Deborah Cox

Deborah Cox was saddled with the title of diva almost as soon as she left the starting gate -- a label which, having been tossed around the neck of so many eight-octave-reaching young songstresses as of late, could have become more of a curse than a blessing. The latter proved to be true after the success of Cox's "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," a pleading love ballad given urgency and emphasis by her fluttering vocals and powerful delivery. Although the constant comparisons to other accomplished singers tends to deny Cox's vocal uniqueness, she seems content to share the crown with Whitney, Mariah and Celine without complaint.