In March, Queer Idol will be changing its name to "Spectra Showcase & Career Launch" and will welcome performers from all disciplines (including drag queens, drag kings, carnival acts, vocalists, musicians, comedians, dancers and cultural acts).
According to event producer Ralph Hamelmann, "because of the workshops offered and prize structure (which acknowledges all the performers' contributions) this event is so much more than a talent contest so we wanted a name that distinguishes us from American Idol." The change also comes hot-on-the-heels of Spectra's incorporation as a non-profit organization.
Every Spectra season brings a wealth of raw talent, budding friendships, huge dreams, stage fright -- and an inevitable handful of divas. The divine creatures (that fall into the latter category) come equipped with a strong ego, which often leads an embarrassing display of self-entitlement.
Most divas are hard to detect at first. When they sign up for Spectra, they're as sweet as pie. But usually by mid-contest (or when things don't go their way), their horns pop out and they become demanding little buggers.
Luckily, this kind of diva constitutes a minority at Spectra, but it still begs the question: why do some performers take on this persona?
Since day one, Queer culture has celebrated the diva. Legends like Bette Davis, Diana Ross, Liz Taylor and Madonna (to name a few) are strong, independent and fascinating women. But these "old school" divas also had an abundance of class, which is often lacking in the trashy, new-school diva that reality TV has generated.
So being a diva is OK so long as the respect you demand is a two-way street.
Then again, when I look to Spetra's Celebrity Judges, divas were surprisingly sparse. One might assume that the folks who actually achieved great heights would be the most difficult to work with. But I'm happy to report that the Celebrity Judges were by far the most gracious, respectful and professional of the lot.
This makes sense. To become successful, one must have a healthy ego and lots of talent. But in order to rally support from the people who can further your career, you should also be personable and easy to get along with.
So if you want to perform, unleash your inner-diva. But if you want to be successful, tuck that larger-than-life persona away the second your foot leaves the stage.
