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The 11 Most Divalicious Performances Ever From VH1 Divas Live

Don't miss "Divas Holiday" tonight at 9/8c on VH1 and Logo.

VH1 is bringing back the Divas Live franchise with a special holiday concert featuring some of music's biggest powerhouses: Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night features Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Vanessa Williams, Teyana Taylor, JoJo, Bebe Rexha and the queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey.

To celebrate, we're ranking the 11 greatest Divas Live performances of all time.

Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night airs Monday, December 5 at 9/8C on VH1 and Logo.

Céline Dion and Anastacia, “You Shook Me All Night Long” (2002)

Who knew the one thing you needed in your life was Céline Dion doing an AC/DC cover? While the French-Canadian chanteuse is about the furthest thing from a rock star you can imagine, she and Anastacia delivered the perfect version of “You Shook Me All Night Long” for soccer moms to headbang to—with a little help from noted “Bitch” Meredith Brooks on guitar.

Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan, “I’m Every Woman” (1999)

Jack Vartoogian/Getty

Elevated view of performers onstage during the 'Divas Live--An Honors Concert for VH1 Save the Music' at the Beacon Theater, New York, New York, April 13, 1999. Pictured are, from left, Brandy, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston (1963 - 2012), Mary J. Blige, and LeAnn Rimes. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

Chaka Khan had a hit in 1978 with the original “I’m Every Woman,” with Whitney’s mom, Cissy, singing background vocals. Then Whitney sang backup for Chaka two years later, on Naughty, before famously recording “I’m Every Woman” for The Bodyguard soundtrack.

So it was only fitting, to bring Whitney and Chaka together for a duet of their shared hit. And in true Divas Live fashion, the younger queens—Brandy, Jewel, Faith Hill and Mary J. Blige—joined them on stage to close the show.

Gloria Estefan Megamix (1998)

Gloria Estefan really never gets enough credit, but for the inaugural Divas Live, she got her due as the godmother of the 1990s Latin explosion. Estefan reminded everyone just how many hits she charted with—from “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” to “1-2-3” and “Get On Your Feet”—all crammed into four minutes of hip-shaking heaven.

Mariah Carey, “My All/Make It Happen” (1998)

“I’m doing my best to be a diva,” said Mariah Carey, who came ready to earn her diva stripes in 1998. Mimi kicked off the show with hit ballad “My All” then took it on a decidedly disco detour before bringing out a full gospel choir—and if you look closely, the Lord himself—for “Make It Happen.”

Patti LaBelle and Cyndi Lauper, “Time After Time/True Colors” (2004)

Patti and Cyndi first performed this song together back in 1985, but nearly 20 years later—and with less dramatic hair—they were still belting in each other's faces and bringing audiences to their feet.

Céline Dion, “River Deep, Mountain High” (1998)

Ike and Tina Turner recorded the original with Phil Spector and his “Wall of Sound,” so it takes powerful vocalist to even consider tackling "River Deep." Enter Céline, who brought the house down with her own wall of sound—otherwise known as her voice.

A favorite of the diva and her fans, the song remains a staple in Dion’s repertoire.

Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige, “Ain’t No Way” (1999)

Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images

American actress and singer Whitney Houston (1963 - 2012) (right) performs with Mary J. Blige during 'Divas Live--An Honors Concert for VH1 Save the Music' at the Beacon Theater, New York, New York, April 13, 1999. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

This performance makes the list for the matching red leather looks alone: Whitney is serving you Dietrich/YSL/andro-glam and MJB is going high drag.

But these two queens also left everyone for dead on the Aretha classic “Ain't No Way.” We're talking runs on runs on runs on vibrato on melisma on egregious oversinging on sheer perfection.

Aretha Franklin and Mariah Carey, “Chain of Fools” (1998)

Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)

It takes a big set (of lungs) to come for Aretha Franklin, especially on an Aretha song. But Mimi just looks happy to be there—and to give the Queen of Soul room to reign.

Not like she had much say in the matter.

Tina Turner featuring Cher and Elton John, “Proud Mary” (1999)

You know. Every now and then. You might like to hear something from your divas that's nice. And easy. But there's just one problem: Tina Goddamn Turner never, EVER does nothing nice. And easy.

When you throw in fellow living legends Elton John and Cher, Proud Mary ain’t just rolling on the river, she's parting it like Moses.

Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You” (1999)

Whitney. Whitney, Whitney, WHIT. NEY. La Houston was in the middle of a big comeback during her "My Love Is Your Love" era, with her wig game the tightest it had ever been. She had performed “I Will Always Love You” countless times already but this performance may be the finest live version ever.

Watching it now you can fully appreciate with more than a tinge of sadness her truly superhuman vocal ability.

Aretha, Mariah, Gloria, Celine, Shania and Carole King, “A Natural Woman” (1998)

Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images

American musician Aretha Franklin (center, fore) performs with, from left, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Carole King (obscured), Shania Twain, and Celine Dion during the 'Divas Live - An Honors Concert for VH1 Save the Music' at the Beacon Theater, New York, New York, April 14, 1998. (Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

When you think Divas Live you think of this iconic closing number. Aretha doesn't pay homage to just anyone, but even she had to give Carole King her tens for writing this anthem.

All the divas joined in for this final number, really embodying the true spirit of Divas Live—that of virtuosic camaraderie, sisters doing it for themselves, and celebrating the impact of music across generations.

Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night airs Monday, December 5 at 9/8C on VH1 and Logo.

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