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Divas Live: Post Show Wrap-Up

© Paula Chase-Hyman

Last night, VH-1 premiered its fourth annual Divas Live. For those familiar with the program, it benefits the VH-1 Save The Music program. Thanks to VH-1, many music programs in the nation's public schools have avoided the budget chopping block and more than 250,000 students have benefited. Great cause!

Based on the crowd at last night's event, Divas Live is still quite a viable fund raising tool for the cause. But from the music fan's perspective, Divas Live has lost some of its original appeal.

When Divas started, the concept was to bring Divas past and present together and showcase their individual sounds as well as collaborative efforts. Year one included, among others, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan and Mariah Carey. Year Two: Tina Turner, Honorary Diva Elton John, Whitney Houston and Cher. They were great shows, good chemistry and no shortage of fireworks if you watch some of the behind the scenes segments.

But its during year three that I think things began to waiver for me. It starred a one woman show of Diana Ross and her cast of friends. Last night followed that pattern and featured headliner Aretha Franklin.

I don't care for the tribute angle. While I support acknowledging these legends who helped shape soul music - I just don't have the desire to watch a full 2 hours of Ms. Ross or the Queen of Soul.

Nonetheless, the venue was full of celebrity stars excited to hear one of soul's greatest divas. But as I watched, I wondered if maybe VH-1 would skip Divas next year in favor of better entertainment.

Aretha came out in a white capri outfit that did not befit her stature or Diva status. Too much showing and too casual! Poor Aretha seemed out of breath only a few seconds into the song - even with the minimal movement she made. If it weren't for the many, very fast moving dancers behind her, you wouldn't have known she was singing a dance tune.

I'm still trying to figure out the BackStreet Boys duo on "Chain of Fools." They were missing a member or two and only chimed in during the chorus. It seemed an overhyped collaboration. What was their purpose, other than their presence may have inspired some younger viewers to tune in?

Another overhyped appearance was Janet Jackson. During the early promos she was promoted in the same vein as Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott, so one could assume she was performing. But she did not and later promos clarifed that.