Vanessa Williams receives Lena Horne award.

In 1996, Vanessa gets the Lena Horne award and a greeting from the Lady herself. It is a nice moment; and unique because I do not know of another instance where Horne publicly expressed (sincere) admiration for a young(er) female performer. Of course, Williams has the same hard-as-nails exterior as Miss Horne -- no tears, no apologies, no nervous breakdowns, no self-destructive drama and no Oprah-style personal confessions. In her career, Williams is strictly business, completely unflappable, poised, polished and controlled, exhibiting only the slightest twinge of bitterness. Tough on the outside, God only knows what on the inside -- just like Horne.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Vanessa-Williams
• Lena-Horne
• Diva
• Broadway

[glideordie]

RIP Ms. Horne. And Vanessa Williams deserves this level of acclaim from the mainstream media as well. She is working, which is fantastic, and she has a star in Hollywood, but she is still underrated. There's NO reason that some kids (esp. black kids) should not know that she was the first black Miss America or that she has a long stage and singing career. Vanessa is Lena and Dorothy Dandridge wrapped in one modern package of awesomeness.

[ICANDIGUOUT]

wow, i remember watchin this & bein so happy for vanessa...what an honor relatively early in her career

[LightLeadingMe]

Ahhhh Vanessa's speech almost made me cry. The part about keeping her in your prayers made me tear up. She's an amazing woman.

[mulattamonroe]

This is my favorite youtube clip!

[mulattamonroe]

This is my favorite youtube clip!

[mizoboe]

young Vanessa...

[leplaq]

@MasterGTALoquendo yes thats Queen latifah

[DaxShaw]

OMG BronzeVenus you're completely right about Vanessa and Lena's personalities, though I must say Lena was a better singer than Vanessa. Vanessa is good but Lena was the Queen

[MasterGTALoquendo]

@MasterGTALoquendo jajajaj i answer mysel xD i read after comment shes Oprah

[MasterGTALoquendo]

is she Queen Latifah???????????''