We tuned in for host Adam Lambert, but VH1's Divas Live contained a number of eye-popping, deeply danceable moments last night. Miley Cyrus sang Billy Idol, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, and Jordin Sparks wooed us with mad vocals and killer hand choreography, and even Sheila E. dropped by for an otherworldly drumming exhibition as part of a Donna Summer tribute.
But those weren't even my favorite moments! My interviews on the red carpet with many of the divas will be up soon, but in the meantime, check out our favorite clips from the night.
Adam Lambert kicks it off with a gnarly-ass version of "Let's Dance"
Hell yes: Adam sounded amazing as he toasted David Bowie with this tripped-out, blipped-up, vampy version of "Let's Dance." I think it's fair to call it one of the best performances of the night, since it had fine costuming, killer vocals, and choreography lifted from Kylie Minogue's "Slow" video. Perf.
Adam takes on Madonna and dresses like... Sinead O'Connor?
Our man Adam returned with a strange black robe covered with mystical writings for his performance of "Ray of Light," and it may have been his most bizarre showing since his American Idol rendition of "Ring of Fire." If he'd ended the song with a random outburst of, "Down, down, down with theflaaaaaaaames," I'd have considered it a Stonewall-size breakthrough. Rumor has it that Madonna requested Adam for this gig, and I'm hoping that's not some lie Lourdes is spreading.
Natasha Bedingfield and Bootsy Collins are a Deee-Lite
I'm not saying Natasha Bedingfield's performance of "Groove is in the Heart" with Izzy Azalea was astounding, but it was sincere and inspired. Plus, you can't deny the plucky funk of Bootsy Collins. Look at that man go! He sounded amazing, and that outfit is a Hindenburg-level glitter explosion.
Ciara CAN DANCE.
I have always loved and will always love Ciara. The girl is such an unusual blend of hip-hop, pop-and-lock theatrics, and supermodel stature. Her tribute to Michael Jackson was slick and eye-popping, and she maintained the same otherwordly finesse throughout her performance of her new single, "Got Me Good."
Pure vocal power: Kelly Clarkson
Here's the case with every B+ Kelly Clarkson single: It turns into an A+ jam when she performs it live. Have you seen her perform "Walk Away"? Very compelling. Same goes with "Never Again,""My Life Would Suck Without You," and her new single "Catch My Breath," which she turned out for Divas. That voice is just damn consistent, strong, and somehow relatable. Fabulous.
What were your favorite performances?
