Cher. Madonna. Prince. Björk. Rihanna. Some names are so iconic that they don't need a surname. These music legends — and many more – have released era-defining music, delivered performances that go down in history, and now, they're taking over the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts in the Southbank Arts Precinct. From couture gowns and glittering costumes to sets dominated by pyrotechnics and hologram visuals, divadom doesn't come easy. The just-opened performing arts museum's debut DIVA exhibition will unravel what it takes to be a diva, tracing the lives of a star-studded cast of international musicians alongside homegrown stars including Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton-John, Marcia Hines, and Dame Joan Sutherland. [caption id="attachment_1057920" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Operatic powerhouses Maria Callas and Dame Nellie Melba deliver technical and emotionally-charged arias without microphones. Pop provocateurs of all eras like Cher, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish pair their music with high-energy dances and theatrics. Elton John and Prince played multiple instruments, while Cher's and Grace John's stages often doubled up as fashion runways. All these performers are a part of DIVA, and rising icons get their share of the spotlight too — Amy Taylor of Melbourne-based punk band Amyl and the Sniffers and flamboyant cabaret artists Reuben Kaye and Meow Meow offer a glimpse into the next generation of divadom. [caption id="attachment_1057922" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image supplied[/caption] Find over 250 objects — including 60 spectacular costumes — from London's Victoria and Albert Museum, the Art Centre Melbourne's Australian Performing Arts Collection, and rounded off with loaned items from all over the world. DIVA also takes visitors backstage, with handwritten lyrics, scores, posters and personal paraphernelia. Walk through it all accompanied by an immersive soundscape designed by world-leading sound designer Gareth Fry, featuring an emotional soundtrack that brings together tunes by Aretha Franklin, Josephine Baker, Dolly Parton, Ella Fitzgerald, Sade, Adele and more. [caption id="attachment_1057925" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cabernet artist Reuben Kaye. Image supplied[/caption] Visit the Australian Museum of Performing Arts website for more information.