Pop Divas Show Off Everything but Egos

The VH1 Honors concert broadcast live from the Beacon Theatre here on Tuesday, featuring Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain and Mariah Carey, was billed as “Divas Live.”

Backstage, though, the stars exhibited what most would consider decidedly un-diva-like behavior.

Estefan jokingly told reporters that “Mariah tripped me, and Celine ripped [Carey’s] dress.” She then spoke warmly of her friendships with Carey and Twain and her admiration for Dion and Franklin.

Carey gushed about what an honor it was to appear on the same stage as Franklin. And Twain, after similar tributes to her co-headliners, said that, to her, a diva is simply “a powerful woman.”

Indeed, the show itself, which benefited VH1’s Save the Music--a foundation supporting music education programs in public schools--and will be shown again throughout the week, played down the ego factor that many associate with vocal superstars and instead emphasized the positive aspects of diva-hood: bravura singing, dynamic showmanship and, of course, fabulous costumes.

Carey took first prize in the wardrobe department, modeling no fewer than three sleek, stylish gowns and even changing the color of her fingernails between sets.

More significant, this famous studio perfectionist demonstrated how her confidence and poise as a live performer have grown, leading a gospel choir through a rousing rendition of her plaintive song “My All” and holding her own against the venerable Franklin during a feisty duet on “Chain of Fools.” Though more modestly gifted as vocalists, Estefan and Twain both gave appealingly warm, earthy performances. Estefan exuded contagious energy through a set that included her canny version of “Turn the Beat Around” and an ebullient hits medley. Twain added some down-home grace to the proceedings with a moving delivery of her single “You’re Still the One.”

But Franklin and Dion more blatantly evoked the larger-than-life flamboyance that is a diva’s essence. Dion laid the bombast on a bit thick while covering the Phil Spector-Ike & Tina Turner classic “River Deep--Mountain High” but rebounded nicely with “My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from ‘Titanic’),” the hit song that apparently won’t sink. Guest Carole King then joined her on “You Are the Reason,” which proved a fine showcase for both King’s grainy mezzo voice and Dion’s pristine soprano.

The evening ended with all the singers teaming up on the King-penned Franklin hit “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” While Dion and Carey both took star turns, it was Franklin who rightfully carried the song to its delirious conclusion, scatting and emoting to an effusive audience until long after the broadcast had ended.