The Chris Moeller Archives

The Diva Showdown

The marvelous Whitney Houston releases a new album on Monday, the first in seven years by the now-46-year-old singer. Houston was an artist of histortic proportion in the 1980s and early '90s. Because of her early career success, we have a treasure trove of hit records to still enjoy, an inspired collection of young female musical performers in the business today, and one million women graduating from college this year named "Whitney." This latest album, "I Look to You," has inspired praise from critics, but more importantly, it's inspired today's blog feature: The 2009 Musical Diva Showdown. It's a lot like "American Idol," except without all the circus acts and that British douchebag.

Below you'll find links to seven memorable, nationally-televised musical performances, each by a different American songstress, and you're invited to vote for your favorite in the comment thread below. I've leveled the playing field by culling each of the clips from the David Letterman Show, as fine a showcase for national music as there is. (Message to top-selling female artists not nominated in this Diva Showdown: Get thee to the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater.)

I warn you in advance not to allow other YouTube viewers to make your critical decision for you. All seven performances have earned an equal "five-star" YouTube rating, but some of the critics in the various comment threads on that site can be quite persuasive (example comments: "OMG, she rocks!" and "lol"). You can also vote with your AT&T mobile telephone. The call costs $1.99 per minute.

And the nominees are...

The tempting Christina Aguilera.

The sensational Jennifer Hudson.

The astonishing Mariah Carey.

The electric Beyonce.

The sultry Diana Krall.

The supreme Alicia Keys.

And classic Whitney.

posted by CM @ 4:14 PM