Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
Is she really qualified to headline Diva Fest? We put her to our stringent diva test to find out.
By GINA VIVINETTO, Times Pop Music Critic
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 4, 2002
Diva. Diva. Everyone's a diva nowadays. People scatter the word around like so many spare pennies to the point I'm not even sure what a diva is.
Do you have to be stuck up to be a diva? Temperamental? Talented? Where's the list of prerequisites?
Elton John is a diva? According to VH1, yes. And Brandy. Celine Dion. Well, that makes sense.
But Pat Benatar a diva?
How so?
Benatar, the 1980s pop singer who scored big with the tough-minded Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Heartbreaker and Hell Is For Children, is the featured performer at Saturday's Diva Fest at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, part of the Pride Fest 2002 events.
But is Benatar a diva? How can you tell?
I propose that we develop a checklist for divahood.
I'm serious.
A diva should have to garner a certain number of points, say 15 out of a possible 25, to be considered. Then we appoint a board to vote on the matter.
So, first things first. I present my patented, tried and true -- well, after this inaugural launch it will be -- Divameter: A Checklist for Divahood. A diva, like a prima donna, should be:
(a) A super-talented singer. Someone with a good voice that doesn't need to be computer-manipulated, folded, spindled or mutilated. Remember those days? (5 points)
(b) A bit temperamental, or at least edgy. For instance, maybe you take notice in a restaurant when she's simultaneously handling a steak knife and ranting about a matter that perturbs her. (5 points)
(c) A female. Or, as in Elton's case, a stylish gay guy. (3 points)
(d) The user of a fake name, or better, a one-word name, like Cher or Charo. (2 points)
(e) Short. Yes, a diva should be short. Like Bernadette Peters. It makes that big, booming voice more compelling. (2 points)
(f) Able to command attention in front of a gigantic audience. (5 points)
And finally,
(g) Able to generate interest in her music, and her fabulous self, well past her stay-fresh date. Think Ethel Merman, think Liza, and -- bow down now, Divaphiles -- think Miss Judy Garland. (3 points)
Okay, spin the wheel and see how Pat Benatar measures up:
(a) Benatar is a classically trained vocalist, and her mom was an opera singer. (5 points right out of the gate)
(b) She gave up going to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music to be a rebellious rock 'n' roller. Edgy? You bet. (5 points)
(c) Benatar is, indeed, a chick. (3 points)
(d) She was born with the name -- don't cringe -- Pat Andrzejewski, then married a guy named Benatar, dumped him but held on to the name. Why? It sounded way cooler. (2 points)
(e) She is diminutive, all right: 5 feet tall, according to her online fan club. (2 points) (f) Do you think they called it 1980s "arena rock" for nothing? Raymond James Stadium won't exactly be Benatar's first big crowd, folks. (5 points)
(g) It's been how many years since Benatar's last hit? Back when MTV was new, you say? Grunge has come and gone. She was nowhere to be found at Lilith Fair. (She probably would have wiped the floor with those sniveling, acoustic ladies prancing in patchouli.)
Still, Benatar's headlining this gig. (3 points)
The results:
My, my. Who would have thought Benatar would score a perfect 25 points on the Divameter? Talk about Invincible. Guess there's no need for that vote. The girl is in. Benatar, it turns out, is the consummate diva. Really, who were we to question her headlining this Divafest, likely organized in part by very fabulous gay men, who, p.s., know a thing or two about divas, honey.
-- To contact Gina Vivinetto, e-mail gina@sptimes.com
Diva Fest, featuring Pat Benatar, Jennifer Holliday, Julia Fordham, Sharon Gless, Suzanne Palmer, Halcyon and others begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. $15 in advance, $20 at gate. (727) 898-2100 or (813) 287-8844.
Here's a schedule of major events. For more information, check www.pridetampabay.com.
Fireworks viewing, 9 p.m. in the Channelside area of Tampa.
Trash Disco Party, 8:30 p.m., The Chambers, 1701 N Franklin St., Tampa. $3.
Meet the Stars reception, 6:30 p.m., Mise En Place, 422 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. $35.
Pride fashion show, 9 p.m., The Cherokee Club, 1320 Ninth Ave., Ybor City. $10.
Hotter Than July party, 10 p.m., The Factory at the Garage, 802 E Whiting St., Tampa.
Diva Fest, concert featuring Pat Benatar, Jennifer Holliday and others, business expo, rally with actor Sharon Gless, other activities. 10 a.m., Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. $15 advance, $20 at the gate.
Wet Party, 10 p.m., Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $35 tickets available at Diva Fest.
Family Values Picnic, Fort DeSoto Park, south of Tierra Verde, Pinellas County.
Gay Days at Busch Gardens, Tampa.