The Oxford English dictionary defines a diva as "a distinguished female singer" (Oxford University Press, 2014). Both Maria Callas and Madonna fit this definition, despite doubts in their singing ability. They share a dramatic presence, both on and off stage, which distinguishes them from others.
Madonna and Maria Callas are both singers whose personality and presence are often given more weight than the strength of their technical performance. Madonna's vocal ability, Jones tells us, was largely considered "the weakest aspect of her performance" (Jones, 2008 p.165). This is evident throughout Material Girl (The Diva, 2008, track 1), where the singing quality is weak, and shows little of the vocal agility one might expect from an operatic diva. Madonna's voice, as Jones puts it, is "lacking in power and resonance" (Jones, 2008 p.165). Similarly, Callas, "battled throughout her career against vocal problems" (Philip, 2008, p.178), although Philip admits Callas' considered technical ability varied between commentators. Philip mentions an "aggressive warble" (Philip, 2008, p.178) in th...
Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone (aka Madonna) is one of the most influential American Icons in the 21st century. She uses her sexuality and feminine characteristics to convey her beliefs to the public. She started a trend among youngster “wannabes” during the mid 80s (Cengage, 2003). These youngsters adopted Madonna’s messy hairdo and bold wardrobe such as lacy undergarments fully expresses the female sexuality and seductiveness. In this report, we will analyze Madonna’s career as an entertainer from the perspective of the Product life cycle and evaluate Madonna as a brand. A product life cycle describes how a product goes through the stages of introduction, growth, maturity, and decline.
“If you have the opportunity to play this game of life you need to appreciate every moment. A lot of people don’t appreciate the moment until it's passed”-(kanye west).
The depiction of Madonna and Christ is among the most ancient and common in Christian iconography and has an extensive number of variations because apart from its symbolic religious functions, it allows one to interpret the link between mother and child in many aspects. (8)
turns of phrase. She’s a walking exaggeration, outsize in sound, personality and look. And she’s
As the "Queen of Tejano Music", Selena served as a very important representation of Latinos. As mentioned before, she was known as Mexican Madonna for her dance moves and nice looking outfits. After winning Best Female Vocalist and Performer of the Year for nine times in a row it seems impossible to forget the legacy that she has left for us. Selena was a person who stepped out of her comfort zone to succeed, as well as, never let money and fame get into her way. Selena became an inspiration not only to girls who shared her dream but to the many Latino people she represented. Through her music people have and still continue to unite and relate to. As a representation of the Hispanic and Latino culture, Selena has the touched the hearts of many who till this day remember and keep her legacy
8. Tilton, K. N. J. ed. (1997) Contexts of Dialectic: Constructivism in the works of Madonna. University of Oregon Press
When a strict nun rejected Shakira from the school choir because of her shrill vibrato, Shakira told a friend that, one day, she would have the last laugh when she became a world superstar (Salgado 2008). Neither the friend nor the nun could have imagined that years later, that shrill vibrato would catapult Shakira onto the very stage she promised to stand on, performing for leaders of state, Popes, and legions of fans worldwide. For Shakira, as her artistic empire expanded, so too did her linguistic and performative repertoire. By employing discourse analysis, this essay will trace the linguistic journey associated with Shakira’s musical history, beginning with some of her earlier songs—Ojos Así (Eyes Like Yours) [1998], Suerte (Wherever, Whenever) [2001], and Hips Don’t Lie [2005]—to some of her more recent work—Lo Hecho Está Hecho (Did It Again) [2009] and Addicted to You [2010]—in order to understand how language and performance of her music affect the ways in which listeners consume, interpret, and experience Shakira as a US-Colombian, a Latina, and a global citizen.
Demi Lovato is a famous singer, songwriter, and actor born in 1992 in New Mexico. Although she was on “Barney & Friends” as a child, most people know her from her years as an actress and an occasional singer on disney channel. She co-starred in the famous movie series “Camp Rock” and also in the television series “Sonny with a Chance.” After these acting positions, Lovato began a career in singing. She has released many albums and has had many hit songs such as “Heart Attack” and “Cool for the Summer.” In 2012 and 2013, Lovato was a judge on “The X Factor” (Wikipedia). Singing is a huge part of Lovato’s life, and she pours her heart and should into her lyrics.
Some can be dancers, comedians, events hosts, models, DJs and so much more but I’m just here to talk about drag queen singers. This essay will talk about the production of a drag queen music video and what has to be done to change the appearance of the artist and also depict the meaning of two music videos.
One of bachatas defining characteristics is the usually extreme emotional singing style. “Bachata is essentially a vocal genre, meant ...
On the 11th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mariah Carey was given the chance to induct Gladys Knight and the Pips who were a soul and R&B family group into this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She gave a heartwarming speech on how Ms. Knight was a huge impact. Some words she said were, “ thank you so much for being a constant influence on me.” Mariah Carey was also inspired by different genres of music like Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Soul, Pop, Dance, soft rock, hip hop, and country. To add on, Mariah Carey was blessed with the opportunity to perform with the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin. They performed on live television singing Aretha Franklin’s hit song, “Chain of Fools.” Aretha and her met at the Grammy’s and became good friends. Mariah Carey is often referred to as our generation Aretha Franklin and is often compared to Whitney Houston and Celine
The character I have chosen to focus on specifically is Donna Elvira. Her character is one that portrays many different roles and expresses many different feelings and emotions. Elvira's main purpose as a character is the role of the avenger, seeking revenge upon Don Giovanni for his false promises and promiscuous manner. However, as much as she wants to hate Don Giovanni, ruin his name, and make sure that everyone knows that he is a liar and a "player", one also senses reluctance and fear in not just her voice, but also through the music which accompanies her. Her tone is often shaken and a...
Hip-hop and rap music are commonly criticized for its anti-feminist lyrics and degrading exploitation of women in music and music videos. (Sharpley-Whiting ) Many feminists have taken action against the music industry, which produces these messages in the music they release. However, in the hip-hop genre there are plenty of successful female rappers promoting feminist views, artist such as Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige have made the choice to condemn the derogatory culture towards women. (Oliver, 382–384)
Though, Maria Callas gained her reputation by performing outstanding musical concerts and displaying enriching vocal sounds, contrary in contrast to Madonna. Callas became known as one of the most renowned operatic divas of the mid-twentieth century shortly after ‘culminating in a ‘stunning’ performance in 1949 in Bellini’s I Puritani at La Fenice Theatre, Venice’ (Moohan, E,. 2008, p.192). Having had ‘an extraordinarily and sensitive way of acting the words as she sang them’ (Phillip, R,.
Is Lana Del Rey one of the most depressing female artists to come along in the last ten years? Why? Yes, because that’s her style. Her songs seem to be depressing, but it's a reflection of who she is as an artist as well as the experiences she had early on in life. Her lyrics are heartfelt and poetic in the modern way, and her vocals are not necessarily for mainstream music; she has a whole style of her own that's different from pop stars of this age. My topic will revolve around a discussion of the music of Lana Del Rey. One of the most enigmatic personalities of modern pop, Del Rey seems to be able to speak directly to the human soul, with this magical way of lending her lyrics to our lives.