VH1 Divas Live 2

The second installment in VH1's successful "Diva's Live" series featured Elton John, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston and Cher as the 'big name line-up' with special guests Brandy, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and 'surprise guest' Chaka Khan performing individual sets in between to keep the ball rolling. Unfortunately, with troubles plaguing the stage and production of this elaborate set-up, "VH1 DIVAS LIVE 1999" was more of a fizzler than anything.

Rumors broke out that Tina Turner and Elton John were having it out with each other over who should get the spotlight in a duet performance during rehearsals. That nasty spat lead to Tina Turner pulling out of the duet (but later rejoining him in a last-minute decision), "The Bitch Is Back" with Elton John which has resulted in the two of them currently refusing to talk to each other! Unfortunately, they were about the only sparks that were ignited throughout this limp affair that also featured Faith Hill warbling her haunting rendition of "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)" and LeAnn Rimes doing a duet with Elton on "Written In The Stars", from their "AIDA" production.

Some positive high-lights of the show would include Tina Turner singing "The Best" and "Let's Stay Together" and Cher doing "If I Could Turn Back Time". Unfortunately, by the end of the night, Elton, Tina and Cher had all fled the concert hall and were absent from the grand finale, "I'm Every Woman" that was lead by Chaka Khan and the 'bit players' who were probably shaking their heads in puzzlement at why this production was still going on. The sickest thing here though is that all the proceeds are supposedly going to charitable causes and Elton and Tina couldn't get past their prior spat to overcome their petty in-differences.

What a shame - this production had so much potential. It didn't help matters either that TLC also pulled out of performing on the show at the last minute. So to wrap up my review, I think this was the worst edition of the "DIVAS LIVE" specials to be produced.

Shame on you Tina and Elton!

This second concert in VH-1's 'Divas' series suffered from several ill-conceived ideas.

Firstly, there were too many divas in the line-up. 1998 saw only six performers, each of them an established star. This follow-up tried to cram in nine divas plus an inexplicable guest spot by Naughty By Nature's Treach. The inclusion of the younger acts may have been a ratings ploy but it meant that the show was weakened. Brandy and Faith Hill's segments were a notable lull in the proceedings and Leann Rimes' duet with Elton John was excellent but she should have left it at that. These artists had not yet done enough to earn the right to perform alongside the real divas - with the exception of Mary J. Blige, who seemed to fit into the overall show, unlike the others.

Also, the show was too long, totalling two and a half hours - the VHS and DVD versions have been heavily edited.

The main acts were good value, although the legendary Cher's contribution was very brief (3 songs) and was somewhat ruined by her decision to mime to her mega-hit, 'Believe'. In contrast, Elton John's set was lengthy, including three collaborations and two solo songs and this was when the show started to drag, not helped by Brandy and Hill. Even Whitney Houston's memorable star turn at the end could not redeem the show by then. Houston belted out two 'Bodyguard' hits and some new material and performed a storming duet with Blige.

The main reason to watch this show is for the superb performance of Tina Turner. Opening the show with her signature tune, 'The Best', and giving a powerful rendition of 'Let's Stay Together' (unforgivably omitted from the VHS/DVD releases), she struts her stuff wonderfully and does not outstay her welcome. Joined by Elton John (putting their backstage differences aside), they spark magnificently on 'The Bitch Is Back' - a great choice of song for this event.

High points: 1) Tina's entrance; 2) Cher and Tina reunited after more than 20 years during 'Proud Mary'; 3) Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige exchange hollers on 'Ain't No Way'. Low points: 1) Brandy; 2) Elton John plugs his new musical; 3) Chaka Khan's wailing in the finale.

If I were you, I would watch the first half hour of this show and then go and do something else until Whitney Houston. Otherwise it's mind-numbing.