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Not only that maybe she regularly attends worship service and maybe Mariah does not. Also maybe Mariah felt intimidated or she just wanted Aretha to shine. Who knows?
@@mjdin4705 I 💯 doubt she felt like she couldn’t keep up with Celine’s vocals cause Mariah was that girl but She said she loved Aretha and was inspired by Aretha and she didn’t think she should be trying to rift it off with Aretha cause she the Queen…. Mariah was most likely proud to stand next to Aretha and watch her sing live and sing with her more than anything!
You don’t love Celine Dion at all if you don’t think she’s versatile. Céline Dion is very good with jazz and rock and country, as well as some reggae. She’s also great at some flamenco singing and yodeling.
Celine is versatile, she admitted from an early age she could sing any type of music and liked different styles. She was right. Stop trying to shade her.
Simply put: Celine understood the assignment. Mariah was probably embarrassed because the last person that anyone would have guessed held their own against Aretha. She still lost, but she proved that she can hang with the Queen.
She understood the assignment. I will always pick Mariah over her because of her looks and her sound, but she was just mad that a French white woman outshined her.
Especially if you look at the Natural Woman performance, like, Celine was singing TO Aretha, and looking at Aretha for the majority of the song. And Aretha noticed and started doing these beautiful runs to compliment Celine's singing. Aretha did this for all the singers but more quietly so as to not sing over them, but she realized she didn't have to do that with Celine.
Celine kept her eye on the Queen… just in case the Queen gave her the nod… she didn’t want to miss it. She did her homework and understood the assignment
Huge lamb here and I can definitely say Mariahs insecurities were peaking! Everyone expected her to be the "dueling diva" that night, even Aretha. Which Im sure is why Aretha only wanted a duet with her. But Mariah's voice was not in good shape. Instead of admitting that, she plays it off as she was showing respect. Aretha was the Queen, so regardless of who stepped up, no one will be able to over shadow the Queen. Celine and Aretha did exactly what you would see in a black church
I'm an obsessed Mariah fan and I will be biased for her forever except for this one... I can't defend her justification about this sing off. I could understand if she just admitted her voice that night was not at its best condition. However, she shaded Celine who was simply answering Aretha's request. She really doesn't have to say negative about her. She was showing insecurity. 🤦😪 It was very off... I was like "My Queen, Mariah, Noooo!!! Shut your mouth". 🙁😩
Damn lamb. I’m right there with you. It’s actually a very cringe moment in our lamb history lol. She simply was at a state where she was vocally tired and was insecure. Celine was in excellent vocal health at the time and she delivered.
Yeah, it's ironic. If Mariah did understand the assignment, she was too nervous or not in good enough vocal condition to accept the challenge. It sounds like she's still bitter about not having it in her that night to have a vocal exchange with Aretha. I do think Mariah was so in awe of Aretha that she probably didn't think anyone should outsing her or even match her. But because Celine did, Mariah's bitter it wasn't her doing it 😂
Céline grew up singing with her family at home. Answering the call and just riff was nothing new to her. Mariah has been a studio-kid since she was 16. She didn't grow up with gospel.
Perfect analysis!! Straight facts!! I’ve always said that Aretha’s initial reaction said everything. And thank god this happened otherwise it would’ve been boring and anticlimactic especially for gospel. Like you mentioned Whitney and other r&b soul gospel would always pop off together, just look at Whitney and cece winans for example. They would’ve done the same. Céline is confident. It’s what we all wanted and needed haha
Thanks for this video! Celine Dion’s been a vocal titan since the early 1980s. It makes perfect sense - and was no surprise at all - that she accepted Aretha’s invitation and created such an iconic moment. ❤️ Mariah’s comments over the years stem from her insecurity about this night. Celine is so kind and never shades anybody.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Celine's amazing French career. Go check out some of her iconic songs. ruclips.net/video/_LTsjwiTN7w/видео.html
Mariah is an artist with a big voice, while Céline is a big voice. This is why Mariah fought for her artistic freedom from musical label and seeks to bigger control of her art, to the detriment of the commercial aspect of her music. .While Celine was mostly a follower, keeping it safe and just dwelling on the sound that had been previously established by previous music divas, ensuring commercial gains for her label. Mariah is a trendsetter and risk taker, which is how she pioneered the pop hip hop collaboration that later became one of the most mainstream formats. Cause Mariah has music in her DNA, she had music not only in her throat (voice) but also in her brain (musicianship). Céline never had this artistic bone, then never needed Mariah's musical freedom. She was contented to play the music industry's game and go the easy way. No wonder why Celine's very first English album, Unison, has the same quality and style as her very recent album Courage. That's why it's harder for Celine today to get the respect and recognitions that Mariah have gotten, on some talent ratings. Playing the industry game" for Mariah would be remaining a Pop singer like Celine sticking with the Music Box sound ( Pop / adult contemporary music that are consumed much more globally than R&B/ urban music) being a label puppet while also remain married to Mottola... Had that happened ,just maybe, she'd be the Biggest selling female artist on the planet today but her legacy would be NOWHERE near as impactful as it is now. And the relative respect and recognitions she get now would never happen. It's actually comforting that she's managed to stay relevant and remain an A-lister without being like the others who have taken the commercial road.
@@tripfoumi7402 Celine Dion's career and her global impact is immense... and she is highly respected as an artist. Her career is full of true artistry. Her French album D'eux is considered to be one of the greatest French albums of all time -- and she is the greatest selling French speaking artist of all time. She sings in numerous languages and numerous styles of music… on top of being a master vocalist / interpreter. She literally learned a new language (English) and then dominated the album charts in the 1990s. Her English albums are more in line with those of Whitney Houston -- showcasing her magnficent vocal abilities. And her track record speaks for itself... Grammys, singing numerous Academy Award winning/nominated songs like Beauty and the Beast, Because You Loved Me, The Prayer, and My Heart Will Go On from Titanic, etc. Her album sales are monumental and haven't even been updated to reflect the true number. But on top of all of that... Celine's gifts and contributions to music are highly regarded and will continue to be recognized. She received an Honoary Doctorate in music from Berklee College of Music, she received the Medal of Honour in France, the list is endless. She's been considered a master vocalist and artist by such world-class producers as Phil Spector, Jean-Jacques Goldman, and Sir George Martin (the Beatles). Sometimes Mariah fans try to diminish Celine Dion... and Whitney Houston... and it's frustating when it's clear they didn't do their homework. They make generalizations and make inaccurate assumptions about her body of work. I see it all the time on these RUclips comments. It gets old. Thankfully, there's a new documentary in the works about Celine by an Oscar-winning director that will surely showcase a lot of Celine's incredible career highlights... in addition to her personal hardships over the past few years. From rising out of poverty… to having the Colosseum at Caesars Palace built for her show and having the two most successful Las Vegas residencies of all time... to having the biggest movie song of all time... to working with everyone from Pavarotti to Andrea Bocelli... to having songs in Japanese, German, Spanish, French, English, etc. … to reinventing herself as a fashion icon… it's going to be an amazing documentary. Celine has built her career on timeless classics. In many languages. And her songs will stand the test of time.
@@smw4020 As an music act and vocalist, Celine was a great power ballad singer at her prime. but very one-dimensional, ,then musically she's not very interesting. Even her work in other languages are one-dimensional, she can only highlight power belting, on her singing. She doesn't master other singing areas, regardless the language she sings in. That must be why in many list and ranks of best singers/ best voices, or greatest singers, she's never putted par with Mariah and Whitney. Many music critics don't really like Céline because as an artist she's not an inventive and creative musician. She almost never writes any of her material ( she co-wrote 4 or 5 obscure songs out of a discography consting on almost a thousand of songs) . And she only sings over schmaltzy music that a lot of people view as a boring music. I mean, come on she already has a long ass career and never reinvent herself, same music, same style, same topic ( love and heart ) ,just a different song. People' love her when it comes to listening power ballads inngeneral. But to listen to all her albums with the same style and same kind of music over and over ( pop / ballads/ adult contemporary / some uptempo tracks) , and around love and heart broken lyrics ?? No, it's gonna be very annoying and jarring. An artist needs to grow, evolve, and honestly she never really grow (beside picking a best songwriter to wrote her music and producer to produce her song). She never took major risk in her international career, musically and artistically, she has stayed in the comfort zone of Pop music forever.
I've always felt that this was a perfect showcase of the way Aretha, Celine and Mariah operate as live performers and how that represents their brands and legacy as well. Aretha was always a virtuoso, making the live performances an opportunity for reinterpretations and developments on the template of the record. But she also always had a tendency to try and outdo people which stems from a place of knowing how good you are but also a little insecurity. Her relationship with artists like Patti Labelle and Dione Warwick reflect that. But she never shies away from dynamic live performances. Mariah performs best by herself in a live setting, unless she's performing with her own backing singers. Of all the duets she has sung, every performance shows how Mariah typically takes a submissive style of performance where she usually sticks to tried and tested vocal stylings. And if she had to perform with someone of equal stature or talent she invariably takes a more reserved approach, and often does not rise to the level of the other performer as evidenced by her live performances with Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston and Boys To Men. She's best by herself. Celine has made a career out of live duets. She's supremely confident in her talents and technique as a singer and has duetted most prolifically throughout the career, and the number of ensemble performances are also astounding especially when you notice that almost every single time her voice stands out by the sheer quality of it, be it in the Divas concert version of You've Gotta Friend, her performance at the Michael Jackson family thingy, Aren't They All Our Children After All etc or her many many duets. She's extremely comfortable sharing the stage with others. On this night this was on full display. Aretha was holding court, Celine was having the time of her life sharing the stage with TWO of her idols, while Mariah was playing it extremely safe and not understanding Aretha's expectations. Aretha probably went into the night thinking she and Mariah would demonstrate the gospel vocal fireworks, but Mariah constantly underperformed. Her voice was starting its steady decline at this point, and she already had trouble keeping pace with other exceptional singers. There were insecurities that stemmed from it which is why SHE is the one who never got over it. Aretha recognised that Céline was the only one who could probably understand the assignment as Celine has always been a huge Aretha fan but also not shy about showing off that gorgeous instrument. While she may not have grown up in the gospel style of singing, she did study great singers and has always been most comfortable performing live on stage and trying crazy things with her voice, and on top of that this was her peak in a way. So that's how Aretha ended up in a gospel sing-off with the whitest person in pop music and yet ended up creating magic. We can also add another layer here. That night, Carole King was Céline's personal guest. During Natural Woman, she was supposed to open the song but Aretha sang over her and took the part, and kept on singing over the others. It wouldn't surprise me if Céline was a wee bit irritated by that because she spent the rest of the night going toe-to-toe with Aretha, lick to lick. Céline is spicy like that.
EXCELLENT analysis! I think you nailed it. The Queen summoned, Celine answered. Well done, Celine! Whitney is my number 1 but I've never had any problem with Celine. Celine's voice is GORGEOUS, she's a wonderful live performer, and she always gives respect and appreciation. I have NO problems with Celine.
All I'm gonna say is this. Aretha enjoyed singing with Celine that night so much that she personally requested Celine to sing at any tribute made to her. Which was confirmed by her estate that Aretha picked her before her death. Mariah was no where to be named. Just saying.
@@johnteprice6484 In an interview before her death concerning Idol etc. she shaded Mariah but said Whitney had a gift. I think Mariahs ego in her book makes them seem closer than they were.
Celine didn't do anything wrong. She basically did what Mariah was supposed to do, but didn't when the chance came. Celine looked over at the two and took notice. Mariah had two opportunities and missed one, then barely did it the second try. Then she looked to Celine to come and sing together and of course Celine came and made the duet iconic. Celine pretty much understood the assignment. 🤷♂💖
This confirms what I've been saying, Mariah's ego was hurt that night cause she didn't step up to the plate and she never got over it. BUT Celine understood the assignment and that's why I love Celine for it. She wasn't scared to go toe to toe with Aretha she proved that during the Natural Woman performance which is why I believe Aretha also gravitated toward her once she seen Mariah was holding up the wall lol
Mariah was coming from I would say a very religious fan of whom she would revere as one of THE GREATEST point of view! Now, if she just wants Aretha to shine that night only and then someone tries to break that idea/vision of hers, she'll find it offensive and disrespectful. It's like a jealous fan kind of attitude you know.
@@parisybrahim2718yeah just like charice, celine supports charice and I've heard a rumor that mariah dont like ariana because ariana is like copying her? Idk 😊
Aretha also shouted “good child of mine” & “I’m loving this” to Celine after she answered her call. Also Aretha personally invited Celine to sing at her memorial concert in 2019, not Mariah! It says EVERYTHING. The fact that she brought this up over and over again shading and dragging Celine out of her insecurities in the 20 plus years since it happened also says EVERYTHING.
Did you watch the Mariah Aretha duet that night ? She could, it was okay and Mariah was the only singer chosen by Aretha to duet with, I think she was a bit jealous towards Celine , and I'm a Mariah super fan.
Great video! There is also the longer unedited TV broadcast where Aretha actually says to Celine (whose microphone is set down)...."if you'd be so bold, to come on out here" while staring at Celine. Celine had to pick her mic back up and answer Aretha's call. And as you pointed out, Aretha pulled Mariah up on to the front of the stage first. People seem to forget that part of the story. I really don't believe Celine brought her ego into this moment at all.
@@lanzinator4734look for the track “Testimony” - which was performed after the credits faded by. It’s a long song, but it does provide more context for what we saw that night.
True! I was vibrating with excitement when Celine answered Aretha’s call because of all the Divas during the concert, Celine can match the level of vocal prowess of Aretha.
Mariah keeps bringing this up, I'm not sure why. My only suspicion is, Mariah wasn't in a comfortable vocal place to risk it that night and is still disappointed
Mariah doesn’t bring this up. She mentioned as one of the most important moments in her life and mentioned to clear her opinion about the moment. In her whole career she talked about this like 3 times since it happened, and it was because they asked her or because she had to.
@@VOM27 The way Mariah talks about this particular moment in such detail and with such a personal understanding of it, does not come out as a "oh damn I have to answer to this again" kind of response ... we all know Mariah likes to express certain things that are always rooted on both Tommy and Sony Music ... but what Mariah sometimes forgets is that Celine is no J Lo... and she should really target her critcism towards the right people ... Celine was never and would be be that type of person and Mariah knows that.
@@divatalk9011 She explained the moment in general, not particularly that situation, there are more positive words that she wrote about that night than the negative ones, but people always try to focus on the minimum
@@mclambangel idk it's still so weird that mariah gives this moment enough importance to include in a biography about her life. Like, Céline has released two biographic books since then and the divas night is not mentioned not even once lmfao. There's no way I can believe celine riffing it off with Aretha was a shaping moment in mariah's life. Her singing with Aretha, yes. But all those words about another artist who has never hurt her in the least? Seems unreasonable
This matter is long overdue, if someone should've been angry about that moment is Aretha, and she wasn't. Celine herself was asked to sing at Aretha's tribute in 2019.
Even if it was during 1993-1996 which was Mariah’s best vocal period she would not step forward with Aretha because she always had this childish thing of fangirling Aretha too much to the point of threating her like an immaculate goddess. I think she felt “offended” as a fan by someone trying to challenge Aretha and to divide the main role with her on her own tribute. I understand Aretha was her idol, but she never needed to outshine her, just to enter into the flow. Mariah could talk with based arguments about SEVERAL moments of Celine being extra and exaggerating a lot, that one was not one of them since Celine was called for that and the moment required it.
I don’t think even in her prime piercing high belts that both celine and Aretha can do were her thing . For example the high belts in her daydream tour are very beautiful - a prettier sound than Aretha or celine - but not sure sufficiently piercing or powerful to be suited to this type of vocal battle
@@Sim882 It was not a battle of power or piercing vocals, it was a show off. Mariah’s style is different from both Celine and Aretha, she could have added her own twist during her prime when she had ease with F#5s.
@@OnlyEmerald Mariah’s biggest idol is Stevie Wonder, and then Aretha at second. Anyways, an adult acting as if she was a child/teenager fangirling to the point of putting someone at an untoucheable goddess position is not pretty mature of hers, so yeah, it’s really childish. Having an idol is not an excuse to act as an irrational and illogical animal.
@@az0963818 it really was. Aretha was the most "legendary" artist there, the finale was all of them singing an Aretha (and Carole King) song, and then Aretha lead them into "Testimony". it wasn't a "tribute" but she was the Grand Diva that night and that was her grand moment. nobody could upstage that, and even notoriously jealous/shady Aretha wouldn't have cared if they tried (see Céline during the Natural Woman performance, then this)
It's true that we all consider that mariah carey threw some shade on Céline Dion. But Mariah send her flowers and did a Twitter post when Céline lost her husband. She even praised the power of love of Céline Dion when she was a judge on American Idol. She just talked about the moment and of she felt. But she never threw shade on Céline Dion again for anything else
@@mjdin4705 so? Apart from that hasn't she praised Céline Dion songs and even told that Céline asked to do acpuncture to get pregnant? When Céline Dion Lost her husband in 2016 wasn't she the one that send her condolences and send her flowers? We all throw shade to someone even if it's just once in our lives. But they moved on.
@@mjdin4705ya mamas a whore who should’ve swallowed. Mariah is the best selling artist of the 90s and has more number hits than anyone in this video. Her success speaks for itself.
Yes!!! Perfect analysis! The real reason Mariah has been saying this mess for all these years - amongst many other messy things - is that she couldn’t actually hang vocally. That’s just the truth. She always sounds incredible when she’s on record, lip syncing or backed by forged-in-church background singers. Her chops are not comparable to Whitney or Celine. Aretha - arguably the woman who mainstreamed this style of vocals needed a partner out there. Celine was THE ONLY ONE capable.
I'm so glad you did this!! I've been saying for years, if you watch closely and listen closely, Aretha basically made it clear Celine and Mariah had been tapped. You can see as SOON as Celine came in, Aretha literally turnt it up. Celine had such reverence for Aretha -shes always talked about her with such respect. I think Aretha gave it back to her this evening.
I’m one of those real fans so as much as I love Mariah…this is the only time I won’t defend her. I get wanting to respect Aretha and that’s her “idol” but in a setting like “ VH1 DIVAS” you gotta RESPECT yet still show out!!!. I know Mariah appreciates Gospel and I know she incorporates that into her sound but she wasn’t raised in church like Aretha, Whitney,Patti, fantasia, so she doesn’t know the culture yet still being a listener of Gospel music you should be able to pick things up and incorporate it into your own. In this case Celine did what was NEEDED 🤷🏾♂️ and I think real fans who aren’t delusional would say the same thing.
this goes to show that no matter how accomplished you are in life, you would still have insecurities. but making another person look bad because of those insecurities? VERY WRONG.
The problem with Mariah here was that she had so much reverence for Aretha Franklin (who she has consistently throughout her career said were among her biggest inspirations along with Whitney Houston and Sarah Vaughan) that she wouldn't dare think of upstaging her. Aretha was her mentor! So her interpretation of what Celine did was disrespectful because in Mariah's mind, Celine is not Aretha's peer. However, as the video correctly points out, Celine was not trying to upstage Aretha, but to join her as asked. It wasn't that Celine misunderstood the assignment, it's that Mariah did.
That being said, Celine has sang numerous R&B songs throughout her English albums. She basically was a Canadian version of Whitney. If you dig into her catalog it doesn't take long to see Dion's influences: Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, & Aretha Franklin.
Celine wasn't coming for the Queen...she was doing exactly what Aretha was asking for... A gospel call and response.she literally kept ad-libbing "help me lift him" and Celine stepped to the call..the way Mariah addressed the whole thing in her book was so weird to mem.....it comes across insecure
@@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 She wouldnt be starting useless fights with other female entertainers and feeling the need to belittle and shade them if she wasnt
@thisnigerianlovesdrinkingg4522 Exactly! Thats just how MAriah alledgedly felt. Maybe she was just intimidated cuz her voice wasnt all there that night but impose your own insecurities on women like Celine.
Thank you for clearing this up!!! Mariah simply respected Aretha, plus her vocal state at the time. Aretha literally invited Celine! Sure Aretha wasn’t in 70’s vocal shape, and Celine got excited. Simple as that.
@@omargonzales9344 Exactly. She smokes since 12 years old. Her Amazing Grace voice (her prime, a F#5 was a peace of cake for her, and her skills was in skys), without the smoking and the abuser husband, should endured 10-15 years instead of 3. Same with Whitney, that the drugs and smoke destroyed her voice. Céline´s case was because of her overtouring (since her early career she had this problem).
This has got to be, to my eyes and ears, the most iconic singing or vocal exchange moment in music history. Besides, apart from having one of the most beautiful and recognizable voices ever, I believe most people admire Céline Dion worldwide for her wisdom, her respectful attitude towards her peers and her kind heart generally speaking. She always tries to find the good in people. She is my greatest inspiration for that. The world needs more people like Céline ❤. May God protect her🙏🙏.
what a perfect explanation of this moment. i remember watching this and as a huge mariah fan it was kind of a letdown for her not to answer the call. celine really stepped up to the plate though. it was chilling, and you know aretha was getting her life.
Thank you! It is shameful that Mimi has -- for decades -- tried to obscure her shortcomings as a performer with this petty criticism of Celine. Celine understood the assignment.
Carole King also said in the interview, "That is Aretha's song, and she is rightly, the star of the song." I feel like the lack of rehearsals from Aretha is what caused her to step over Carole and everyone else's part that night. Aretha definitely slayed it at the end the way she took it to church.
Hear how effortless, free and agile Celine does those riffs and runs at the end! Very impressive. Aretha was feeling it and they sounded really good and harmonious bouncing off each other. Mariah not so much, this woman is very calculated with everything that comes from her mouth. Lots of thought and preparations before execution. Not a 'free' singer.
I kinda think Celine was very polite and appropriate. I would risk to say she could outsang even Aretha that night - if she just wanted. She was respectfull because she is like 20-30 years younger.
Whew lord. This comment section is about to be on and poppin’, I know it! 😂 I pretty much agree with Milik’s take on this and I’m a fan of Mariah’s. Even if Mariah’s voice was in great shape that night she would’ve still stepped back and allow Aretha to do her thing. Mariah was fangirling Aretha all throughout Chain of Fools (“All hail the queen!”), and was in awe of her idol. I don’t get why 20-plus years later she continues to throw shade at Celine for doing exactly what Aretha wanted her to do: some flat-footed sangin’!
I don’t buy it. It’s nearly disrespectful when you think about it, being invited twice and backing out. Celine would have been fangirling too but was respectful enough to answer the call. The simple answer is that Mariah’s voice either wasn’t in good shape at that point or she knew that wasn’t something she could do on the spot and she’s always been a very clever vocalist so she backed out disrespectfully.
@@squarcircle2254 "The simply answer is that Mariah’s voice wasn’t in good shape at that point and she’s always been a very clever vocalist." I don't think Mariah backed down because of her vocal condition that night; she backed down because she held her idol in high reverence. In her mind, stepping up to the plate and attempting to out-run and out-belt the woman who birthed the entire vocal vocabulary of modern popular singing would not only be disrespectful but assinine. Mariah has never been the type of singer to showboat or out-sing someone in a duet, even in her prime. If you look at all of her duets in her prime, she sticks to the melody and never embellishes to overshadow her duet partner. Mariah was influenced by Gospel, but she didn't learn her chops in the church. So while the kind of thing Aretha was calling her to do is very common to Aretha's tradition, Mariah would've felt out of place and considered it disrespectful to do a sing-off. Also, you could tell by Mariah's face during the whole "Testimony" segment that she found Celine Dion goofy and embarrassing, as none of those runs sounded believable. Mariah has insecurities, and her confidence on stage depends on her vocal state. However, even if Diva's Live was in 95-96, she would've done the same thing. There's a reason why Mariah still hasn't recorded a duet with her other idol, Stevie Wonder, who has begged her to do it since the 90s. She thinks of herself as too much of a student who wouldn't dare challenge or overshadow her teacher.
I think Mariah backed down because of insecurities. Plain and simple. Doesn’t mean she didn’t revere Aretha. Actually, Mariah’s voice was fine that night, idk why the narrative is that she somehow was in poor voice. And if Mariah understood the moment, then there’s no reason to shade Celine.
@@starlight0002 I can agree that it was both insecurities and respect out of Aretha. She did sound fine that night. Maybe not of the standards she set in the years before Diva’s Live, but she sounded great on My All, Make It Happen, and Chain of Fools. I just don’t think she’s the type of singer who feels confident enough to do the call-and-response singing that Aretha was trying to bring out of her. In one interview back in the 90s, I remember she brought up how she loves listening to Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Clark Sisters, Tramaine Hawkins, .etc, and these were singers that could, I quote, “sing her under the table.” She often feels like she isn’t equal to the singers she revered and studied. Sometimes I wish Mariah had cultivated her singing in church. I’m sure that would’ve done wonders for her confidence. But then, I doubt she would’ve retreated into songwriting. I’m sure much of her artistry would’ve been focused solely on vocals as her form of expression and maybe very little on songwriting.
@@jamals.8786 I still find it disrespectful, especially given that Aretha was honoring her by inviting her on two occasions. To call someone to come up and share your platform is a gesture of great respect (just like what happened in Oprah’s Sunday Brunch). To turn it down, multiple times, and your voice is fine? That’s the highest disrespect, so Mariah is in position to at all to even mention Celine’s name. Yes, Mariah didn’t grow up in church but she would have been around gospel enough to know exactly what Aretha was doing, especially being American and all (it’s a very American gospel thing to do). So it’s not an excuse. I mean, Celine, also a fan of Aretha, who’s Canadian (so shouldn’t understand the American way more than Mariah), and who didn’t even have a gospel background at all, understood what Aretha was trying to doing. It was clear as day. And she did it. She honored Aretha that night more so than Aretha’s supposed super fan. That’s the equivalent of offering a handshake to your supposed super fan and they decline it twice because they were so mesmerized by you but then throw a tantrum when you offer a handshake to another fan who honors you back by shaking your hand. And prime Mariah could definitely out sing those women you mentioned in many aspects of singing. Her tone, range, agility, clarity, technique, support, etc would knock them out. But in the same breath they also have had some strengthens over her like resonance and power.
I loved Mariah's book, but I also really felt that this whole "dueling diva" bit was completely sad, bitter and unnecessary. I really hope Mariah reconsiders and it's removed from future re-editions of the book, even if it's too late for that now...
I dont think she needs to remove anything. She’s allowed to feel certain way and have her own perspective ( we all do, we all are subjective). You as a reader can have your own perspective too, you can disagree
@@simong8527 She can feel whatever way she likes, doesnt change the fact that Aretha called on Celine. If we're to accuse anyone of over singing, it's Aretha who didn't let Carole King sing her part
@@popland1977 I agree, yet she's allowed to make wrong accusations (i.e. have her own perspective), it doesn't affect our lives, come on now. It's her book, not Book of TRUTH
That's true, Aretha wanted to have A moment only with Mariah but She didn't give it to her, maybe cause her insegurities or so much respect she has to her Idol, but Celine stood foward and gave us the moment that Aretha was looking for. Sometimes opportunities appear once in life :(
This is a very interesting topic to me. People often say Mariah was/is salty because her voice wasn't in its best condition that night, so she stepped back. However, I think it's more about the respecting Aretha thing. Sure, she was hoarse, but still gave us My all, Make it happen, and Chain of fools, which, in the undubbed version, she sounded far louder (though she "cracked" during the "I might be weak" part, fixed in the dub). All that said, I still think it was uncalled for to throw shade at Céline, especially in her memoir. She was only doing what Aretha asked and that's it.
@@devanshepard9118 Christina always been bitchy towards other celebrities, look at what she did o Mary J Blidge. She's always been disrespectful towards others, many people in the industry despire her more than Mariah.
@@attachingconsciousness Oh, no, no, no. Okey, this is not about Christina, but she adored Mariah. She called her "My Idol, Miss Mariah Carey". I love Mariah too, but it's no secret how insecure she is. By the way, the Mary's topic is cooked separately.
@@CarritoCid Christina in the early 2000s was having erratic behaviours everybody, and so was Mariah. Mariah because of her bipolar disorder, and Christina because she was protected by her label and the industry, not in the same way as Britney who was shielded. Christina behaved like a spoiled child and many people know that. I love Christina, really enjoy her music and voice, but she really "came" for Mariah first.
Thank you for doing this video. It is very loving . Celine is a humble human.She loves music and loves Aretha. What she did that night was beautiful and playful and for everyone that wishes to see through the eyes of love can see that it was all about fun and expression of their soul. Those runs Celine did with Aretha are so epic that we still watch that performance yeaaarss later….That’s how epic that night was. Bless your soul Celine. Thanks for stepping in that night when Aretha asked for it ❤
I'm glad you were able to break this down so easily. A lot of people don't understand performance dynamic between musicians, and the most important thing many people don't know is that the in the art of playing live, music is a CONVERSATION between the performers. Whether you are playing an instrument or using the physical instrument that is your voice, you are always watching the lead and paying attention for CUES, so that you know WHEN and HOW they want to change direction. It's a very difficult task to do so spontaneously if you either A) are not prepared aka too shy B) your voice isn't in condition to flex or C) you weren't paying attention to the cues. All the singers on that stage have their own strengths, but Celine, in particular, is very well versed in the art of live duet performance, and for years also had segments in her own shows where she riffs off of her musicians to show their virtuosity (and her vocal dexterity), so she definitely understood the assignment as soon as Queen threw out that cue. This was a Master Class where Celine was definitely paying attention to was was boing communicated- and when Professor Queen Aretha called, Celine raised her hand and said, " I'M PRESENT, M'am!" and proceeded to the front of the class.
Celine is the kindest people in the industry.. She wouldn't hurt a fly.. Mariah, on the other hand.. Multiple reports of diva behavior and being difficult
i rather agree with this - but it doesn’t just apply to gospel, in my opinion. i have done exactly the same thing in both musical theatre and in opera - while warming up and practising particular sequences. i encouraged another singer to ‘go with me’. You really /learn/ like this and you share how you interpret and embellish a musical score etc.
This happened at the Grammys for the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack performance where Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, CeCe Winas and Brandy all song together and went back and forth all having an extensive gospel moment and they all tore up that stage and left no crumbs that night 😂😂😂😂
"One of the divas didn't understand the culture of the court, and tried to come for the Queen." Uh, excuse me Mariah, but gospel singing is all about inviting someone forward and having a good time. It is about showing off your vocals to lift up God's name. It is a celebration, not a funeral. Celine did just that. If anything, you didn't understand the culture of the court.
I totally agree with this video and I am a huge Mariah fan. I have been from the very beginning, but I disagree strongly with Mariah in saying that Celine was coming for Aretha. Saying that is quite a nasty narrative to set and unnecessary. She wasn’t doing any such thing. She was having fun and vocally riffing with Aretha… Aretha to me, seems to very much appreciate this vocal interaction as I think it was getting boring until Celine joined her in the riff-off. I agree that this is what she was trying to engage Mariah in and Mariah just came across as boring, and frankly, like a nervous backup singer. Whereas Celine rose to the occasion and I think Mariah has sour grapes about that.
Mariah is loved by both white and blacks while most black people only know like two Celine dion songs. Mariah has been on bet, Ebony magazine and jet. Mariah is definitely the culture while Celine tries to be.
@@cressapellom4205Mariah is exceptional. But she was wrong here. Celine has the musicality and voice to switch up genres of need be, which is what she did here. She was able to hang, which made Mariah Very bitter.
I love the "practical" analysis videos so much, and- as much as I love Mariah (and all the divas there)- I've been saying that Celine was the ONLY one who had the right response. I never noticed that Retha called her til you pointed it out, but that's exactly what happened. I think Retha may have been aware enough of Celine's vocal ability because she went to no one but Celine after Mariah! That's no competition- that's respect and fellowship!
Thanx for the explanation Even the lambest Mariah fan knows that Mimi is wrong when she tries to diss or shade Celine for her feat. on Aretha's Testimony. Celine would never refuse that invitation!
@@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 She was right in stepping back 'cause she knew she couldn't keep up with the REAL VOICES.. all that jive talkin' about Mariah showing respect for Aretha is just an excuse for Mimi's fail
I’m a big Mariah fan, and I understand growing up very insecure in life due to circumstances we had no control over, plus at the time she was having vocal problems, so for her I think she was just overwhelmed by that particular moment emotionally and she never really let it go. Mariah is someone that has grown a lot over the years, but she’s just as susceptible to deep rooted trauma as anyone else that takes decades of constant self reflection and therapy to fully heal from, and even then complete healing for that level of trauma is not likely in one lifetime. You can see it in the way she performs actually. She never had the same confidence or stage presence as someone like Whitney or Celine, and that’s due to a lot of pain and insecurity from pain always weighing down on her. It’s very difficukt to deliver optimally and overall behave in life with that kind of baggage. It also shows in her songwriting and producing abilities. Mariah’s deep rooted pain inspired her to be more involved in her music. For someone like Celine, Celine didn’t have much holding her back emotionally or vocally live back then, so she understood Aretha’s cue and made it a diva moment as intended. Mariah back then, and possibly still now, just didn’t have that same security. Deep rooted trauma causes a lot of reactions that on the surface most people don’t understand, and it’s very easy to judge from the outside instead of wanting to understand why, so I just wish Mariah more healing and more happiness in her life.
This is such a beautiful response and perspective! Very thoughtful and empathetic of you and I completely agree with this take. Mariah, even when her vocals are in top form, has never been one to show off and really let loose on stage because she’s reserved, shy, and has issues with confidence while on stage. She has suffered from so much trauma, pain, and abuse throughout her life and you can really tell not only by her songs, but also by the way she carries herself with her defensive diva persona. You can also see it with how she’s oftentimes insecure about her looks and vocals, and is so hard on herself from her appearance and weight to the way she sounds live. So I believe a lot of these deep-rooted issues contributed to her feelings of insecurity about her vocals that night. Not at all saying that this all justifies her shade, but I truly think if we take some time to try to understand where she’s coming from and be more empathetic towards her, we wouldn’t be so quick to blast her for “being bitter” and unnecessarily shady. She’s completely entitled to her opinion on the Divas Live moment and people shouldn’t bash her for her stance. Whether her opinion comes from a place of insecurity about her own vocal condition, her unwavering reverence for Aretha, or a blend of both, she’s entitled to feeling how she feels about that night and no one who disagrees can knock her from her own views. That said, I do wish she wasn’t as savage in that excerpt of her memoir. If she really wanted to mention it, she could’ve just briefly touched on the moment by saying that she “doesn’t think anyone can come close to Aretha and no one should try, but it is what it is”, and left it at that; we would all know what she means without any savage criticism.
What a wonderfully insightful and thoughtful comment. Deep-rooted trauma has such depressing ways of preventing one from fully expressing their passions and their inner beauty in the world. But one thing that we know for sure is that Mariah has turned all of that into the most beautiful, healing, life-saving music that will continue to inspire and to heal others in the years to come. I hope that Mariah realizes and understands that 💛
Agreed. Great analysis. Mariah isn’t really a soul/gospel vocalist. She’s pop with some R&B influences, so she’s very adjacent to Aretha’s core genres. She was obviously intimidated, as she should be. Although Mariah can riff, her style choices or riffing choices are not gospel. She don’t even hear it, to imitate it for a show. Apparently, Celine hears it, even if gospel or soul aren’t her primary genres like Mariah. Celine is a superb vocalist.
Someone needs to explain to Mariah what Gospel is really all about ... Even though 1998 was a weird year for Mariah: a divorce, a record label focusing on Celine, etc , Jelousy was not only a bitch that night, but also totally uncalled for ... and Mariah shoukd know better ...
@@zazzilady Carole King said that Aretha started singing over other people's lines that they sang Natural Woman, so Celine had to step forward to make sure that she also gets to sing her part, and wasn't just invited to sing background. In gospel, people sing by instinct. You don't need someone to queue you in when to come in. You just feel the music taking over you, like the Holy Spirit Himself.
I think Mariah has had a lot of respect for Aretha, I believe that. HOWEVER I'm shocked by her choice of words on this situation 20+ years after; it's unbelievably rude to say "maybe it was a cultural gap" or "one of the divas didn't understand the culture" as if Celine did something other than exactly what Aretha had wanted Mariah to do. And in my humble opinion, Mariah wouldn't hesitate if the show had been held 2-3 years before 1998. Aretha was bothered AT ALL, look at her reaction!
I've been saying this over and over. Aretha wanted a call and response gospel-esque moment, which unfortunately Mariah wasn't up for. So the Queen went to Celine instead. Aretha enjoyed every bit of it. I don't understand why Mariah is still upset about it. Worse, she calls it lunacy.
And Celine was the biggest female musical artist at that time. That was the height of her My Heart Will Go On fame. She didn't have to "retreat" to "her place." She could have lived up to the diva stereotype, but she's a good person with reliable skills.
I know people have pointed it out, but after watching Aretha interviews, I can finally hear it for myself and Mariah DID do Aretha talking impressions in the audiobook 😂
It was a moment when Celine Dion could show her exceptional voice and technique and she did it! With power, accuracy and fluidity, next to the great Aretha Franklin! In fact opposite her. Mariah was already experiencing vocal decline and she simply couldn't, t do it. She even struggled that night. Love Mariah. She is one of a kind. Just Celine was in a better shape.
@@TheArtofBeingReacts Her voice was breaking. I think it started when she’s having a duet with Aretha with the song “Chain Of Fools” up to the end of the show (Group performance) You should see the whole show. For you to see. I think that year was Mariah’s vocal was declining maybe over use of vocals that time. That can be noticeable when she did her world tour that time.
Céline understood her role. Mariah didn’t. And she still is pressed about it 20 years later to try to insinuate stuff around that performance. That’s it.
Mariah understood the role but understood her voice was one note away from cracking for dear life so she plaued it safe and I think felt threatened by Celine
Thank you for this video! Up until now I had only heard Mariah's side of the story. I listen to Mimi's music daily, but I think she was wrong about Celine on this one...
OMG I LOVE this video! Thanks for this. Gave me a good chuckle. Aretha is the queen and Celine knows this. God I love all of these ladies! My entire inspiration. ❤❤❤
So much truth here. Agreed 100% The quotes from MAriahs book which she even recorded herself for the audio book make her look insecure with a huge ego. Not likeable. Can't believe she still goes on about this 20 some years later lol.
The reality is that even though Mariah is partly black, she was raised by her white mum in mostly white American culture. She listened to gospel and rnb music growing up, but literally, it was just that, listening to the radio and albums at home, she built a very theoretical knowledge of that music and that’s how it influenced her own music and singing. Celine on the other end grew up in a super traditional French Canadian Christian family of 15 people, where music was omnipresent not just on the radio but they would all sing together and make music all the time, when they’d be eating together etc Celine told how a typical meal would end with one of her brothers hitting his glass with his fork, creating a rhythm, and the rest of the family would continue, creating sounds with the rest of the cutlery, singing, harmonizing, taking turns, doing call and response, etc… the French Canadian culture has A LOT in common with black American rnb culture, both people were oppressed for centuries by the dominating white English-speaking leading class, both cultures found refuge in music and used singing as a way to express themselves, they’re even extremely connected in Louisiana, many French speaking people there were/are actually descendants of French Canadians that were forcefully moved there by English people, they had a big impact on the Black culture there, all of this had an influence on music that flourished in that part of the world, jazz, gospel, rnb, Rock’n’Roll. Celine is to some extent a product of that culture, she’s lived it and grew up in it. Has a lot more in common with Aretha’s musical and cultural background than one would think!
Thank you for this break-down… I’ve thought about this supposed conflict between Aretha and Celine many times over the years. This changes the context completely… and I appreciate that you were so aware of how many people we’re tracking this conflict. Lol I felt silly for giving this so much thought… This video makes me feel vindicated. I look forward to exploring more of your content.
Great video! I remember when this first happened. I never thought Celine was trying to come for Aretha. I saw two singers having fun praising the Lord like we do in gospel community. I do love Mariah and totally admire the respect and love she gives to singers like Aretha and Patti, but she misinterpreted the moment here. And perhaps missed her moment to shine with The Queen!
it is so lame for Mariah stating that - she didn`t delivered, Celine did, Celine was a class higher than Mariah that night, and still is, Mariah comes out as insecure
An interesting perspective on an event I never understood, but enjoyed a lot. I completely understand your analysis, and can see how the performance transpired. The Queen of Soul was calling on Celine to "Help me lift them", and Celine stepped up. I had the DVD and CD of this VH1 performance! A Wonderful evening, and I enjoyed every Diva! xo
Dang dude. Thak you for pointing that out. Cause yeah, Aretha's Body language is like "c'mon french girl, show me what you got." I think it's admirable that Mariah would be that humble.... But.... Aretha tried....
Exactly! Thank you for this! This ridiculous nonsense has gone on for too many years. I saw this when it first aired. Mariah had the chance, but didn't step up. She should not blame Celine for doing so. She loved Aretha and had her moment. And thank goodness she did! ❤
well, Celine was a fan of R&B Soul And Black Gospel as she was growing into her musical discovery, she said it and showed it many times. there are tons of videos here as a young Celine singing a lot of Whitney music, and videos of her singing with Patti Label. She even covered a Patti Label song on one of her earlier albums and made the popular song more popular. so YES CELINE UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT, it's the viewers that didn't. lol sorry yawl. sometimes the eyes coupled with negative thoughts will give you the wrong interpretation.
Aretha confirmed it was a good time, debunking Mariah’s thoughts on it but she still claims Celine was overstepping. I think Mariah’s criticism stems from jealousy and is used as an excuse for not carrying on with Aretha. Her voice began to decline at this time so maybe she lacked the confidence that Céline didn’t
As a mad lamb that I'm , im gonna say that Mimi was a victim of her own insecurities, theres no need to shade Celine for that. And all because she couldn't keep it up with Aretha due her vocal estate at that period of time!! She needs to grow up
Muchas gracias por el esfuerzo y dedicación al realizar este análisis, ya que no sirve a las nuevas generaciones para darnos cuenta de los estilos que no permean en la actualidad. Aún así ha estado hermoso y me gustaría saber más. ❤
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Respect!!!👏👏👏
The fact that "Celine got back in line" after the "moment" shows a lot on how much she understood the assignment ✨
Not only that maybe she regularly attends worship service and maybe Mariah does not. Also maybe Mariah felt intimidated or she just wanted Aretha to shine. Who knows?
@@lawannalw Mariah felt intimidated and lost her confidence cause she knows she could not match Aretha and Celine's vocal powers.
@@mjdin4705 I 💯 doubt she felt like she couldn’t keep up with Celine’s vocals cause Mariah was that girl but She said she loved Aretha and was inspired by Aretha and she didn’t think she should be trying to rift it off with Aretha cause she the Queen…. Mariah was most likely proud to stand next to Aretha and watch her sing live and sing with her more than anything!
@@johnteprice6484 At that time Mariah wan't at that level vocally. If it were in 1992 or 1995/96, then it would've different.
@@leumamk5259 disagree completely
I agree 100% Aretha and Celine did great together. They both are very versatile singers. It was a match !!
🎉
Celine versatile? Not too much now. But still love her
You don’t love Celine Dion at all if you don’t think she’s versatile. Céline Dion is very good with jazz and rock and country, as well as some reggae. She’s also great at some flamenco singing and yodeling.
Celine is versatile, she admitted from an early age she could sing any type of music and liked different styles. She was right. Stop trying to shade her.
Simply put: Celine understood the assignment. Mariah was probably embarrassed because the last person that anyone would have guessed held their own against Aretha. She still lost, but she proved that she can hang with the Queen.
Celine would never ever EVER disrespect her predecessors. She's always had respect for her elders
She understood the assignment. I will always pick Mariah over her because of her looks and her sound, but she was just mad that a French white woman outshined her.
Mariah is half white @@mmurph617
That why Celine Dion is our Jamaican queen
Celine did her thing. And she was studying what was going on and quickly understood the assignment.
she understood that Mariah is the backup singer
Exactly.
Especially if you look at the Natural Woman performance, like, Celine was singing TO Aretha, and looking at Aretha for the majority of the song. And Aretha noticed and started doing these beautiful runs to compliment Celine's singing. Aretha did this for all the singers but more quietly so as to not sing over them, but she realized she didn't have to do that with Celine.
Celine kept her eye on the Queen… just in case the Queen gave her the nod… she didn’t want to miss it. She did her homework and understood the assignment
And then who was invited to sing at Aretha’s tribute? It was Céline, yes. ✨
And she did a beautiful job with her tribute too.
Huge lamb here and I can definitely say Mariahs insecurities were peaking! Everyone expected her to be the "dueling diva" that night, even Aretha. Which Im sure is why Aretha only wanted a duet with her. But Mariah's voice was not in good shape. Instead of admitting that, she plays it off as she was showing respect. Aretha was the Queen, so regardless of who stepped up, no one will be able to over shadow the Queen. Celine and Aretha did exactly what you would see in a black church
She was frustrated and tried to cover the shame of now showing up at that event vocally.
I'm an obsessed Mariah fan and I will be biased for her forever except for this one... I can't defend her justification about this sing off. I could understand if she just admitted her voice that night was not at its best condition. However, she shaded Celine who was simply answering Aretha's request. She really doesn't have to say negative about her. She was showing insecurity. 🤦😪 It was very off...
I was like "My Queen, Mariah, Noooo!!! Shut your mouth". 🙁😩
You said it! 👍🏼
Damn lamb. I’m right there with you. It’s actually a very cringe moment in our lamb history lol. She simply was at a state where she was vocally tired and was insecure. Celine was in excellent vocal health at the time and she delivered.
I totally agree, and I love Mariah, but she was wrong.
big respect to you. honest and willing to accept the facts. i love mariah too but i also feel sorry for her voice that night.
I'm so happy to see that many of us Lambs think the same way
Celine even LOWERED herself and KNEELED to give deference to Miss Aretha. Celine understood the assignment and Mariah did not😂
Mariah Failed
Yeah, it's ironic. If Mariah did understand the assignment, she was too nervous or not in good enough vocal condition to accept the challenge. It sounds like she's still bitter about not having it in her that night to have a vocal exchange with Aretha. I do think Mariah was so in awe of Aretha that she probably didn't think anyone should outsing her or even match her. But because Celine did, Mariah's bitter it wasn't her doing it 😂
Céline grew up singing with her family at home. Answering the call and just riff was nothing new to her. Mariah has been a studio-kid since she was 16. She didn't grow up with gospel.
as she should, no white is anything to a black queen
Mariah was afraid when Celine step in
Perfect analysis!! Straight facts!!
I’ve always said that Aretha’s initial reaction said everything. And thank god this happened otherwise it would’ve been boring and anticlimactic especially for gospel. Like you mentioned Whitney and other r&b soul gospel would always pop off together, just look at Whitney and cece winans for example. They would’ve done the same. Céline is confident. It’s what we all wanted and needed haha
💯✔
Aretha even went on Oprah afterwards and she wasn’t the least bit pressed about this situation. It was just divas singing
@@starlight0002do you know if that's on here?
Thanks for this video! Celine Dion’s been a vocal titan since the early 1980s. It makes perfect sense - and was no surprise at all - that she accepted Aretha’s invitation and created such an iconic moment. ❤️
Mariah’s comments over the years stem from her insecurity about this night. Celine is so kind and never shades anybody.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Celine's amazing French career. Go check out some of her iconic songs. ruclips.net/video/_LTsjwiTN7w/видео.html
& one of her most iconic French performances: ruclips.net/video/X66V_hHo-yw/видео.html
Mariah is an artist with a big voice, while Céline is a big voice. This is why Mariah fought for her artistic freedom from musical label and seeks to bigger control of her art, to the detriment of the commercial aspect of her music.
.While Celine was mostly a follower, keeping it safe and just dwelling on the sound that had been previously established by previous music divas, ensuring commercial gains for her label.
Mariah is a trendsetter and risk taker, which is how she pioneered the pop hip hop collaboration that later became one of the most mainstream formats. Cause Mariah has music in her DNA, she had music not only in her throat (voice) but also in her brain (musicianship).
Céline never had this artistic bone, then never needed Mariah's musical freedom.
She was contented to play the music industry's game and go the easy way.
No wonder why Celine's very first English album, Unison, has the same quality and style as her very recent album Courage.
That's why it's harder for Celine today to get the respect and recognitions that Mariah have gotten, on some talent ratings.
Playing the industry game" for Mariah would be remaining a Pop singer like Celine sticking with the Music Box sound ( Pop / adult contemporary music that are consumed much more globally than R&B/ urban music) being a label puppet while also remain married to Mottola... Had that happened ,just maybe, she'd be the Biggest selling female artist on the planet today but her legacy would be NOWHERE near as impactful as it is now.
And the relative respect and recognitions she get now would never happen.
It's actually comforting that she's managed to stay relevant and remain an A-lister without being like the others who have taken the commercial road.
@@tripfoumi7402 Celine Dion's career and her global impact is immense... and she is highly respected as an artist. Her career is full of true artistry. Her French album D'eux is considered to be one of the greatest French albums of all time -- and she is the greatest selling French speaking artist of all time. She sings in numerous languages and numerous styles of music… on top of being a master vocalist / interpreter. She literally learned a new language (English) and then dominated the album charts in the 1990s.
Her English albums are more in line with those of Whitney Houston -- showcasing her magnficent vocal abilities. And her track record speaks for itself... Grammys, singing numerous Academy Award winning/nominated songs like Beauty and the Beast, Because You Loved Me, The Prayer, and My Heart Will Go On from Titanic, etc. Her album sales are monumental and haven't even been updated to reflect the true number.
But on top of all of that... Celine's gifts and contributions to music are highly regarded and will continue to be recognized. She received an Honoary Doctorate in music from Berklee College of Music, she received the Medal of Honour in France, the list is endless.
She's been considered a master vocalist and artist by such world-class producers as Phil Spector, Jean-Jacques Goldman, and Sir George Martin (the Beatles).
Sometimes Mariah fans try to diminish Celine Dion... and Whitney Houston... and it's frustating when it's clear they didn't do their homework. They make generalizations and make inaccurate assumptions about her body of work. I see it all the time on these RUclips comments. It gets old.
Thankfully, there's a new documentary in the works about Celine by an Oscar-winning director that will surely showcase a lot of Celine's incredible career highlights... in addition to her personal hardships over the past few years. From rising out of poverty… to having the Colosseum at Caesars Palace built for her show and having the two most successful Las Vegas residencies of all time... to having the biggest movie song of all time... to working with everyone from Pavarotti to Andrea Bocelli... to having songs in Japanese, German, Spanish, French, English, etc. … to reinventing herself as a fashion icon… it's going to be an amazing documentary.
Celine has built her career on timeless classics. In many languages. And her songs will stand the test of time.
@@smw4020 As an music act and vocalist, Celine was a great power ballad singer at her prime. but very one-dimensional, ,then musically she's not very interesting.
Even her work in other languages are one-dimensional, she can only highlight power belting, on her singing. She doesn't master other singing areas, regardless the language she sings in.
That must be why in many list and ranks of best singers/ best voices, or greatest singers, she's never putted par with Mariah and Whitney.
Many music critics don't really like Céline because as an artist she's not an inventive and creative musician. She almost never writes any of her material ( she co-wrote 4 or 5 obscure songs out of a discography consting on almost a thousand of songs) . And she only sings over schmaltzy music that a lot of people view as a boring music. I mean, come on she already has a long ass career and never reinvent herself, same music, same style, same topic ( love and heart ) ,just a different song.
People' love her when it comes to listening power ballads inngeneral.
But to listen to all her albums with the same style and same kind of music over and over ( pop / ballads/ adult contemporary / some uptempo tracks) , and around love and heart broken lyrics ?? No, it's gonna be very annoying and jarring. An artist needs to grow, evolve, and honestly she never really grow (beside picking a best songwriter to wrote her music and producer to produce her song).
She never took major risk in her international career, musically and artistically, she has stayed in the comfort zone of Pop music forever.
I've always felt that this was a perfect showcase of the way Aretha, Celine and Mariah operate as live performers and how that represents their brands and legacy as well. Aretha was always a virtuoso, making the live performances an opportunity for reinterpretations and developments on the template of the record. But she also always had a tendency to try and outdo people which stems from a place of knowing how good you are but also a little insecurity. Her relationship with artists like Patti Labelle and Dione Warwick reflect that. But she never shies away from dynamic live performances.
Mariah performs best by herself in a live setting, unless she's performing with her own backing singers. Of all the duets she has sung, every performance shows how Mariah typically takes a submissive style of performance where she usually sticks to tried and tested vocal stylings. And if she had to perform with someone of equal stature or talent she invariably takes a more reserved approach, and often does not rise to the level of the other performer as evidenced by her live performances with Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston and Boys To Men. She's best by herself.
Celine has made a career out of live duets. She's supremely confident in her talents and technique as a singer and has duetted most prolifically throughout the career, and the number of ensemble performances are also astounding especially when you notice that almost every single time her voice stands out by the sheer quality of it, be it in the Divas concert version of You've Gotta Friend, her performance at the Michael Jackson family thingy, Aren't They All Our Children After All etc or her many many duets. She's extremely comfortable sharing the stage with others.
On this night this was on full display. Aretha was holding court, Celine was having the time of her life sharing the stage with TWO of her idols, while Mariah was playing it extremely safe and not understanding Aretha's expectations. Aretha probably went into the night thinking she and Mariah would demonstrate the gospel vocal fireworks, but Mariah constantly underperformed. Her voice was starting its steady decline at this point, and she already had trouble keeping pace with other exceptional singers. There were insecurities that stemmed from it which is why SHE is the one who never got over it. Aretha recognised that Céline was the only one who could probably understand the assignment as Celine has always been a huge Aretha fan but also not shy about showing off that gorgeous instrument. While she may not have grown up in the gospel style of singing, she did study great singers and has always been most comfortable performing live on stage and trying crazy things with her voice, and on top of that this was her peak in a way. So that's how Aretha ended up in a gospel sing-off with the whitest person in pop music and yet ended up creating magic.
We can also add another layer here. That night, Carole King was Céline's personal guest. During Natural Woman, she was supposed to open the song but Aretha sang over her and took the part, and kept on singing over the others. It wouldn't surprise me if Céline was a wee bit irritated by that because she spent the rest of the night going toe-to-toe with Aretha, lick to lick. Céline is spicy like that.
Fantastic comment!!
EXCELLENT analysis! I think you nailed it. The Queen summoned, Celine answered. Well done, Celine! Whitney is my number 1 but I've never had any problem with Celine. Celine's voice is GORGEOUS, she's a wonderful live performer, and she always gives respect and appreciation. I have NO problems with Celine.
100% agree with everything you said.
It also defines their career in 90s celine came in like a wrecking ball in the middle of 90s outselling everyone. While mariah is just steady.
@@goldranger5182Mmm... any other artist would have been "rescued" by that "little" boat... iukwim
All I'm gonna say is this. Aretha enjoyed singing with Celine that night so much that she personally requested Celine to sing at any tribute made to her. Which was confirmed by her estate that Aretha picked her before her death. Mariah was no where to be named. Just saying.
No need to bring Mariah in this we all know Aretha loved Mariah she said it multiple times!
😅
@@johnteprice6484when it was time to show up, she dropped the damn ball. Twice
@@johnteprice6484 In an interview before her death concerning Idol etc. she shaded Mariah but said Whitney had a gift. I think Mariahs ego in her book makes them seem closer than they were.
@@johnteprice6484but why did mariah bring celine to this????
I just loved Celine for this. Who knew that this French-speaking Canadian girl had it in her. She did help Aretha lift Him.
Celine didn't do anything wrong. She basically did what Mariah was supposed to do, but didn't when the chance came. Celine looked over at the two and took notice. Mariah had two opportunities and missed one, then barely did it the second try. Then she looked to Celine to come and sing together and of course Celine came and made the duet iconic. Celine pretty much understood the assignment. 🤷♂💖
This confirms what I've been saying, Mariah's ego was hurt that night cause she didn't step up to the plate and she never got over it. BUT Celine understood the assignment and that's why I love Celine for it. She wasn't scared to go toe to toe with Aretha she proved that during the Natural Woman performance which is why I believe Aretha also gravitated toward her once she seen Mariah was holding up the wall lol
Mariah was coming from I would say a very religious fan of whom she would revere as one of THE GREATEST point of view!
Now, if she just wants Aretha to shine that night only and then someone tries to break that idea/vision of hers, she'll find it offensive and disrespectful. It's like a jealous fan kind of attitude you know.
@@iammesmerized so you agree? mariah was being a poor sport because she didn’t step up and sing
@@bleuify partly and it's not just she didn't step up and sing - For me, she can't really sing on par with Aretha (that night) which Celine did. 😉
It wasn’t even about going toe to toe, it’s just a musical moment.
Whitney Houston should have been there. That would have been a battle. Whitney respected Aretha but she wasn't scared of her.
Celine hasn’t replied Mariah till this day - PURE CLASS✨
She deemed it a waste of her precious time so she stomped on it like a smoking cigarette butt.
@@juliusmacabantad3959 exactly.
because Celine Dion doesn't argue with other singer she support and welcome even the young singer
L
@@parisybrahim2718yeah just like charice, celine supports charice and I've heard a rumor that mariah dont like ariana because ariana is like copying her? Idk 😊
Aretha also shouted “good child of mine” & “I’m loving this” to Celine after she answered her call. Also Aretha personally invited Celine to sing at her memorial concert in 2019, not Mariah! It says EVERYTHING. The fact that she brought this up over and over again shading and dragging Celine out of her insecurities in the 20 plus years since it happened also says EVERYTHING.
And Celine stayed classy about it all the time 🎉
@@senju451she did her duty
Mariah was on tour that year, and mostly in Europe.
She didn’t say “good child of mine” she said “good god almighty”
She actually said "Good God Almighty" and "AHHHHH YEAH", very typical licks of hers that she did when she caught the Spirit.
lesson of this story: just because you couldn't, doesn't mean others shouldn't..
Did you watch the Mariah Aretha duet that night ? She could, it was okay and Mariah was the only singer chosen by Aretha to duet with, I think she was a bit jealous towards Celine , and I'm a Mariah super fan.
Right. This was around the start of the decline of Mariah’s voice. She did what she could lmao
since 1997 Mariah voice degraded seriously until 2000s early. she is inconfident with high belt as before
Agree!!!!! Because Mariah can't belt the notes.
TEA! Mariah was hoarse & limited that night. Celine came READY & it was amazing. Period.
Great video! There is also the longer unedited TV broadcast where Aretha actually says to Celine (whose microphone is set down)...."if you'd be so bold, to come on out here" while staring at Celine. Celine had to pick her mic back up and answer Aretha's call.
And as you pointed out, Aretha pulled Mariah up on to the front of the stage first. People seem to forget that part of the story. I really don't believe Celine brought her ego into this moment at all.
Omg, do you know where we can find this?
@@lanzinator4734I want too
@@lanzinator4734look for the track “Testimony” - which was performed after the credits faded by. It’s a long song, but it does provide more context for what we saw that night.
One of the most exhilarating vocal exchanges in live music history!
Agreed! Aretha and Celine had such an iconic moment ❤️
True! I was vibrating with excitement when Celine answered Aretha’s call because of all the Divas during the concert, Celine can match the level of vocal prowess of Aretha.
Those high squealing by Celine? I’ve hear Celine do way better.
@@Marco_Fabian37 it's not about the quality of the notes. It's about the musical dynamic between them.
@@milonanni8806 basic
Celine paid attention 👏🏽
Mariah keeps bringing this up, I'm not sure why. My only suspicion is, Mariah wasn't in a comfortable vocal place to risk it that night and is still disappointed
Mariah doesn’t bring this up. She mentioned as one of the most important moments in her life and mentioned to clear her opinion about the moment. In her whole career she talked about this like 3 times since it happened, and it was because they asked her or because she had to.
@@VOM27 The way Mariah talks about this particular moment in such detail and with such a personal understanding of it, does not come out as a "oh damn I have to answer to this again" kind of response ... we all know Mariah likes to express certain things that are always rooted on both Tommy and Sony Music ... but what Mariah sometimes forgets is that Celine is no J Lo... and she should really target her critcism towards the right people ... Celine was never and would be be that type of person and Mariah knows that.
@@VOM27
"Mariah doesn't bring this up"
She specifically included it in her 2020 memoir. That was a choice.
@@divatalk9011 She explained the moment in general, not particularly that situation, there are more positive words that she wrote about that night than the negative ones, but people always try to focus on the minimum
@@mclambangel idk it's still so weird that mariah gives this moment enough importance to include in a biography about her life. Like, Céline has released two biographic books since then and the divas night is not mentioned not even once lmfao.
There's no way I can believe celine riffing it off with Aretha was a shaping moment in mariah's life. Her singing with Aretha, yes. But all those words about another artist who has never hurt her in the least? Seems unreasonable
This matter is long overdue, if someone should've been angry about that moment is Aretha, and she wasn't. Celine herself was asked to sing at Aretha's tribute in 2019.
Even if it was during 1993-1996 which was Mariah’s best vocal period she would not step forward with Aretha because she always had this childish thing of fangirling Aretha too much to the point of threating her like an immaculate goddess. I think she felt “offended” as a fan by someone trying to challenge Aretha and to divide the main role with her on her own tribute. I understand Aretha was her idol, but she never needed to outshine her, just to enter into the flow. Mariah could talk with based arguments about SEVERAL moments of Celine being extra and exaggerating a lot, that one was not one of them since Celine was called for that and the moment required it.
I don’t think even in her prime piercing high belts that both celine and Aretha can do were her thing . For example the high belts in her daydream tour are very beautiful - a prettier sound than Aretha or celine - but not sure sufficiently piercing or powerful to be suited to this type of vocal battle
@@Sim882 It was not a battle of power or piercing vocals, it was a show off. Mariah’s style is different from both Celine and Aretha, she could have added her own twist during her prime when she had ease with F#5s.
@@OnlyEmerald Mariah’s biggest idol is Stevie Wonder, and then Aretha at second. Anyways, an adult acting as if she was a child/teenager fangirling to the point of putting someone at an untoucheable goddess position is not pretty mature of hers, so yeah, it’s really childish. Having an idol is not an excuse to act as an irrational and illogical animal.
@@renanrpm It was not Aretha's tribute lol....🙄
@@az0963818 it really was. Aretha was the most "legendary" artist there, the finale was all of them singing an Aretha (and Carole King) song, and then Aretha lead them into "Testimony".
it wasn't a "tribute" but she was the Grand Diva that night and that was her grand moment. nobody could upstage that, and even notoriously jealous/shady Aretha wouldn't have cared if they tried (see Céline during the Natural Woman performance, then this)
I’m really glad that Aretha and Celine gave us this moment. I watch this scene like once a week! I love it!
Celina had so much fun. What an iconic moment. Love them all. All these extremely talented people on one stage. Wow✨
It's true that we all consider that mariah carey threw some shade on Céline Dion. But Mariah send her flowers and did a Twitter post when Céline lost her husband. She even praised the power of love of Céline Dion when she was a judge on American Idol.
She just talked about the moment and of she felt. But she never threw shade on Céline Dion again for anything else
@@angeorphee689 stop defending Whoriah cause no matter what you say it was obvious she was throwing shade at Celine to hide her insecurities.
@@mjdin4705 so? Apart from that hasn't she praised Céline Dion songs and even told that Céline asked to do acpuncture to get pregnant?
When Céline Dion Lost her husband in 2016 wasn't she the one that send her condolences and send her flowers?
We all throw shade to someone even if it's just once in our lives. But they moved on.
@@angeorphee689 because she was trying to redeem herself but we won't be fooled cause she is a two faced insecure woman.
@@mjdin4705ya mamas a whore who should’ve swallowed. Mariah is the best selling artist of the 90s and has more number hits than anyone in this video. Her success speaks for itself.
I remember seeing this on TV and I was floored by it....I had no idea there was a problem until years later. I thought they all sounded great
"When it's my line, when it's my turn, I'm stepping forward and I'm gonna be one on one with her." Celine Dion, 2019.
Yes!!! Perfect analysis! The real reason Mariah has been saying this mess for all these years - amongst many other messy things - is that she couldn’t actually hang vocally. That’s just the truth. She always sounds incredible when she’s on record, lip syncing or backed by forged-in-church background singers. Her chops are not comparable to Whitney or Celine. Aretha - arguably the woman who mainstreamed this style of vocals needed a partner out there. Celine was THE ONLY ONE capable.
I'm so glad you did this!! I've been saying for years, if you watch closely and listen closely, Aretha basically made it clear Celine and Mariah had been tapped. You can see as SOON as Celine came in, Aretha literally turnt it up. Celine had such reverence for Aretha -shes always talked about her with such respect. I think Aretha gave it back to her this evening.
I’m one of those real fans so as much as I love Mariah…this is the only time I won’t defend her. I get wanting to respect Aretha and that’s her “idol” but in a setting like “ VH1 DIVAS” you gotta RESPECT yet still show out!!!. I know Mariah appreciates Gospel and I know she incorporates that into her sound but she wasn’t raised in church like Aretha, Whitney,Patti, fantasia, so she doesn’t know the culture yet still being a listener of Gospel music you should be able to pick things up and incorporate it into your own. In this case Celine did what was NEEDED 🤷🏾♂️ and I think real fans who aren’t delusional would say the same thing.
this goes to show that no matter how accomplished you are in life, you would still have insecurities. but making another person look bad because of those insecurities? VERY WRONG.
The problem with Mariah here was that she had so much reverence for Aretha Franklin (who she has consistently throughout her career said were among her biggest inspirations along with Whitney Houston and Sarah Vaughan) that she wouldn't dare think of upstaging her. Aretha was her mentor! So her interpretation of what Celine did was disrespectful because in Mariah's mind, Celine is not Aretha's peer. However, as the video correctly points out, Celine was not trying to upstage Aretha, but to join her as asked. It wasn't that Celine misunderstood the assignment, it's that Mariah did.
You said this very eloquently.
Celine was just like, "Her Majesty has called me, I have to show up." And besides, knowing Celine's life story she knew she earned this moment.
That being said, Celine has sang numerous R&B songs throughout her English albums. She basically was a Canadian version of Whitney. If you dig into her catalog it doesn't take long to see Dion's influences: Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, & Aretha Franklin.
Yet in this instance she chose to represent Rock music with River Deep, The Reason
Hi handsome
@@redbenabas9772 because she wanted too. lol
Celine wasn't coming for the Queen...she was doing exactly what Aretha was asking for... A gospel call and response.she literally kept ad-libbing "help me lift him" and Celine stepped to the call..the way Mariah addressed the whole thing in her book was so weird to mem.....it comes across insecure
Mariah is far from insecure.
@@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 Mariah is very insecure. She even said it on an interview. If you are a Lamb, you would know that.
@@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 Mariah is very much so insecure.......lmfao
@@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 She wouldnt be starting useless fights with other female entertainers and feeling the need to belittle and shade them if she wasnt
@thisnigerianlovesdrinkingg4522 Exactly! Thats just how MAriah alledgedly felt. Maybe she was just intimidated cuz her voice wasnt all there that night but impose your own insecurities on women like Celine.
Thank you for clearing this up!!! Mariah simply respected Aretha, plus her vocal state at the time. Aretha literally invited Celine! Sure Aretha wasn’t in 70’s vocal shape, and Celine got excited. Simple as that.
If Aretha was in her prime only Céline or Whitney would can stand with her.
@@DanielFerreira-hz4cc very true. Had Aretha quit smoking in the late 70’s/ early 80’s. She would have sounded like Martha Wash
@@omargonzales9344 Exactly. She smokes since 12 years old. Her Amazing Grace voice (her prime, a F#5 was a peace of cake for her, and her skills was in skys), without the smoking and the abuser husband, should endured 10-15 years instead of 3. Same with Whitney, that the drugs and smoke destroyed her voice. Céline´s case was because of her overtouring (since her early career she had this problem).
@@DanielFerreira-hz4cc low key, I listen to Martha and pretend it’s Aretha singing House lol
@@omargonzales9344 LOL. Should be amazing imaginate this.
This has got to be, to my eyes and ears, the most iconic singing or vocal exchange moment in music history. Besides, apart from having one of the most beautiful and recognizable voices ever, I believe most people admire Céline Dion worldwide for her wisdom, her respectful attitude towards her peers and her kind heart generally speaking. She always tries to find the good in people. She is my greatest inspiration for that. The world needs more people like Céline ❤. May God protect her🙏🙏.
Queen Aretha called upon Celine and Celine didnt disappoint! Thus, history was made! Love these ladies! ❤❤❤
what a perfect explanation of this moment. i remember watching this and as a huge mariah fan it was kind of a letdown for her not to answer the call. celine really stepped up to the plate though. it was chilling, and you know aretha was getting her life.
Thank you! It is shameful that Mimi has -- for decades -- tried to obscure her shortcomings as a performer with this petty criticism of Celine. Celine understood the assignment.
Can we also talk about the elephant in the room, Aretha totally singing over Carol Kings section. Surely that was the problematic piece, not Celine
Yea, that's quite offensive and disrespectful to the writer of the song but I think Aretha simply just made a mistake
@@pebbie363 She said, and I'm power phrasing, "would you forgive me if I sing this part", so it was intentional in the moment
Carole talked about it. She said: and Aretha, as she will tend to do, god bless her, was taking over the performance. lmao
@@Tdvc Interestingly, Mariah didn't bring up this ha
Carole King also said in the interview, "That is Aretha's song, and she is rightly, the star of the song." I feel like the lack of rehearsals from Aretha is what caused her to step over Carole and everyone else's part that night. Aretha definitely slayed it at the end the way she took it to church.
Hear how effortless, free and agile Celine does those riffs and runs at the end! Very impressive. Aretha was feeling it and they sounded really good and harmonious bouncing off each other. Mariah not so much, this woman is very calculated with everything that comes from her mouth. Lots of thought and preparations before execution. Not a 'free' singer.
Celine is a class act. Always has been.
I kinda think Celine was very polite and appropriate. I would risk to say she could outsang even Aretha that night - if she just wanted. She was respectfull because she is like 20-30 years younger.
I remember watching this on TV and seeing Celine singing with Aretha and thinking, OMG, Celine has some skills!
Whew lord. This comment section is about to be on and poppin’, I know it! 😂 I pretty much agree with Milik’s take on this and I’m a fan of Mariah’s. Even if Mariah’s voice was in great shape that night she would’ve still stepped back and allow Aretha to do her thing. Mariah was fangirling Aretha all throughout Chain of Fools (“All hail the queen!”), and was in awe of her idol. I don’t get why 20-plus years later she continues to throw shade at Celine for doing exactly what Aretha wanted her to do: some flat-footed sangin’!
I don’t buy it. It’s nearly disrespectful when you think about it, being invited twice and backing out. Celine would have been fangirling too but was respectful enough to answer the call. The simple answer is that Mariah’s voice either wasn’t in good shape at that point or she knew that wasn’t something she could do on the spot and she’s always been a very clever vocalist so she backed out disrespectfully.
@@squarcircle2254 "The simply answer is that Mariah’s voice wasn’t in good shape at that point and she’s always been a very clever vocalist."
I don't think Mariah backed down because of her vocal condition that night; she backed down because she held her idol in high reverence. In her mind, stepping up to the plate and attempting to out-run and out-belt the woman who birthed the entire vocal vocabulary of modern popular singing would not only be disrespectful but assinine. Mariah has never been the type of singer to showboat or out-sing someone in a duet, even in her prime. If you look at all of her duets in her prime, she sticks to the melody and never embellishes to overshadow her duet partner. Mariah was influenced by Gospel, but she didn't learn her chops in the church. So while the kind of thing Aretha was calling her to do is very common to Aretha's tradition, Mariah would've felt out of place and considered it disrespectful to do a sing-off. Also, you could tell by Mariah's face during the whole "Testimony" segment that she found Celine Dion goofy and embarrassing, as none of those runs sounded believable.
Mariah has insecurities, and her confidence on stage depends on her vocal state. However, even if Diva's Live was in 95-96, she would've done the same thing. There's a reason why Mariah still hasn't recorded a duet with her other idol, Stevie Wonder, who has begged her to do it since the 90s. She thinks of herself as too much of a student who wouldn't dare challenge or overshadow her teacher.
I think Mariah backed down because of insecurities. Plain and simple. Doesn’t mean she didn’t revere Aretha. Actually, Mariah’s voice was fine that night, idk why the narrative is that she somehow was in poor voice.
And if Mariah understood the moment, then there’s no reason to shade Celine.
@@starlight0002 I can agree that it was both insecurities and respect out of Aretha. She did sound fine that night. Maybe not of the standards she set in the years before Diva’s Live, but she sounded great on My All, Make It Happen, and Chain of Fools. I just don’t think she’s the type of singer who feels confident enough to do the call-and-response singing that Aretha was trying to bring out of her. In one interview back in the 90s, I remember she brought up how she loves listening to Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Clark Sisters, Tramaine Hawkins, .etc, and these were singers that could, I quote, “sing her under the table.” She often feels like she isn’t equal to the singers she revered and studied.
Sometimes I wish Mariah had cultivated her singing in church. I’m sure that would’ve done wonders for her confidence. But then, I doubt she would’ve retreated into songwriting. I’m sure much of her artistry would’ve been focused solely on vocals as her form of expression and maybe very little on songwriting.
@@jamals.8786 I still find it disrespectful, especially given that Aretha was honoring her by inviting her on two occasions. To call someone to come up and share your platform is a gesture of great respect (just like what happened in Oprah’s Sunday Brunch). To turn it down, multiple times, and your voice is fine? That’s the highest disrespect, so Mariah is in position to at all to even mention Celine’s name.
Yes, Mariah didn’t grow up in church but she would have been around gospel enough to know exactly what Aretha was doing, especially being American and all (it’s a very American gospel thing to do). So it’s not an excuse. I mean, Celine, also a fan of Aretha, who’s Canadian (so shouldn’t understand the American way more than Mariah), and who didn’t even have a gospel background at all, understood what Aretha was trying to doing. It was clear as day. And she did it. She honored Aretha that night more so than Aretha’s supposed super fan. That’s the equivalent of offering a handshake to your supposed super fan and they decline it twice because they were so mesmerized by you but then throw a tantrum when you offer a handshake to another fan who honors you back by shaking your hand.
And prime Mariah could definitely out sing those women you mentioned in many aspects of singing. Her tone, range, agility, clarity, technique, support, etc would knock them out. But in the same breath they also have had some strengthens over her like resonance and power.
I loved Mariah's book, but I also really felt that this whole "dueling diva" bit was completely sad, bitter and unnecessary. I really hope Mariah reconsiders and it's removed from future re-editions of the book, even if it's too late for that now...
I dont think she needs to remove anything. She’s allowed to feel certain way and have her own perspective ( we all do, we all are subjective). You as a reader can have your own perspective too, you can disagree
I agree. It felt so out of place in the book and it lost me at times while reading
@@simong8527 She can feel whatever way she likes, doesnt change the fact that Aretha called on Celine.
If we're to accuse anyone of over singing, it's Aretha who didn't let Carole King sing her part
@@popland1977 I agree, yet she's allowed to make wrong accusations (i.e. have her own perspective), it doesn't affect our lives, come on now. It's her book, not Book of TRUTH
That's true, Aretha wanted to have A moment only with Mariah but She didn't give it to her, maybe cause her insegurities or so much respect she has to her Idol, but Celine stood foward and gave us the moment that Aretha was looking for. Sometimes opportunities appear once in life :(
Ooo I never saw this clip in the way you explained it and it makes perfect sense. But of course you always come with receipts too.
Celine sang incredibly!! She has a voice!! Mariah has a fantastic voice also. When Aretha tell you to sing you sing. No competitions
This is a very interesting topic to me. People often say Mariah was/is salty because her voice wasn't in its best condition that night, so she stepped back. However, I think it's more about the respecting Aretha thing. Sure, she was hoarse, but still gave us My all, Make it happen, and Chain of fools, which, in the undubbed version, she sounded far louder (though she "cracked" during the "I might be weak" part, fixed in the dub). All that said, I still think it was uncalled for to throw shade at Céline, especially in her memoir. She was only doing what Aretha asked and that's it.
I love Mariah but she is insecure when someone else comes by with just as equal a voice. Look at the beef between her and Christina Aguilera
@@devanshepard9118 Christina always been bitchy towards other celebrities, look at what she did o Mary J Blidge. She's always been disrespectful towards others, many people in the industry despire her more than Mariah.
@@attachingconsciousness Oh, no, no, no. Okey, this is not about Christina, but she adored Mariah. She called her "My Idol, Miss Mariah Carey". I love Mariah too, but it's no secret how insecure she is. By the way, the Mary's topic is cooked separately.
@@CarritoCid Christina in the early 2000s was having erratic behaviours everybody, and so was Mariah. Mariah because of her bipolar disorder, and Christina because she was protected by her label and the industry, not in the same way as Britney who was shielded. Christina behaved like a spoiled child and many people know that. I love Christina, really enjoy her music and voice, but she really "came" for Mariah first.
@@CarritoCid yet she started making up lies about Mariah… make it make sense
Thank you for doing this video. It is very loving . Celine is a humble human.She loves music and loves Aretha. What she did that night was beautiful and playful and for everyone that wishes to see through the eyes of love can see that it was all about fun and expression of their soul. Those runs Celine did with Aretha are so epic that we still watch that performance yeaaarss later….That’s how epic that night was. Bless your soul Celine. Thanks for stepping in that night when Aretha asked for it ❤
I'm glad you were able to break this down so easily. A lot of people don't understand performance dynamic between musicians, and the most important thing many people don't know is that the in the art of playing live, music is a CONVERSATION between the performers. Whether you are playing an instrument or using the physical instrument that is your voice, you are always watching the lead and paying attention for CUES, so that you know WHEN and HOW they want to change direction.
It's a very difficult task to do so spontaneously if you either A) are not prepared aka too shy B) your voice isn't in condition to flex or C) you weren't paying attention to the cues. All the singers on that stage have their own strengths, but Celine, in particular, is very well versed in the art of live duet performance, and for years also had segments in her own shows where she riffs off of her musicians to show their virtuosity (and her vocal dexterity), so she definitely understood the assignment as soon as Queen threw out that cue. This was a Master Class where Celine was definitely paying attention to was was boing communicated- and when Professor Queen Aretha called, Celine raised her hand and said, " I'M PRESENT, M'am!" and proceeded to the front of the class.
Celine is the kindest people in the industry.. She wouldn't hurt a fly..
Mariah, on the other hand.. Multiple reports of diva behavior and being difficult
i rather agree with this - but it doesn’t just apply to gospel, in my opinion. i have done exactly the same thing in both musical theatre and in opera - while warming up and practising particular sequences. i encouraged another singer to ‘go with me’. You really /learn/ like this and you share how you interpret and embellish a musical score etc.
Exactly, 👏
This happened at the Grammys for the Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack performance where Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan, CeCe Winas and Brandy all song together and went back and forth all having an extensive gospel moment and they all tore up that stage and left no crumbs that night 😂😂😂😂
"One of the divas didn't understand the culture of the court, and tried to come for the Queen." Uh, excuse me Mariah, but gospel singing is all about inviting someone forward and having a good time. It is about showing off your vocals to lift up God's name. It is a celebration, not a funeral. Celine did just that. If anything, you didn't understand the culture of the court.
I LOVED THIS.....AUNTIE REE AND CELINE WAS JUST WONDERFUL TOGETHER ❤
This is the one time I am not on Mariah's side in an argument. Celine was invited by Aretha to help her lift it. Mariah was out of line to diss her.
I totally agree with this video and I am a huge Mariah fan. I have been from the very beginning, but I disagree strongly with Mariah in saying that Celine was coming for Aretha. Saying that is quite a nasty narrative to set and unnecessary.
She wasn’t doing any such thing. She was having fun and vocally riffing with Aretha… Aretha to me, seems to very much appreciate this vocal interaction as I think it was getting boring until Celine joined her in the riff-off. I agree that this is what she was trying to engage Mariah in and Mariah just came across as boring, and frankly, like a nervous backup singer.
Whereas Celine rose to the occasion and I think Mariah has sour grapes about that.
It's hilarious to me that Mariah is talking about Celine not knowing the culture, but clearly she doesn't...
Nothing Celine did was wrong.
Lmfao.. facts..she tried to use her black card but wound up looking like the salty white woman she truly is
Mariah herself has never been in a gospel church
Mariah is loved by both white and blacks while most black people only know like two Celine dion songs. Mariah has been on bet, Ebony magazine and jet. Mariah is definitely the culture while Celine tries to be.
@@cressapellom4205Mariah is exceptional. But she was wrong here. Celine has the musicality and voice to switch up genres of need be, which is what she did here. She was able to hang, which made Mariah Very bitter.
I love the "practical" analysis videos so much, and- as much as I love Mariah (and all the divas there)- I've been saying that Celine was the ONLY one who had the right response. I never noticed that Retha called her til you pointed it out, but that's exactly what happened. I think Retha may have been aware enough of Celine's vocal ability because she went to no one but Celine after Mariah! That's no competition- that's respect and fellowship!
Thank you for this. I'm old enough to have seen this live and your analogy is spot on. 😊🎉
Thanx for the explanation
Even the lambest Mariah fan knows that Mimi is wrong when she tries to diss or shade Celine for her feat. on Aretha's Testimony. Celine would never refuse that invitation!
I mean, Mariah was still right.
@@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024 She was right in stepping back 'cause she knew she couldn't keep up with the REAL VOICES.. all that jive talkin' about Mariah showing respect for Aretha is just an excuse for Mimi's fail
I’m a big Mariah fan, and I understand growing up very insecure in life due to circumstances we had no control over, plus at the time she was having vocal problems, so for her I think she was just overwhelmed by that particular moment emotionally and she never really let it go. Mariah is someone that has grown a lot over the years, but she’s just as susceptible to deep rooted trauma as anyone else that takes decades of constant self reflection and therapy to fully heal from, and even then complete healing for that level of trauma is not likely in one lifetime. You can see it in the way she performs actually. She never had the same confidence or stage presence as someone like Whitney or Celine, and that’s due to a lot of pain and insecurity from pain always weighing down on her. It’s very difficukt to deliver optimally and overall behave in life with that kind of baggage. It also shows in her songwriting and producing abilities. Mariah’s deep rooted pain inspired her to be more involved in her music.
For someone like Celine, Celine didn’t have much holding her back emotionally or vocally live back then, so she understood Aretha’s cue and made it a diva moment as intended. Mariah back then, and possibly still now, just didn’t have that same security. Deep rooted trauma causes a lot of reactions that on the surface most people don’t understand, and it’s very easy to judge from the outside instead of wanting to understand why, so I just wish Mariah more healing and more happiness in her life.
This is such a beautiful response and perspective! Very thoughtful and empathetic of you and I completely agree with this take. Mariah, even when her vocals are in top form, has never been one to show off and really let loose on stage because she’s reserved, shy, and has issues with confidence while on stage. She has suffered from so much trauma, pain, and abuse throughout her life and you can really tell not only by her songs, but also by the way she carries herself with her defensive diva persona. You can also see it with how she’s oftentimes insecure about her looks and vocals, and is so hard on herself from her appearance and weight to the way she sounds live. So I believe a lot of these deep-rooted issues contributed to her feelings of insecurity about her vocals that night. Not at all saying that this all justifies her shade, but I truly think if we take some time to try to understand where she’s coming from and be more empathetic towards her, we wouldn’t be so quick to blast her for “being bitter” and unnecessarily shady. She’s completely entitled to her opinion on the Divas Live moment and people shouldn’t bash her for her stance. Whether her opinion comes from a place of insecurity about her own vocal condition, her unwavering reverence for Aretha, or a blend of both, she’s entitled to feeling how she feels about that night and no one who disagrees can knock her from her own views. That said, I do wish she wasn’t as savage in that excerpt of her memoir. If she really wanted to mention it, she could’ve just briefly touched on the moment by saying that she “doesn’t think anyone can come close to Aretha and no one should try, but it is what it is”, and left it at that; we would all know what she means without any savage criticism.
Mariah started as a backup singer. That tells us most of the story right there
What a wonderfully insightful and thoughtful comment. Deep-rooted trauma has such depressing ways of preventing one from fully expressing their passions and their inner beauty in the world.
But one thing that we know for sure is that Mariah has turned all of that into the most beautiful, healing, life-saving music that will continue to inspire and to heal others in the years to come. I hope that Mariah realizes and understands that 💛
Loving your comment ❤❤❤
Agreed. Great analysis.
Mariah isn’t really a soul/gospel vocalist. She’s pop with some R&B influences, so she’s very adjacent to Aretha’s core genres. She was obviously intimidated, as she should be.
Although Mariah can riff, her style choices or riffing choices are not gospel. She don’t even hear it, to imitate it for a show. Apparently, Celine hears it, even if gospel or soul aren’t her primary genres like Mariah. Celine is a superb vocalist.
Someone needs to explain to Mariah what Gospel is really all about ... Even though 1998 was a weird year for Mariah: a divorce, a record label focusing on Celine, etc , Jelousy was not only a bitch that night, but also totally uncalled for ... and Mariah shoukd know better ...
@@TheArtofBeingReacts If she knew Aretha, she would have done exactly what the Queen of Soul was asking for ... Period.
@@zazzilady Carole King said that Aretha started singing over other people's lines that they sang Natural Woman, so Celine had to step forward to make sure that she also gets to sing her part, and wasn't just invited to sing background. In gospel, people sing by instinct. You don't need someone to queue you in when to come in. You just feel the music taking over you, like the Holy Spirit Himself.
Celine killed it. So talented. And continued to jam after that because she loves music!! ❤
I think Mariah has had a lot of respect for Aretha, I believe that.
HOWEVER I'm shocked by her choice of words on this situation 20+ years after; it's unbelievably rude to say "maybe it was a cultural gap" or "one of the divas didn't understand the culture" as if Celine did something other than exactly what Aretha had wanted Mariah to do.
And in my humble opinion, Mariah wouldn't hesitate if the show had been held 2-3 years before 1998.
Aretha was bothered AT ALL, look at her reaction!
I've been saying this over and over. Aretha wanted a call and response gospel-esque moment, which unfortunately Mariah wasn't up for. So the Queen went to Celine instead. Aretha enjoyed every bit of it. I don't understand why Mariah is still upset about it. Worse, she calls it lunacy.
Totally agree. Mariah could not step up vocally like Celine can. She's just bitter.
And Celine was the biggest female musical artist at that time. That was the height of her My Heart Will Go On fame. She didn't have to "retreat" to "her place." She could have lived up to the diva stereotype, but she's a good person with reliable skills.
Celine is a humble and respectful artist. She has reverence for her peers and the Legendary singers like Aretha who came before her. Class act.
I know people have pointed it out, but after watching Aretha interviews, I can finally hear it for myself and Mariah DID do Aretha talking impressions in the audiobook 😂
This is the reason why I love Celine Dion period
It was a moment when Celine Dion could show her exceptional voice and technique and she did it! With power, accuracy and fluidity, next to the great Aretha Franklin! In fact opposite her. Mariah was already experiencing vocal decline and she simply couldn't, t do it. She even struggled that night. Love Mariah. She is one of a kind. Just Celine was in a better shape.
That’s that!! Love Mariah and she had her opportunity but didn’t take it
Because her voice wasn’t in top shape that night. It’s breaking
Exactly, opportunity wasted.
@@TheArtofBeingReacts Her voice was breaking. I think it started when she’s having a duet with Aretha with the song “Chain Of Fools” up to the end of the show (Group performance)
You should see the whole show. For you to see. I think that year was Mariah’s vocal was declining maybe over use of vocals that time. That can be noticeable when she did her world tour that time.
Céline understood her role. Mariah didn’t. And she still is pressed about it 20 years later to try to insinuate stuff around that performance. That’s it.
Mariah understood the role but understood her voice was one note away from cracking for dear life so she plaued it safe and I think felt threatened by Celine
@@popland1977 exactly. I’m also so happy to see a comment of you.
! I mean WROTE it into her book. just because she didn't have it that night 🙄
@@OnlyEmerald in a shady (and untruthful) way, 20 years later, which is pressed
@@kng001 oh thank you ha! Why so happy? Lol
Thank you for this video! Up until now I had only heard Mariah's side of the story. I listen to Mimi's music daily, but I think she was wrong about Celine on this one...
OMG I LOVE this video! Thanks for this. Gave me a good chuckle. Aretha is the queen and Celine knows this. God I love all of these ladies! My entire inspiration. ❤❤❤
So much truth here. Agreed 100%
The quotes from MAriahs book which she even recorded herself for the audio book make her look insecure with a huge ego. Not likeable. Can't believe she still goes on about this 20 some years later lol.
The reality is that even though Mariah is partly black, she was raised by her white mum in mostly white American culture. She listened to gospel and rnb music growing up, but literally, it was just that, listening to the radio and albums at home, she built a very theoretical knowledge of that music and that’s how it influenced her own music and singing. Celine on the other end grew up in a super traditional French Canadian Christian family of 15 people, where music was omnipresent not just on the radio but they would all sing together and make music all the time, when they’d be eating together etc Celine told how a typical meal would end with one of her brothers hitting his glass with his fork, creating a rhythm, and the rest of the family would continue, creating sounds with the rest of the cutlery, singing, harmonizing, taking turns, doing call and response, etc… the French Canadian culture has A LOT in common with black American rnb culture, both people were oppressed for centuries by the dominating white English-speaking leading class, both cultures found refuge in music and used singing as a way to express themselves, they’re even extremely connected in Louisiana, many French speaking people there were/are actually descendants of French Canadians that were forcefully moved there by English people, they had a big impact on the Black culture there, all of this had an influence on music that flourished in that part of the world, jazz, gospel, rnb, Rock’n’Roll. Celine is to some extent a product of that culture, she’s lived it and grew up in it. Has a lot more in common with Aretha’s musical and cultural background than one would think!
Thank you for this break-down… I’ve thought about this supposed conflict between Aretha and Celine many times over the years. This changes the context completely… and I appreciate that you were so aware of how many people we’re tracking this conflict. Lol I felt silly for giving this so much thought… This video makes me feel vindicated. I look forward to exploring more of your content.
Great and to the point analysis!
Great video! I remember when this first happened. I never thought Celine was trying to come for Aretha. I saw two singers having fun praising the Lord like we do in gospel community. I do love Mariah and totally admire the respect and love she gives to singers like Aretha and Patti, but she misinterpreted the moment here. And perhaps missed her moment to shine with The Queen!
it is so lame for Mariah stating that - she didn`t delivered, Celine did, Celine was a class higher than Mariah that night, and still is, Mariah comes out as insecure
An interesting perspective on an event I never understood, but enjoyed a lot. I completely understand your analysis, and can see how the performance transpired. The Queen of Soul was calling on Celine to "Help me lift them", and Celine stepped up. I had the DVD and CD of this VH1 performance! A Wonderful evening, and I enjoyed every Diva! xo
Celine deu o nome ao Divas, por essa razão os anos passam e ainda continuam as lembranças do impossível que só Celine podia fazer.
Absolutely perfectly said and analysed!!
Yeah Mariah’s voice was tapped out by that time in the show. Shame because we all would’ve loved to see her and Aretha do all that carrying on.
Stop nonsense her voice was tired & done
Dang dude. Thak you for pointing that out. Cause yeah, Aretha's Body language is like "c'mon french girl, show me what you got."
I think it's admirable that Mariah would be that humble.... But.... Aretha tried....
Exactly! Thank you for this! This ridiculous nonsense has gone on for too many years. I saw this when it first aired. Mariah had the chance, but didn't step up. She should not blame Celine for doing so. She loved Aretha and had her moment. And thank goodness she did! ❤
well, Celine was a fan of R&B Soul And Black Gospel as she was growing into her musical discovery, she said it and showed it many times. there are tons of videos here as a young Celine singing a lot of Whitney music, and videos of her singing with Patti Label. She even covered a Patti Label song on one of her earlier albums and made the popular song more popular. so YES CELINE UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT, it's the viewers that didn't. lol sorry yawl. sometimes the eyes coupled with negative thoughts will give you the wrong interpretation.
Aretha confirmed it was a good time, debunking Mariah’s thoughts on it but she still claims Celine was overstepping. I think Mariah’s criticism stems from jealousy and is used as an excuse for not carrying on with Aretha. Her voice began to decline at this time so maybe she lacked the confidence that Céline didn’t
Aretha loved it. This moment has been misunderstood for what, 25 years
As a mad lamb that I'm , im gonna say that Mimi was a victim of her own insecurities, theres no need to shade Celine for that. And all because she couldn't keep it up with Aretha due her vocal estate at that period of time!! She needs to grow up
I agree. No need for shade. ❤
Muchas gracias por el esfuerzo y dedicación al realizar este análisis, ya que no sirve a las nuevas generaciones para darnos cuenta de los estilos que no permean en la actualidad. Aún así ha estado hermoso y me gustaría saber más. ❤