We sat down for an exclusive interview with Shelley-Davina Burton, the creator and lead vocalist behind Diva of the Decades. Diva of the Decades, is a high-energy and captivating live music and dance show celebrating the iconic Divas of music history, past and present.
A show not to be missed, audiences will embark on a sensational journey through the ages, celebrating the powerhouse voices of legends like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Cher, and Diana Ross just to mention a few…
For further information, visit www.divaofthedecades.com.
Diva of the Decades celebrates some of the most iconic women in music history. What does the word “Diva” mean to you personally, and how do you embody that spirit on stage?
Despite popular belief, I don’t think a diva is an egomaniac who is impossible to please (‘oh she is such a diva!!’) I mean of course it can be that, but on stage we don’t embody artists who are temperamental and difficult! We just display confidence, sass and talent, which are the most admirable qualities of the biggest female singers in the music industry that we are paying homage to. So that’s what a diva means to me – a woman who displays these things. The word diva actually originated from music, as a diva was a celebrated female opera singer… so a diva is a celebrated singer/performer who is brilliant at what she does!
You perform songs by legends like Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton and Celine Dion. Is there one artist whose music feels particularly close to your heart — and why?
For me my favourite diva will always be Whitney Houston. I was obsessed with her as a child, and she just instantly takes me back to playing records in my room singing along to her songs and thinking I want to be like her! Aretha Franklin is my second favourite – wow what a talent! It’s a difficult choice as there are so many great divas in the show, and everyone has their favourite which is fabulous!
The show promises powerhouse vocals, soulful harmonies and high-energy choreography. How do you prepare physically and vocally to deliver that level of intensity night after night on tour?
Yes the show is incredibly energetic! We have regular rehearsals, and I have a dodgy knee so all the dancing doesnt help, haha! So I do a lot of exercise to strengthen my knee – Tina Turner’s Proud Mary kills me, haha! Vocally we train every day with my favourite instrument Dr Nelson Steamer – an absolute lifesaver, as it keeps the voice where it needs to be. It’s so boring really doing all this to look after your voice and body, but its a hard sing this show it’s full out, so I need to! And although alcohol is a no no for voice preservation, I always have a cheeky wine after the show.. I need it!
Audiences are encouraged to sing along and “embrace their inner Diva.” What is your favourite moment in the show when you feel the crowd truly lets go?
To be honest we usually have the audience’s attention and vocals from the second song in – which is a joy to see! However the Tina Turner section is where they go wild, and really dance around embracing their inner Tina Turner!
This show takes audiences on a journey through the decades. How do you balance honouring these legendary artists while still bringing your own personality and interpretation to the performance?
It’s a difficult balance as we are not trying to be them, and be exactly the same as them in every way like a tribute artist, so I guess that gives us more flexibility. We also add our flair and sass to each diva, and there’s lots of comedy in the show – so it’s a surprise, you have to come and see the show to find out! I love my team and they do an amazing job….
With the show touring across the UK throughout 2026, what excites you most about taking Diva of the Decades to different audiences and venues?
I love the buzz of theatres and meeting new divas all over the UK is thrilling to me. However the most amazing part of the show for me is the time I divulge a little secret – close to the end of the show. Something that the audience did not know and it’s the real reason for the show.
So the show was birthed because of the biggest diva of my life….. my Mum, who unfortunately died of terminal cancer a few years ago. Before she died she said to me ‘Shell, I have seen you in so many shows, the West End, cruises etc, why don’t you just do your own show….?’ So from that conversation and homage to my amazing beautiful mum, I started Diva of the Decades…. and that’s when the show was born. It’s a celebration of the biggest divas in history, but also a celebration of the biggest diva of my life – my mum. My heart breaks at that moment, as she would have loved to see this show, as the divas and songs chosen are some of her absolute favourites.
You can’t imagine how much it means to me when I see bums on seats and people coming to see the show, singing their heads off and dancing like it’s the last night of their life! And I thank the audience at every show as it’s PERSONAL to me. It’s not only a fun show, but there is a reason behind it, so in that poignant moment there is a lot of emotion from the audience – tears, applause etc, and that for me is the ultimate best moment in the show, as my mumbecomes part of the show.
Then we go on to celebrate with another banger, so it’s an emotional journey, as well as a musical journey. It’s been such a journey for me, very hard at times, as I have never run a show before, but my mum is my inspiration every day, and I love spreading love and joy and diva power all over the UK – come and see the show!