Diva Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Etymology

The diva’s powerful voice filled the concert hall, leaving the audience in awe.2. As the diva exited the 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. The diva’s glamorous lifestyle was the envy of many, with private jets and luxurious vacations.8.

• At what point are people jumping to use the term diva in place of ‘a woman with boundaries’?
• The pop diva’s album soared to the top of the charts within days of its release.4.
• Known for her short temper, love of gossip, and drive for perfection, many people have labelled her a diva.
• Her exacting standards underpinned a high-maintenance reputation; she also made no secret of her impoverished upbringing or early career.
• She was also beamed to prime-time TV audiences, such as her 1956 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show,where she sang Vissi d’arte (I lived for art), an aria from Giacomo Puccini’s 1899 opera Tosca.
• If you’re not running to call a man a diva, then why are you calling a woman one for similar behaviours?

Pop-up opera surprises customers in cafes and pubs

• Her reputation as a diva preceded her, causing anticipation and excitement wherever she went.5.
• 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).
• 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?
• 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.
• The diva’s temperamental nature often made headlines, adding to her mystique.11.
• Behind the scenes, the diva was known for her meticulous attention to detail and perfectionism.5.
• The diva’s performance at the award ceremony left the audience spellbound, reaffirming her status as a true star.14.

While Garbo’s reclusiveness might have been perceived by many as snobbish, and her arguments with MGM executives deemed unprofessional, we cannot truly know the reasons behind her actions. “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.” Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has enjoyed one of the longest careers in operatic history.

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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.

The journey to become an opera singer

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. Callas united so-called high culture and pop culture, without compromising her repertoire. She was also beamed to prime-time TV audiences, such as her 1956 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show,where she sang Vissi d’arte (I lived for art), an aria from Giacomo Puccini’s 1899 opera Tosca. 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.
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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.

Rhymes for diva

A Hollywood star whose diva label has arguably more legs to stand on, at least from an outside perspective, is Bette Davis. Known for her short temper, love of gossip, and drive for perfection, many people have labelled her a diva. While these facts are likely very true – Davis might have very well been an insufferable person to Diva be around – how much of this criticised behaviour was enacted by male stars, too?

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. The diva’s temperamental nature often made headlines, adding to her mystique.11. The diva’s diva, she demanded a separate dressing room and specific food requests.12. The diva’s vocal range was unmatched, hitting high notes with ease and precision.13.

“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. Bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel is one of the most distinguished opera singers of our age. 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. At what point are people jumping to use the term diva in place of ‘a woman with boundaries’? Old Hollywood icons like Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe have been dubbed ‘divas’, but this term fails to harness any nuance.