Clash of the divas

First there was Whitney, whose gospel inspired R&B and unique vocal artistry quickly cemented her place in the upper echelon of music's greats. Then came Mariah, whose releases climbed the charts with the same ease her voice scales octaves.

The two never directly competed, but a fierce battle was raging between Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey for chart dominance in the '90s. Both know critical success, both have attained mass following and both can deliver a powerhouse ballad like no other.

When Whitney's Like I Never Left was leaked online last year, she made people sit up and take notice of her once again as more than mere tabloid fodder. Meanwhile, Mariah has enjoyed nothing but success as album after album struck gold.

Then it was announced both would release a new album at about the same time. Mariah's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel has a lot riding on it – the album is expected to deliver the single that would tie her with The Beatles for the most chart toppers. But the album has been delayed twice. Expected on August 25, many say Mimi has been rattled by the positive vibes coming from Whitney's camp. Then Whitney went and moved her album forward — by just one day, admittedly, but that means I Look to You will make the cut-off date for Grammy eligibility. Mariah's, unfortunately, will not be eligible.

In the broader scheme of things, both moves make sense. Whitney's proving she's back, and in true diva fashion won't be happy making a comeback with anything but music's highest prize. Another Grammy will put all doubt to rest that The Voice still has the voice. Mariah, on the other hand, is out to prove she's as big – and bigger, if history repeats itself — than the greatest band ever (and we all know who the Beatles claimed to be bigger than). Her camp is quick to point out that both Emancipation of Mimi and e = MC2 were delayed, and that some of her most successful singles were recorded after the album was delayed.

The music industry can only benefit from both releases.

Now we can have real diva duel again. Especially seeing that Barbra Streisand's Love is the Answer and Madonna's greatest-hits album Celebration is expected to be released on September 29, on the same day as Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

Maybe it's true what Whitney and Mariah sang in their duet: "There can be miracles, when you believe."