This article is about female singers considered divas. For other uses, see Diva (disambiguation).

A Diva was originally a distinguished female opera singer, but now usually refers to a popular female performer of non-operatic works. The term derives from an Italian word meaning "goddess", which, in turn derives from the feminine form of a Latin word divus, meaning "divine one".

Time Magazine observed in its October 21, 2002 issue: "By definition, a diva is a rampaging female ego redeemed only in part by a lovely voice." The word was originally used of great female opera singers, almost always sopranos (like Maria Callas), but can be used to describe many female celebrities, such as singers, or movie actresses.

As with the earlier "prima donna", which was also derived from opera (lit. "first lady"), the term has slipped from its trade origins and come to be used in any theatrical or performance setting. In particular, because of marketing efforts, the word "diva" has come to be applied most often to popular female performers. In order to qualify as a diva there must be one, or both, of two dominant traits present: a broad and expansive voice (such as Mariah Carey) and/or a thoroughly captivating and commanding stage presence (like Madonna).

There are many women who are or have been world famous divas. They include:

A - F: Christina Aguilera, Julie Andrews, Joan Baez, Anita Baker, Beyonce, Björk, Mary J. Blige,Toni Braxton, Sarah Brightman, Mariah Carey, Karen Carpenter, Cher,Patsy Cline, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Doris Day, Céline Dion,Ella Fitzgerald, Roberta Flack, Connie Francis, Aretha Franklin,

G - L: Judy Garland, Emmylou Harris, Deborah Harry, Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Whitney Houston, Chrissie Hynde, Janet Jackson, Etta James, Norah Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, Janis Joplin, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, Carole King, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Brenda Lee, Peggy Lee, Annie Lennox, Patti LuPone, Loretta Lynn,

M - R: Madonna, Sarah McLachlan, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Kylie Minogue, Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John, Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Diana Ross,

S - Z: Sade, Carly Simon, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, Dusty Springfield, Gwen Stefani, Barbra Streisand,Donna Summer, Tina Turner, Shania Twain, Sarah Vaughan,Dionne Warwick, Dinah Washington, Tammy Wynette

"Diva" may also have a negative connotation, as the word can imply that the star believes the only thing that matters is his/her person, and that everyone involved in a project must cater to his/her every whim. They commonly throw tantrums, which receive a lot of attention from the mass media. Upon reports, Diana Ross has been considered a "diva" in these respects.

Gay male singers are also occasionally referred to as divas -- the most prominent example being Elton John.

Ballerinas

A diva in ballet is also called a prima donna, the meaning defined in many dictionaries. The following lists the ballerinas, who have reached the status of prima ballerina assoluta, which would perhaps qualify them for the accolade of diva:

• Pierina Legnani
• Mathilde Kschessinska (picture)
• Galina Ulanova
• Maya Plisetskaya
• Anna Pavlova
• Dame Margot Fonteyn

Of Ulanova, Margot Fonteyn said "I cannot even begin to talk about Ulanova’s dancing, it is so marvellous, I am left speechless. It is magic. Now we know what we lack.".

Opera Singers

In opera, diva applies to any female opera singer, and this is also the main meaning in many dictionaries. Typically, an opera singer to achieve this status would be quite well known, and play a major solo part in the opera.

The following Opera Singers might qualify as divas:

• Leontyne Price
• Renata Tebaldi
• Victoria de Los Angeles
• Dame Joan Sutherland
• Maria Callas
• Dame Kiri te Kanawa
• Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (picture)de:Diva