the elevated status and exceptional qualities attributed to female performers, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage. Divas, says Fairclough, are “symbols of empowerment, self-acceptance and celebration of individuality, and challenging societal norms” and, as such, play an important role in LGBTQ+ culture. On her podcast last year, Meghan Markle appeared to take umbrage at Mariah Carey calling her a diva, while Carey, the daughter of an opera singer, has come to embrace the term.
Performer unfurls Palestinian flag on Royal Opera House stage
Lizzo’s promotion of body positivity is just one example of how dedicated divas have used their platform for good. Known as “America’s Sweetheart”, but uncompromising when it came to her career, she broke from the stranglehold of the studio system to co-found production company United Artists, blazing a trail for numerous savvy successors, who have set up their own production companies to tell stories with strong roles for women. A female singer or performer who is talented, confident, and demanding.”The diva demanded that her dressing room be filled with only white flowers.” In the 21st Century, Callas has taken the form of a hologram on tour (though it’s unlikely that the real-life perfectionist star would have approved of the glitchy tech), and been portrayed by actresses including Fanny Ardant (in Zeffirelli’s 2002 biopic Callas Forever) and Angelina Jolie (set to star in Pablo Larraín’s upcoming film Maria). In 1936, dissatisfied with the unambitious roles offered within her contract to Warner Bros, and earning a salary inferior to her contemporaries, she sued the studio. Not only did her pay go up, but subsequent roles such as the stubborn and spoiled Julie Marsden in Jezebel (1938), which earned her a second Oscar, and the histrionic, ageing actress Margo Channing in All About Eve (1950) made cinema history, and cemented the trope of the drama-loving diva.
The diva’s glamorous lifestyle was the envy of many, with private jets and luxurious vacations.8. The diva gracefully glided across the stage, effortlessly commanding the spotlight.9. Fans eagerly awaited the diva’s next release, eagerly anticipating her musical genius.10.
DIVA brings you the latest in lesbian and bi related celebrity interviews, news, politics, pop culture, style, travel, social issues, entertainment and more. Borrowed from Italian diva (“diva, goddess”), from Latin dīva (“goddess”), female of dīvus (“divine, divine one; notably a deified mortal”). Borrowed from Italian diva (“goddess”), from Latin diva, feminine form of divus. Bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel is one of the most distinguished opera singers of our age.
The trope of the demanding, drama-loving diva is everywhere throughout the history of stage, screen, music and more. But a new exhibition celebrates the diva for what she really is – fabulous, writes Deborah Nicholls-Lee. Davis wrote in her memoir, The Lonely Life, “I have always been driven by some distant music — a battle hymn no doubt — for I have been at war from the beginning. I was going to conquer the world.” Her determination for cinematic excellence is outlined here, loud and clear.
From Italian, from Latin, the feminine form of dīvus (“divine one; deified mortal”). The role leading the renovated Jersey Opera House is advertised with a salary of up to £90,000. Why labels like ‘high protein’ and ‘low fat’ and other ‘health halos’ can be misleading.