Divas unite on VH1 special

Feathers, gold foil skirts and sassy women in tight leather pants set the tone for VH1's "Divas Live '99."

The show appropriately begins with the camera following the most famous legs in rock, as they propel Tina Turner to the stage. Happily, this old school rocker has not lost her touch. Energetic, and passionate, Turner's performance is the best of the program. No one else matches her charisma or her attitude, though Houston does come close.

Don't turn off the television after Turner, though. VH1 lines up a long list of heavy hitters including Whitney Houston, Cher, Chaka Khan and the adolescent divettes: LeAnn Rimes and Brandy.

If you can accept Elizabeth Hurley's statement that Sir Elton John is "Britain's Greatest Diva," then his presence is warranted, and his performance, good. That is, of course, if you like Elton John.

Courtesy of Reprise Cher and Chaka Khan graced VH1 with their presence at "Divas Live '99."

Brandy and Faith Hill put forth the weakest duet as they fail to harmonize on Bryan Adam's dreadful ballad, "Everything I Do, I Do it For You." Presumably intended as a homage to the other seasoned artists featured in the concert, they fall flat essentially because their voices do. It's as if they never rehearsed together. Though talented, Brandy reminds everyone she is still young with her exaggerated, almost comical stage antics.

Even when she performs by herself, Faith Hill seems out of place. Her "This Kiss," is a bland, emotionless song devoid of intelligent lyrics. Wisely, VH1 follows her song with some self-adulation. Since the proceeds generated by the concert benefit "Save the Music," the producers plug the cause with a glorified commercial detailing the success of the charity thus far.

Whitney Houston gets the concert back on track when she comes out dressed in red leather attire reminiscent of Michael Jackson. For a change of tone and pace, she brings out Naughty By Nature's Tretch to contribute on vocals.

The free-moving cameras enhance the spontaneous feeling and the live editing is smooth. Visually, as well as aurally, this concert is well constructed. Despite a few weaker performances, VH1 skillfully puts together an entertaining blend of artists.

The finale of "Divas Live '99" brings all of the women on stage (except Turner and Sir Elton) to sing Houston's anthem "I'm Every Woman." It may be predictable, but it is appropriate nonetheless. The show is as Turner describes it herself, "Divas and bitches. My goodness."

04-19-99