By Tim McCanless

Ladies of song such as Diana Ross, Cher, Madonna, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, and Celine Dion have long held "diva" status not only because of their singing abilities but also due to their captivating and engaging larger than life personas. Nowadays, however, a new generation of pop and dance music songstresses ­ Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Natasha Bedingfield and French Davis - have pretty much relied on their talent to gain millions of adoring fans worldwide and become budding "new school divas".

Born on the Caribbean island of Barbados, Rihanna burst onto the R&B and pop scenes in 2005 with her debut smash hit, "Pon de Replay." Originally discovered by Jay-Z and signed to his Def Jam record label, she's since proven to be more than a one hit wonder with three chart-topping albums and numerous #1 singles, including "S.O.S.," "Unfaithful," "Umbrella" and "Don't' Stop The Music." Not yet 21 years old, Rihanna has become a full-fledged international pop star and has recently shown a certain spunk and spirit that with seasoning will surely certify her as a first rate diva.

With a several chart-topping singles in America, a #1 UK debut album, and over 6.5 million units sold worldwide, Natasha Bedingfield is the UK's biggest female pop star bar none - a bold, beautiful home grown answer to American uber-divas Christina Aguilera and Pink. Since taking the U.S. by storm in 2005, Bedingfield has been singled out by Vanity Fair as the leader of a new Britpop invasion; became one of the faces of Gap (alongside Mia Farrow and Common); was invited by Prince to jam with him at a private party; was enlisted by Bono for his (RED) campaign; and seen her song "Unwritten" become the most played song on mainstream American radio in 2006. She's not just a U.K. diva anymore; she's now simply a diva.

While the "legend" of Frenchie Davis has been fueled in large part by controversy and scandal ­she was kicked off of American Idol when it was discovered she had posed topless for an adult web site when she was 18 ­ the Los Angeles native is now gaining fame and notoriety due to her powerful singing voice and undeniable stage presence. Davis had a hugely successful four-year run on Broadway in the Tony Award winning musical "Rent" and will soon be teaming up with fellow Idol alumnus Rueben Studdard in the 30th anniversary revival of the Broadway hit "Ain't Misbehavin'. 2008 promises to be a big year for Davis as she'll be releasing her debut CD and will also be recording a dance single for legendary DJ/producer Tony Moran.

The winner of the first American Idol competition in 2002, Kelly Clarkson has gone from an anonymous Burleson, Texas talent to a nationally-acclaimed singing star who sells millions of CDs and routinely sells out the biggest concert venues around. While she has dabbled a bit with acting, Clarkson's strong-willed and independent personality is showcased best when she's singing behind a microphone, belting out hits such as "Since You Been Gone," "Never Again" and "Because Of You."