Taking inspiration from our current issue of GCN with Bette Midler, we thought it was time to appreciate the majesty and glory of some of the best divas in the business.

From soaring vocals to arms-spread-wide melodies, we love a good sing-song! There aren’t any better songs for that purpose than those from the classic divas.

Just plug your ears when we try to mimic Whitney. Admittedly, we aren’t really as good as she is.

Bette Midler – Wing Beneath My Wings

The soundtrack to that film Beaches that makes us all weep until we collapse from dehydration. From Queen of the Divas, it’s one of those songs that plays on The X Factor when someone has been inspired by their grandmother – and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Shirley Bassey – This Is My Life

The Dame with her signature song. Have you heard her recently? She sounds the exact same as she did sixty years ago. A tiny Welsh powerhouse and, honestly, if we sound like that in sixty years, you know it’s by the sheer force of Jesus.

Aretha Franklin – Respect

Because, hell yeah, that’s why.

Cher – If I Could Turn Back Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsKbwR7WXN4

The woman who has recently had to cancel her 54th Farewell Tour, Cher is the comeback queen you have to love. And, sure, what’s a night out without breaking out this beauty of a song? Just listening to it makes me want to fork out a fortune on a bottle of Jägermeister. Guuurl, that outfit. Great ass though.

Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBR2G-iI3-I

The song for scorned lovers everywhere, she created an anthem that should have been played over Bridget Jones’ empowerment montage.

Celine Dion – It’s All Coming Back To Me Now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxoj-tDDIU

A belter of a song – with a video that is some kind of lovechild of Meatloaf and Bonnie Tyler – it’s another song that is broken out after a few too many vodkas. (In our hearts, we are all divas.)

Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out

The Supremes were fantastic, but then Diana Ross emerged as a solo artist. Half woman, half fabulousness, she walked onto the stage alone like a glittering mirage. I’m sure you’ll join us in saying that this is one glorious song.

Whitney Houston – I Have Nothing

Honestly, we could have chosen any of her powerhouse ballads but, instead of going for the obvious, this is another supreme choice from The Bodyguard. Effortless.

Barbra Streisand – Don’t Rain On My Parade

Before Meet the Fockers and all that other stuff, Barbra was kicking ass in Funny Girl. A song to inspire even the most down-trodden, it’s the one you want to get out of bed to in the morning. Go on, Babs, do your thing.

Mariah Carey – Hero

Do you remember the time before Nick Cannon and those crappy pop songs? Well, we do! When Mariah just stood there with an orchestra and pulled notes out of the sky, or somewhere else less pretty because, really, where did they come from?

Tina Turner – Proud Mary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2JShV-mWJ0

Well, you know, Ike can go to hell for all we care but c’mon Tina, you are everything that is right with this song. If anything, Ike ruins it, like he did everything else. Ugh.