Vh1 Divas Live 99
Aretha Franklinwas clearly the queen of 'em all, y'all, at VH1'sfirstDivas Liveconcert. So much so that even with her absence from the second, the finest musical moment comes on one of her classics.Mary J. Bligeteams with a surprisingly grittyWhitney Houstonto deliver a more than respectable take on "Ain't No Way." Many of the remaining performances onDivas Live/99are perfectly competent, but inevitably uninspiring except for the biggest fans of the artists.Brandystands out thanks to the relative unfamiliarity of her hits next to warhorses likeTina Turner's "The Best" andCher's "If I Could Turn Back Time." Otherwise, the clever choice ofElton Johnto round out the party proves inspired as he duets with Turner on "The Bitch Is Back" and solos on his hardy anthem "I'm Still Standing."--Rickey Wright