Washington, D.C. - GRAMMY U Aspiring Diva Attends Vh1 DIVAS Special

Alessandra Conti and Hope Pedisich at the Vh1 DIVAS Special

When I was a little girl, I told my older sister that she could never be a Diva.  “If you want to be a Diva, you need to have big, curly hair… and your hair is straight and flat.  I feel bad for you!” I boasted as I flipped my voluptuous curls. 

Where did my perception of Diva-dom come from? 

Religiously watching Vh1’s DIVAS Special each and every year.  Since I saw Mariah Carey belt out “Make It Happen” in 1998 (massive hair, sequin dress, and all), being a Diva was something that I not only aspired to, but incorporated into my daily life.    

Finally, as a 21-year-old college student and Washington, D.C.’s GRAMMY U Representative, I was given the opportunity to actually attend the taping of the 2011 Vh1 DIVAS Special.  Sunday night, I was humbled to be in the same room as some of the greatest female performers of all time.  With a line-up including Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Florence + The Machine, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Estelle, Ledisi, and my personal favorite, Jessie J., Vh1 DIVAS was a night filled with immeasurable talent, unprecedented vocalization, fabulous costumes, and of course, Divalicious hair. 

Initially, simply attending the concert was a dream come true.  But, through a series of fortunate events, my life-long Diva preparation paid off.  While my friend and I were in line awaiting our wrist bands, one of the casting directors came up to us and commended us on our outfit choices (I was donning a sequin dress, intense wedges, and a shoulder-padded blazer).  She asked us if we wanted to sit in the VIP section of the event; essentially the best seats in the house.  As we were lead up to VIP section next to all of the celebrities, I thought that I was dreaming. 

In addition to the contemporary superstars showcased, the concert was a tribute to Soul, so it was only appropriate that legends Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, Queen Latifa, and Dolly Parton made memorable appearances.  Although the performances were all different, there was a common thread within all of the iconic, powerhouse women on stage; they were strong, fearless, and fierce females. 

Attending Vh1 DIVAS was an unbelievable experience, one that not only thoroughly entertained the world, but immensely inspired me.  In a few years, with a little luck, maybe I’ll be belting up on that stage… rocking my teased hair.

Alessandra Conti is graduating senior at American University studying Communications and Music. To check out her music, go to www.AlessandraContiMusic.com.