14 DAY TRIAL // Veteran singer Patti LaBelle thinks that the word “diva” is so loosely used these days that she doesn't want to be associated with it anymore. The legendary Hall of Fame singer is widely regarded as the Godmother of Soul and has earned a lot of respect in the industry over the years. This is why PrideSource wanted to find out her opinion on this new generation of singers. In the interview, Patti says “I always considered myself a woman who sings her heart out and who gives 120 percent. ‘Diva’ is a word that I wouldn't wanna call myself because it's so loosely used. It's not cute anymore.”
The 69-year-old claimed that for her the word “diva” has a negative connotation because it was associated with some of the less reputable singers out there, “because all these little heifers who can't sing are called divas!”
Patti recalls that, at one point, the word was a term destined for only the best performers in the business like opera singers and other trail blazers. Today, it's become “a hot mess,” being attributed to singers who, in her opinion, hide their pitifulness among 40 other people on stage.
While she didn't give out any specific names, at least two or three young female singers should pop up in everyone's mind and see if they qualify with the criteria LaBelle has mentioned.
In opposition with this young generation, the singer goes on to enumerate some of other talented ladies that have been involved in the industry as long as her and have the right to be called divas: Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick.
LaBelle concludes her interview by answering the question whether she still keeps it real. Her reply? “Oh, there's no reason to do anything but.” Wise words from a wise lady.