My Thoughts About the Premiere of R&B Divas LA
Last night, I tuned in to watch TVOne’s R&B Divas LA, and it was actually pretty good. By pretty good, I mean it promises to be a drama-filled show because of the explosive personalities on there. Also, it was a great way to take a walk down memory lane with some of my favorite 90s singers.
R&B Divas LA stars Kelly Price, Dawn Robinson (of En Vogue), Chanté Moore (no, she ain’t got a man at home anymore), Lil’ Mo, Claudette Ortiz (of City High) and Michel’le. The ladies are all gifted vocalists who were popular at one point so they’re tryna get back to the top.
Let’s get into my random thoughts on the premiere episode.
The between scene transition of the R&B Divas LA is INCREDIBLY annoying. It’s usually one of the 6 ladies doing a vocal run. I seriously wanted to dropkick a teddy bear by the 3rd time. My Twitfam said they’re used to it because they watched R&B Divas ATL. But since this was my first time watching an episode of this series, I was like WHAT IN THE HELL?!? Ugh. I would say it’s gon get old quick but it already got old 10 minutes in. Womp.
Asymmetrical cuts are all the rage, huh? Kelly Price and Dawn Robinson were rocking these asymmetrical cuts that lowkey made me miss T-Boz. I need her to make a cameo this season to make them a trifecta of unevenness coifs.
Lil Mo is going to be too much to deal with. It’s clear that Lil’ Mo is going into this show with the intention of being the drama queen because she’s already doing the most with the least in her confessionals. Chick is being all extra and neck-swerving and trying too hard, in all her lilliputian glory. You know how little dogs always wanna bark extra to prove their presence? Yes. That’s her.
Also, the comment she made about her trying to get to the level of Beyonce. Chile, I’ma just be quiet.
That wasn’t an open mic. The first episode revolved around re-introducing us to the ladies as Kelly Price plans an open mic she wanted them to sing in. Except it wasn’t an open mic as much as a concert. They even practiced with a choreographer. I’m like “see… somebody lying.” I didn’t mind it though, because I did wanna hear them sing.
About Michel’le’s speaking voice… it’s going to be a problem for me all season. I admit that I didn’t know who she was when she came onscreen. She was the only one I didn’t recognize and my Twitter folks schooled me on her music by sending me links. And then I heard her speak. And I wanted to give myself a papercut. makes me wanna give myself a papercut. Lawd, please forgive me but she sounds like she swallowed ALL THE HELIUM.
Has she always sounded like this? If not, what happened? I’d really like to know.
BUT… when she got on stage at Kelly Price’s open mic, she SLAYED! So I kinda want her to sing everything she ever says. Because. Yes.
Kelly Price loves her some leather. At her open mic night, Kelly came on stage rocking some leather skinnies and I realized how much she really enjoys cowhide. Remember when she used to rock them long Morpheus from Matrix floor length leather coats? She ain’t e’em care what season! The video her and Whitney Houston did for Heartbreak Hotel was filmed on a beach. Kelly put on a sky blue leather muumuu and dared folks to say something. She’s all:
Bless her.
I had forgotten how amazing Chanté Moore’s voice is. Seriously. When she sang at that open mic and ended it with like a 2 minute SUPER HIGH falsetto run, I wanted to throw a handkerchief at my damb TV as I yelled SAAANNNNNGGGGG!!!
*DEAD*
But for real, though. She sounded AWESOME! Like Kelly said, folks think only Mariah Carey can hit those glass shattering notes but Chanté did it without breaking a sweat. I am re-HERE for her. Yes. Re-here.
Claudette Ortiz is gorgeous and her voice is pretty dope. Another person I forgot could sing because the drama attached to her name overshadowed her talent. At the open mic when she first started singing, folks were all “Harpo, who dis woman?” And then she won em over with her voice. The fact that she was with both her bandmates, and had kids with them. Plus, there was that episode of intervention with Robbie. Whooo… But it was good to see her working her way back. She seems sweet.
Also, Michel’le has kids by both Dr. Dre AND Suge Knight?? Well damb.
Dawn Robinson’s singing voice is kinda weak to me. When she got onstage at the open mic and complained to us in the confessionals that she hadn’t done mic check, I knew she was preparing us for it. Her performance was all MEH. And next to the other ladies, her voice was the weakest.
Again, THOSE DAMB INTERSCENE RUNS!!! Ugh.
But ennehweighs, I’m looking forward to this season because they showed us some previews of coming scenes. In one of them, Kelly Price comes prepared with timbs and vaseline and Chante says she doesn’t need accessories because she’s ready whenever. I’m not saying I condone fighting but ummm… I do agree to enjoying the threats they throw at each other. I’m petty. Lemme live.
So did you watch R&B Divas, LA? Whatchu think?
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36 Comments
I remember being a child and hearing Michel’le talk. I thought she was Minnie Mouse until she sang “Something’s In My Heart” live (probably Arsenio).
I live for Chante. There are quite a few women who can hit them notes. Shanice and Rachelle Ferrell too. Not sure I’ma watch this show tho. I am tired of watchin sisters mistreat one another.
oohh what happened to Shanice?
Shanice is getting her life with the love of her life Flex and singing his drawers off nightly as they have raised their probably grown children by now LOL An appearance from Shanice would be nice tho. 🙂
That Snow White GIF is everything!!!
LOL,yes, Michel’le has always sounded like that. I don’t think she was allowed to do many interviews because of her voice. She does, however, get props for surviving a marriage to Sugg Knight. Say what you want, but their has to be some thug in her.
So, Lil’ Mo couldn’t get on Beyonce’s level with a stairway to heaven. “4 Eva” is my jam, but girl, naw.
Actually, Mo should be paying homage to Mi’Chelle because that’s who she’s gonna be in t-5 years.
And, yes, Luvvie, Mi’Chelle has always sounded like that. Listen to her song “Nicety”. Lol.
This show brought back such lovely hood memories of growing up in LA in the 80’s & 90’s.
So…..nobody is gonna talk about Lil’ Mo having church at the end? Oh. Ok.
Ok…I thought it was just me. You know people add gospel because its safe. You are less likely to get told you suck if you sanging for the LAWD!!
Luvvie you are showing your age.. or mine. When she started her career i wa sin college and I clearly remember how she spoke.
“Also, Michel’le has kids by both Dr. Dre AND Suge Knight??” This is your sentence and the reason why I will watch this show. I didn’t plan on it Luvvie, but now you have forced me….
r u guys fo real the only drama queen on this show is phat ass kelly price is she fo real n dat crazy ass chick from envouge pls they r wzaaaaack
I enjoyed the show, and I loved everybody the same. Michel’e is my girl and yes her voice has been like that since forever. I really didn’t know Claudette but I am feeling her. Even though Chante hit them notes, I was less than impressed. Everybody wanted to compare her to Mariah (not to take anything from her), but I like old school, Minnie Ripperton (RIP) created her own octaves back in the day!! But overall yes Chante still got it, just not a man.
Did anybody see Dawn have on that pink bra with that halter top??? Please stop…
Yessssss! When Dawn took off her jacket & that basic Walmart bra was showing, I was screaming at the TV “Who is editing this? Where is the director? Cameraman, interrupt & help this woman!!”
those opening scene runs are HORRIBLE! Do you hear me…..HOOOOOORRRRRIBLE. i thought i first one was just to be funny but after the third one i slid off my couch and onto the floor. If i had a dog am pretty sure i would have kicked it! (sorry dog lovers) I mean seriously you’re on a show called R&B Diva’s you can sing…..WE KNOW!!!!! I hate feeling this way about a “not-so-reality” reality show……………. *huff* when is scandal back on?
I’m kinda shocked you didn’t know who Michel’le was. I thought everyone knew her. She’s always spoken like that. I remember when she first came out I thought it was some kind of gimmick, but no one can keep that kind of thing up forever, so maybe it really is her speaking voice. She can sing her ass off tho, that I do remember.
I wasn’t going to watch this show because I’m on a reality show diet. But I just want to see if Michel’le gon’ cuss somebody out with that voice of hers. But she can sang tho’….
Lil’ Mo is extra. She said she’s “the godmother of hip-hop and R&B” when she’s more like the homegirl that you later find out is a distant cousin.
Random ?: Anybody else remember when Dawn Robinson and her ex-husband were a singing duo?
“she’s more like the homegirl that you later find out is a distant cousin”
*falls off chair*
1) Why didn’t Dawn mention Lucy Pearl?
2) Why did I always think Lil’ Mo & Lil’ Kim were sisters?
3) Why did Kelly Price have on those fly a** shoes & leggings with that mediocre blouse?
4) Why did I get excited and pull out my Sister Act 2 soundtrack when they showed Ryan from City High?
5) Why do I have mad respect for Mi’Chelle for surviving in a relationship with Suge Knight?
6) Why did I think Claudette had a baby with Wyclef?
7) Why do I want to see Chante & Kenny on screen together, because I think she’s a “little bit” more angry than she’s saying!
Yes Chaun esp on 1. (I was waiting for that and Dance tonight is still going thru my head) 2.-I kept thinking abt the Life soundtrack, and 3. that Bitter song may have been before him but sounds like it applies!
Oh my! I didn’t even know R&B Divas was a thing! Someone please share the network it’s on. (I know I can google but please make it easIER for me and just tell me) And yes, Michel’le can SANG! As a kid, I used to SWEAR I was her when she sang “Something in my Heart” and “No More Lies” but her speaking voice give me the sads. I hate it. I hated it then and I will hate it when I watch this show. Sidebar — I did not know she had a children with Dre and Suge. Talk about doin’ too much! Weren’t they friends at some point? o_O
The show comes on TvOne. There is R&B Divas: LA (that Luvvie talks about here) and then the original R&B Divas: ATL.
SIGH…..now I have to watch.
SIGH…..Luvvie made me feel old because I know who Michel’le is and instantly started singing Something in my Heart when I saw her name.
Yes, Michel’le has always sounded like that but she can SANG. See, I don’t even get TV One and after seeing this post I watched the ep online. I’m glad I did. That is some star power up there. And refreshing to see a show with Black women who are truly truly gifted and (at least so far) with no dumb cat fights. I’m loving this show.
OH Luvvie!! I tuned in when I saw your tweets. I’m tuning in with you on this one.
Oh Lil MO!
How does one like to be “snatched and pulled together” but can’t wear a decent pair of seamless panties with their gold leggings? GIRL!!
She trying to get to Beyonce level but she is dressed like a Cosby kid (and I don’t mean a Huxtable) in the preview packages.
The Godmother of Hip Hop and RnB? when did this happen? Let us see the plaque, the iron on t-shirt, or SOMETHING!
I think she is a Barrino. I see some physical and psychological resemblances.
Michel’le
She had a baby by Suge Knight! and said “you don’t have to be in love to make a baby. It’s just sex” LAWD Willful Intent! She a thug. I feel she may bring a surprise element to the drama.
Chante’
Her hair was everything!! *sips tea* What did Kenny do that as her a little less than 2 inches still angry?
Claudette is GAWJUS! I didn’t know much about her.
Dawn always need to be regimented for something. I’m concerned. smh “Oh, I don’t know about this… I’m so used to being regimented” Shut up! geepers. take a chance in life.
LMAO at Lil Mo turning the club into a COGIC convocation.
Oh, and bless Kelly’s heart for rockin’ her housecleaning shirt at the club.
I didn’t know it was on until you started tweeting about it lol and imagine my surprise when I saw my ex-cousin, Michel’le, on there. [Unfortunately, Suge is my cousin. As in first cousin. His embarrassing ass..] Y’all should here that voice in person. It’s baffling. Don’t let her scream at her kids. Only dogs can hear that shit. She can sing though, and is super nice. I’ll definitely be watching.
Wait…you’re serious aren’t you??!?!??!?! TOO FUNNY!!!!! Girl we all have kin folk that make us shake our head…none of mine are famous though :-/
Dead serious, girl. You don’t want to be related to famous people. Especially someone like him. All the stupid shit that he does embarrasses the damn family, yet my dad said I can’t say nothing when I see him at family gatherings cuz he throws his money around. What money?? That negro broke and he ain’t pay shit for me. He need to have a classroom of seats. Don’t get me started on all the questions people ask me about him. Especially about Tupac. [ deep sigh ] so be lucky you don’t have famous people in your family. If you ever do, pray they act right lol
Wowwwwwwww. yeah…so ummm…about Tupac. Just playing…well unless…no…nevermind…yeah…no really
Lol he didn’t do it and Tupac was a beautiful man in person.
I had to stop reading and comment after the Kelly and cowhide…that was so true abt the Heartbreak vid lol
I just got my life back with that Snow White giff!
Michel’le……I want to drop kick her in the throat to give her some bass in that voice. Cause chile…..
And speaking of her, Dre AND SHUG KNIGHT????
Chante still got it, but what did Kenny do to her? I am ready for that tea….
Dawn…is the weakest link….
Lil Mo: I was waiting for one of her fake eyelashes to fall to the floor while she took everybody to church…in the club…. Beyonce??? Nawl. Have several seats.
Much improved over RnB Divas ATL. Less talking more singing. I really hope Claudette Ortiz makes it big on her own…super talented and slept on.
I kinda think they should have an RnB Divas draft. I’d trade Lil Mo to ATL for Monifah…I can already tell Lil Mo is gonna be the ratchet (all due respect to Luvvie) on this show, and Monifah has too much class to be dealing with Nucca Gilbert on a regular basis.
I had no intentions of watching this one, as the original R&B got wack this season. After reading this, I had to see what was popping. They are definitely a “prettier” cast and had better songs from the past! Lil’ Mo is way too extra, but I think she’s always been like that. Dawn seems way to calm, especially after hearing all the rumors about her being a diva. There is a sadness in Claudette’s eyes that breaks my heart, I hope she is able to make her dreams come true. I like Kelli as the “leader” and I got my side-eye on Chante for some reason. I feel like she is going to be the sneaky one of the group.
I am late on watching the first episode, but I was sure I saw some sadness in Claudette’s eyes too. I will be tuning in for more.
Lil Mo is delusional. Yes, she can SANG but that’s it. She has no style and her music is blah. A “machine”is not going to help. She is the only one I’m not feeling on the show. Yes, she is being extra.
I can see labels running to sign Claudette because she has the talent, she still looks young and of course, is beautiful.
Dawn is very spacey.
Chante seems cool. I wanna know what Kenny did to her.
Michel’le…girl, I never understood how she could get with Suge knowing he hated Dr. Dre and Dre was her ex/son’s father. That is so foul.