Diva
A diva is a celebrated female singer such as Kathleen Battle, Maria Callas, Jenny Lind, Nellie Melba, Birgit Nilsson, Rose Ponselle, Leontyne Price, Joan Sutherland, Beverly Sills, Yma Sumac or Renata Tebaldi.
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.
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.
In the African American community
In the African American community the word "diva" is often used to describe a female singer of powerful presence. Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson, and Pearl Bailey have all been referred to as divas.
In Gay Iconography
The gay male community has adopted the word "diva" to describe many female gay icons known for their strong presence. Among women often labeled as divas are Cher, Madonna, Joan Crawford, and Bette Davis. Although related to the African American community's definition of diva, gay icon divas are not all necessarily singers.
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.
See also
External links
- Laughing Bodies, Eccentric Gestures; Retrospective on Female comics and Divas in the films of the 1910s at the Austrian Film Museum
- The New-Diva Disease; TIME Magazine article
- Divas Spanish Operatic popDivas website (Spanish)
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