Avril Lavigne - Vocal Profile/ Range

Avril Lavigne

Vocal Type: Mezzo-Soprano
Vocal Range: 2 Octaves  6 notes and a semitone (approx) C#3-B5
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Punchy, peppy vocals that are full of attitude. Has a sharp, piercing chest register.
Vocal Negatives: Voice is thin and weak throughout the registers.

Video Review: Lady Gaga "Edge Of Glory"

Simple isn't a word usually associated with Lady Gaga but the video for new single Edge of Glory is just that, and frankly the timing for Gaga to embrace the word couldn't have been better. Nothing about the Born this way project has been simple so far and was starting to feel like it was relying too heavily on gimmicks, controversy and big money to guarantee high sales instead of trusting in the music to do so. But the video for Edge of Glory bucks this trend.

The video contains no controversial religious imagery (gasp!), only one extra (double gasp!)- in the form of saxophonist Clarence Clemons - is all shot on one location/set (hyperventilating) and only features two outfits (FAINT!).

There are problems with the video though. The original director, Joseph Khan, left the project part way thorough, after supposedly having differences in opinion about the direction of the video, and as such the video is missing a strong, if any, narrative or structure to the video. However that's a minor quibble as the video could be seen as a performance piece. The main issue, and the one that makes me feel most uncomfortable watching the video, is Gaga's proactive postulating and scantily clad gyrations when the song is supposedly written about, or at least inspired by the passing of her Grandfather.

Cyndi Lauper- Vocal Profile/ Range

Cyndi Lauper

Vocal Type: Lyric- Soprano
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves 4 notes F3-C7
Whistle Register: Yes
Vocal Pluses: Expressive, versatile voice, that can switch from sounding innocent and sweet like a child to coarse and throaty like a rock star to crystal clear and dramatic like a diva extraordinaire all within the space of a lyric. The voice sounds most impressive when belting clearly with her dramatic vibrato applied.
Vocal Negatives: Lauper's deployment of the child like singing style is an acquired taste and can quickly turn off a listener.

Single review: B.Scott "Kiss Kiss"

Just because you're a man, doesn't mean you can't be a Diva. Enter case in point fierce, cross dressing, Youtuber, blogger and all round media darling B.Scott and the video for his new single Kiss Kiss.

Lara Fabian- Vocal Profile/ Range

Lara Fabian

Vocal Type: Soprano
Vocal Range: 2 Octaves 7 notes  D3-C6
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Strong, powerful,clear belting range, that has a dark, heavy timbre.
Vocal Negatives: Belting (chest) voice can become overbearing due its power.

Patti LaBelle demonstrates why she is the Don Diva as she duets with Lady Gaga on "Over the Rainbow"

Patti LaBelle and Lady Gaga singing "Over the Rainbow" together

Below is a snippet of Ms Patti LaBelle and Lady Gaga performing the Wizard of Oz classic Somewhere Over The Rainbow after the CFDA Awards. It still amazes me how a diva as distinguished as Patti has managed to remain so warm, welcoming and personable at this stage in her career. There are plenty of other divas- included a few much younger than Patti- who would treat another singer on stage, especially one that is younger and currently more successful than them, as competition, singing all over the place to assert their dominance. But not Ms Patti. She always seems to embrace and respect whoever she's on stage with regardless of age, success or talent. Diva's take note; if you've got the goods, don't feel threatened when another female joins you on stage!

Kate Bush- Vocal Profile/ Range

Kate Bush

Vocal Type: Dramatic Soprano
Vocal Range: 4 octaves G2#-G6#
Vocal Pluses: Incredibly versatile, rich and emotive voice that has a dark, weighty timbre. The midrange is solid with a  warmth and sweetness. The belting range is clear and robust with a fiery passion and connects seamlessly to the head voice. This part of the range is bright, resonate and has the flexibility to sound operatic, contemporary or even able to mimic birdsong. Expert control over the voice means that notes can be sustained effortlessly- with or without vibrato- and pitched perfectly.
Vocal Negatives: Unique and individual singing style is not to everyone's taste.