Strutting through the audience, the indomitable Tina Turner opens VH1's Divas Live 99 by launching into "Simply the Best," proving she still is. She and honorary diva Elton John belt out an energetic version of "The Bitch Is Back," but the highlight is when Turner teases the captivated audience during the slow, sultry opening of "Proud Mary." A sexy dervish on stage, Turner easily out-swaggers her younger backup singer-dancers. Cher joins her to wrap up the classic hit, then segues into her own set in which she seems breathless, but you can't help admire her staying power (four decades!) and forgive her. Diva-in- training Leann Rimes performs "How Do I Live" with a sure, powerful voice. Next to her, Brandy is pleasant but unexciting. Her breathy rendition of "Everything I Do I Do for You" is disappointing, but it picks up when Faith Hill enters. Adding a passion and conviction that young Brandy can't yet muster, Hill grounds the song. Über-diva Whitney Houston gives us the drawn-out vocal gymnastics for which she's famous. Self-effacing she's not, but the girl can hold a note like nobody's business. Mary J. Blige matches Houston in a charged "Ain't No Way." Divas Live 99 is a benefit for Save the Music, VH1's project to stress the importance of music education in public schools. Clocking in at an hour and 18 minutes, the video is edited down from the original special, but it moves along at a satisfying clip. Though not as stunning as the previous year's Divas Live, it's still an enjoyable concert from some of music's favorite performers. --Dana Van Nest
