Top 10 Greatest Divas of All Time

Originally used to describe a female opera singer, the term "diva" was redefined to refer to any female singer of superior talent.

Today, the diva moniker has evolved even further and made a partial return to its original Latin roots, when divus was the word for "divine one." The modern musical diva can be arrogant, difficult to work with, high-maintenance, or demanding. In essence, the modern diva sometimes acts like she believes herself to be almost divine and above it all.

This list is for female artists who have ascended to diva status, at least in their own minds.

1. Sarah Brightman

   

   Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano, actress, musician, songwriter, conductor, and dancer. She rose to fame as the original Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. Brightman is also known for her solo music career, having sold more than 30 million records... read more

   Considering the headline "Top Ten DIVAS," I just want to point out that, besides her obvious vocal supremacy among other musicians, she also possesses something that you are born with and can't learn: the manners of a lady. That's what makes her a true DIVA, not just money or talent.

   This is something you can only find in Sarah's behavior. Others are like savages and monkeys on stage - kicking, screaming, and acting like mad people without medication. She is a perfect example of how a music show should look.

   Sarah Brightman has a style all her own. Many have tried to copy her style, and emulation is the finest form of flattery. There's a reason why she is the best-selling soprano in the world.

   Sarah Brightman doesn't just sing to you. She moves you in ways that are both wonderful and hard to explain.

2. Whitney Houston

   

   Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. She holds the Guinness World Record as the most awarded female artist of all time, with over 400 career awards as of 2006, and was named the most awarded female act in 2009.... read more

   Whitney Houston's vocal ability is second to none. Quick transitions and flexibility of notes, natural power, and amazing vocal projection in every range of her voice - whether it is the lower range all the way to the head register. In saying that, you can hear her go up and beyond when belting in the mid-chest range. She can hold long notes with ease, maintaining her beautiful clarity while doing so.

   Her vibrato is naturally perfect, yet she can speed it up by quivering her lower lip and power it to immense levels using her excellent vocal projection and note transitions. The timbre (the sound of her voice) is a thick, lush, creamy velvet with a honey-like lacquer. Her emotion and passion (modulation) when singing is stunning.

   The records she holds in the music and other industries, along with her beauty, make her the number one Diva.

3. Mariah Carey

   

   Mariah Carey, born March 27, 1970, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She's one of the best-selling female artists in music history, with 19 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

   She's often regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos, and has been noted in the press... read more

   Mariah definitely deserves to be on top. Her mastery of her vocal range remains nearly unmatched, with solid lower notes, astounding belts, beautiful head voice, and a one-of-a-kind whistle register. What makes her the ultimate diva for me is the killer combination of her voice, songwriting and producing abilities, and her over-the-top personality. Moreover, her ability to convey emotions sets her apart.

   She also managed to rise to the top even when facing adversity. Remember the Glitter and Charmbracelet eras? She came back with The Emancipation of Mimi. Right now, I have a feeling that her second comeback is approaching, with her voice rebounding and her confidence returning. That's why she deserves to be number one.

   Other singers who deserve to be at the top of this list are Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle. They are all such influential and amazing singers.

4. Celine Dion

   

   Céline Marie Claudette Dion is a Canadian singer and businesswoman. She's best known for "My Heart Will Go On," the theme song of the 1997 film Titanic, which was the first film in history to gross over $1 billion worldwide.

   Celine Dion is the precise definition of a diva. She has proven herself as the world's biggest-selling female artist in the history of music. What I like about her is her humility and enormous heart.

   Her voice sounds like an angel from above, and her songs deeply touch your heart and feed your soul with immense emotion. When she's on stage, she exudes more power and confidence than any other singer. Watching her concert is a moving experience. You feel as though you're with her and she's with you. I totally love Celine Dion.

   I believe Celine is a very good singer. I have all her songs. She neither whines nor screeches while she sings. Her songs are beautifully written and performed.

   However, it's disheartening to see her heavily ignored and criticized by critics. Even Metacritic has given better scores to Bieber's albums than to Celine's. Despite this, I believe she is a true diva and will remain so, no matter what the world might say. We will always support you, Celine.

5. Beyoncé Knowles

   

   Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who began her career as lead singer of Destiny's Child. The group scored multiple Billboard No. 1 hits including "Say My Name," "Bills, Bills, Bills," "Survivor," "Independent Women," and "Bootylicious." After their split,... read more

   Beyoncé might not have a higher vocal range than Mariah, but she sure can sing, dance, and perform better than any other female artist. For me, it has to be:

   1. Beyoncé, so much soul, and when she blasts those powerful notes, she embarrasses all other divas.

   2. Celine Dion (check out Divas 1998 for her riff battle with Aretha Franklin. Aretha needs to choose her battles carefully).

   3. Janet. It's Janet.

   Yes! Yes! Yes! She is the greatest singer of our generation. People who say she is overrated do not know what they are talking about. She deserves all the credit that she gets.

   She is the ultimate diva. She even has a song about it. She is a singer, a dancer, an actress, a businesswoman, and an inspiration. She is the complete package.

   She can sell out a concert within minutes of opening ticket sales, and she doesn't even need a new album or single out. She is such a hard worker, and I love her!

6. Charice Pempengco

   

   Jake Zyrus, born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco, is a Filipino singer who gained international attention through YouTube. He was previously known by the mononym Charice before coming out as a transgender man. Zyrus has appeared on international television programs and released several albums.

   In my opinion, Charice is the best singer in the world. She can hit every note and has the most powerful voice in the world. When she was younger, she sang Listen and did it better than Beyoncé. Her voice was more powerful.

   When she sang I Will Always Love You for Whitney Houston's tribute, it was awesome. The power of her voice was better than Whitney's, and the last note was different and more beautiful. Then, when she sang All by Myself, the harder note, which everyone knows, was higher than Celine Dion's.

   Next, in the song I Have Nothing by Whitney, her voice was amazing. In And I Am Telling You, she destroyed everything. The power of her voice was fantastic. Divas like Bianca Ryan, Jessica Sanchez, Leona Lewis, Melanie Amaro, Alexandra Burke, and Amber Riley are not better than Charice.

7. Madonna

   

   Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She has influenced many artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyoncé Knowles, and Britney Spears. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pop," she has played a significant... read more

   Guys, Madonna is definitely the diva among all these people. As you can see, her songs, acting, and overall presence show that she is the diva here!

   A real diva in the past, present, and future. Can anyone else sustain such a long and successful career? No one.

   There is no one to compare to the greatest Diva ever. With her newest song, Ghost Town, Rebel Heart is just too good.

8. Christina Aguilera

   

   Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants," and she later showcased her vocal power in songs like "Beautiful" and "Hurt." Throughout her career, she's explored a range of... read more

   I think that Christina Aguilera is actually a better singer than Beyoncé. That's right, I said it. She has stronger vocals, but she also oversings. She doesn't need to.

   In her simplest voice, her deepest voice, she shows so much depth and emotion. I absolutely love when she sings without the drama. She gives me chills, and she is definitely a diva in every way.

   One of the biggest voices in the world, Christina Maria Aguilera has an insane voice and a spinto soprano range. I really like her chest voice because of its powerful sound. She can also do whistle register like Mariah Carey.

   I think she could outperform several singers if she were to duet with someone.

9. Aretha Franklin

   

   Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister.... read more

   Aretha Franklin should be at the top of the list. Whoever made this list is probably not an American. Maybe in England or the Philippines, these other people have a following, but most of them have copied from Aretha. This site sucks.

   Respect is my favorite song of all time. Aretha Franklin should be ranked way higher than Christina Aguilera, along with others who are unknown except to those who voted for them.

   The first name that comes to mind when I think "diva." Astonished to see that she's not in the Top 10.

10. Barbra Streisand

    

    Barbara Joan Streisand, known professionally as Barbra Streisand, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and filmmaker. She has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Streisand is one of the best-selling recording artists of all... read more

    Seriously, are we joking here? She's Barbra Joan Streisand, which simply says it all. No one is in her league. She was an original from the word "Go" and remains relevant to this day.

    Some of these other singers will be regarded as a historical footnote, but Streisand - Barbra Streisand and her incomparable career - will be studied by scholars and historians for decades, possibly over the next century. She's number one, and everyone knows this or is in complete denial.

    Barbra doesn't need to sing super high like Mariah Carey or blow speakers like other singers to prove she is the best. Can she make you cry? Can she make you laugh, sigh, relax, provoke inspiration? Yes, she can, and she does.

    That is what makes her a singer. That is what makes her a diva.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Jenni Rivera

    She did, and still is doing, so much for battered women and children.

12. ?

    Koda Kumi

    

    Koda Kumi (born November 13, 1982) (倖田來未), whose real name is Kouda Kumiko (神田來未子), is a Japanese singer from Kyoto. She is best known for her success in the Japanese pop and R&B music scenes.

    She gained early attention for her contribution to the soundtrack of the live-action film Cutie Honey... read more

The Contenders

13. Sarah Geronimo

    

    Sarah Asher Tua Geronimo, also known as Sarah Geronimo or Sarah G., is a multi-talented and internationally recognized Filipino singer, actress, dancer, record producer, model, host, coach and judge, commercial endorser, and television personality. She can also draw and plays the piano. Geronimo is popularly... read more

    She is the best in this world. She's a super duper versatile performer. She can sing, dance, and act.

    This means she is one of a kind, a true gem in the Philippine industry. Ever since she appeared on television, she has become as famous as ever, and no one can beat her even now. Thumbs up, girl.

    She is the perfect singer for all occasions. She is an undefeated, certified total performer of all time. Talented, humble, and pretty, God has showered her with all the blessings this world could ever offer.

    Yes, she really is one of the best performers of her generation. She always delivers a show-stopping performance. Everybody is rooting for her performances in her shows, especially ASAP and Sarah G. Live.

14. Tina Turner

    

    Tina Turner, née Anna Mae Bullock, was a singer, dancer, actress, and author, whose career spanned more than half a century, earning her widespread recognition and numerous awards. She was known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Turner sold over 100 million records worldwide and won eight Grammy Awards... read more

    I definitely love Tina. I remember seeing her in concert years back, and she was fabulous! That body, that skin, those legs, and that voice! This woman is timeless!

    She needs to be further up this list. How can you not put the Queen of Rock, with the body that she has, in the top ten?

    River Deep - Mountain High is one of the greatest songs of all time, period. She needs to be at the top of this list for sure.

15. Agnes Monica

    

    Agnes Monica Muljoto, known professionally as Agnez Mo, is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, actress, and music producer. She began her career in entertainment at a young age and has received numerous awards in Indonesia and internationally. She is also known for her efforts to break into the U.S. music... read more

    If we are talking about Agnes Monica, we are actually talking about one of the toughest singers, not only in Indonesia but also in the world, trust me! Her motto is "Dream, believe, and make it happen," and yes, she proves it.

    I've known her since I was 8 years old, and there are a lot of people who say that she's a liar. She always said that she would go international, but when? Years go by, and she has won many awards and even appeared at the AMA.

    There are so many things that we can learn from her. While her haters are mocking her, she's walking to be the star!

    Agnes is a real positive figure for teenagers and others. She has worked so hard to make her dream come true since she was 6 years old as a presenter for a kids' program on TV. Although she is busy with her entertainment career, she never leaves education behind.

    Smart, beautiful, energetic, full of motivation and spirit. That's who she is.

16. Regine Velasquez

    

    Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, known as Asia's Songbird, is a Filipina singer, television host, producer, and actress. She is also known for her work as a philanthropist and commercial endorser. Velasquez is widely recognized for her powerful vocals and extensive vocal range, which have made her an icon in... read more

    Well, not everyone may know Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, but those who do will surely agree that she is an incredibly talented person. She may not have the level of fame that Hollywood stars enjoy, but her singing could give many more popular international stars a run for their money.

    Having experienced international stardom herself (but choosing to remain in the Philippines for personal and patriotic reasons), Regine Velasquez-Alcasid is a respected, almost legendary, name in Asia. Proof of this includes her multi-platinum albums, sold-out shows, and the fact that her singing is often the benchmark against which both established and new singers are measured. After all, you wouldn't bother comparing your singing with someone who isn't worth comparing with, would you?

17. K.S. Chithra

    

    Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. She also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. Chithra has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages and is a recipient of six National Film Awards.

    A special lady with a voice that can always surprise you.

    A warm voice that can reach very high regions with a lot of control.

    A sensitive person with power and intelligence.

    Chithra is one of the best singers of all time. First of all, I must say that she has one of the rarest voices. She can belt a C6, and she has a clean whistle.

    It's amazing how strong, high, and deep her voice is. Chithra, I love you very much. I am not Indian, but I understand Indian music. I am from Miami, and I love you, Chithra. She is a singer who has one of the best voices in the world.

18. Shakira

    

    Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model. She rose to international fame in the late 1990s with Latin pop hits and has sold over 85 million records worldwide. Shakira is also known for her philanthropic work through her... read more

    She is the only one diva and superstar.

    Shakira is one of the most amazing singers and has a unique voice. You just can't keep her down. Please, she deserves to be at least in the top 20. Don't you think so?

19. Toni Braxton

    

    Toni Michele Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, in Severn, Maryland, and is the oldest of six siblings. She has sold approximately 70 million records worldwide. Often referred to as the Queen of R&B, Braxton is known for her distinctive voice and major impact on 1990s and early 2000s R&B music.

20. Agnetha Faltskog

    

    Agnetha Åse Fältskog is a Swedish recording artist best known as a member of the internationally successful pop group ABBA. She gained global fame in the 1970s and later pursued a solo career that included both Swedish and English-language albums. In recent years, she participated in ABBA's 2021 comeback... read more

    How can she NOT be the Top All-Time Diva? Her face is absolutely angelic, and her butt is LEGENDARY. She's known as The Queen of Hearts. One look from her will make a man melt.

    She should be in first place. She's the best. She has been singing since she was five years old. She is a very beautiful woman. She's perfect, she's the best, she's THE DIVA!

    She is the gorgeous blonde from ABBA with the amazing voice. She sings with such emotion and sounds like an angel.

21. Michelle Williams

    

    Tenitra Michelle Williams is an American R&B, pop, and gospel recording artist. She rose to fame in the 2000s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the best-selling female groups of all time, with over 60 million records sold. More than 35 million of those were with the trio lineup that included Williams... read more

22. Ann Wilson

    

    Ann Dustin Wilson (born June 19, 1950) is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the hard rock band Heart. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Heart in 2013. Wilson has been listed by Hit Parader as one of the best metal singers of all time and is... read more

    This DIVA gets better every day! Just go to one of Heart's concerts or listen to any of their CDs. You can feel the DIVA gene in every song! Oh yeah, she is #1!

    I have been in love with these ladies since Dreamboat Annie.

    She's the best. A number-one performer.

23. Lady Gaga

    

    Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.

    Early in her career, she performed at Lollapalooza on August 4, 2007, as part of "Lady Gaga & The Starlight Revue," where she was noticed by Interscope Records executive Vincent... read more

    I remember when I didn't like Lady Gaga, but as I began to listen more and more to her music and her interviews, I grew a new level of respect for her. She isn't the best singer, but she is a great singer, one of the best of this time.

    There are so many things she can do with her voice!

    I just love her! She has made a difference in my life. I mean, gosh, I love her! She is like a queen to me. I look up to her. She is one of my idols.

    Whenever I hear her, I just have to listen or watch. Her clothes are like a god's clothes. I love her. Thumbs up, Mother Monster!

24. Cher

    

    Cher is an American singer and actress. Described as embodying female autonomy in a male-dominated industry, she is known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and for having worked in numerous areas of entertainment. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she has adopted a variety of styles... read more

    She has the ultimate diva appearance. Her shows are gorgeous and so entertaining, as are her costumes.

    She has been famous since 1965 and is not only 'The Goddess of Pop' but also an Oscar winner! How amazing, and she still looks so good. In a few months a new album, can't wait! I 'believe' in it.

    CHER is the GODDESS OF POP, and nobody can steal this title from her. She is the biggest legend of pop music. Unbelievable voice, body, character, and, of course, the BEST female entertainer. X

25. Shania Twain

    

    Shania Twain (born Eilleen Regina Edwards on August 28, 1965) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, she is the best-selling female artist in country music history and one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her 1997 album Come On Over remains the... read more

    She should be on the top ten list, surely.

    I have no idea why she isn't in the top ten. Fabulously unforgettable voice. Definitely one of my top ten favorites.

26. Diana Ross

    

    Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, actress, and record producer. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she rose to fame as the lead singer of the Supremes, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Ross later launched a successful solo career and has been inducted into the Rock... read more

    Diana Ross will never be appreciated for her talent and voice, business acumen, class, and leadership. Diana Ross mostly carried herself with dignity, and she blazed a trail for many who came after her. She has sold more records than most, and she was the first female artist with the Supremes to have 12 number one hits in the '60s. Prior to that, no female or female group had done it, and only two other artists had done it, and that's Elvis and the Beatles.

    Diana Ross was dedicated and a hard worker, and she may have behaved aggressively at times, but she has gracefully matured. Her real problem and blessing has always been that she was TOO SUCCESSFUL, and that ticked off some people. She's the Queen, regardless of what these lists say!

27. Amy Lee

    

    Amy Lee, born Amy Lynn Hartzler, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist, and composer. She is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, which gained global fame with their 2003 hit Bring Me to Life.... read more

    Amy is beyond all others. Her music is not only great to listen to but has also affected people so deeply. Just ask any of her fans.

    No hype, no words can describe what she means to them. Period. For many, it was the first time they heard her music that sealed the deal. Let alone seeing her in person, their hearts were lost at first sight. No lie.

    Amy Lee is a unique, genuine artist with an incredible voice. She blends rock with beautiful melodies and sings each note to perfection. Her voice, words, music, and look are pieces of perfect beauty in an imperfect world.