What defines a diva?

Arts and Culture

Some singers defy description

What exactly defines a diva? And how do you corral about 10 of them on one stage, for one night, in two hours? The answer comes June 21 when AARP stages "Songs of Soul and Inspiration" at Phillips Arena. (8 p.m., $25-$65, Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com/aarp). Dancer/director/choreographer Debbie Allen's definition: "Child, it's simply someone who knows what she does well, and does it better than most."

Queen Latifah Age: 38 Diva attributes: She is a multi-media force -- as comfortable on a Hollywood stage as she is on Broadway, or a stage with fellow rappers, or alongside recent collaborator Al Green. (Plus Dana Owens has reportedly been calling herself Queen since college). Possible diva disqualifier: "Mad Money." "Beauty Shop." "The Cookout." "House Party 2."

Dionne Warwick Age: 67 Diva attributes: This pop sophisticate and songwriter/producers Burt Bacharach and Hal David practically defined "song styling." Possible diva disqualifier: Her work with Bacharach and David may also define "elevator music." Then there was the "Solid Gold" host stint. And the marijuana possession charges that were later dismissed.

Ann Nesby Age: 50 Diva attributes: If you have to ask, you haven't heard the remix of "The Pressure" she sang on as a member of Sounds of Blackness. Possible diva disqualifier: To some people -- namely "American Idol" viewers -- she may be known only as "Idol" contestant Paris Bennett's grandmother. (Bennett is scheduled to appear with Nesby).

Yolanda Adams Age: 45 Diva attributes: Her prayer-like single "Open My Heart" may have single-handedly pushed her past the "diva" title, to angelic. Possible diva disqualifier: She was an elementary school teacher before her recording career. To be a teacher is almost synonymous with being unselfish. Unselfish is rarely high on the list of adjectives describing a diva.

CeCe Winans Age: 48 Diva attributes: This ontemporary gospel favorite went note for note with Whitney Houston, at Houston's prime. Possible diva disqualifier: These days, is any association with Houston a good thing?

Chaka Khan Age: 55 Diva attributes: That roar of a voice. The frequent acknowledgements she gets from more contemporary acts such as Mary J. Blige. The unpredictable behavior. The big hair. Possible diva disqualifier: Anyone else remember her performance on "The Arsenio Hall Show" when she appeared to be crawling on the piano -- and falling asleep? Even better, she was singing, "So I smoke a little too much. And I drink, a little too much..."

Shirley Caesar Age: 69 Diva attributes: Many on this bill would gladly sing background for this minister and first lady of gospel. Possible diva disqualifier: Just contemplating such a thing might get you struck down.

Patti Austin Age: 57 Diva attributes: She made her way on the scene on the arm of music legends Dinah Washington, Sammy Davis Jr. and Quincy Jones and later proved her worthiness of such weighty introductions again ("Moody's Mood For Love" with George Benson) and again (the No.1 pop single "Baby, Come To Me"). Possible diva disqualifier: Would a diva wear Crocs at the Grammys? She did as she accepted her first one this year (for best jazz vocal album).

Jamia Nash Age: 11 Diva attributes: One (granted, memorable) appearance at the most recent Oscars and the Gwinnett County resident is already going by one name. Possible diva disqualifier: See age.

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What exactly defines a diva? And how do you corral about 10 of them on one stage, for one night, in two hours? The answer comes June 21 when AARP stages "Songs of Soul and Inspiration" at Phillips Arena. (8 p.m., $25-$65, Ticketmaster, 404-249-6400 or www.ticketmaster.com/aarp). Dancer/director/choreographer Debbie Allen's definition: "Child, it's simply someone who knows what she does well, and does it better than most."

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