Cher, Madonna, And Mariah Carey All Faced 'Diva' Rumors When They're Outrageous Tour Rider Demands Were Leaked (2024)

Cher, Madonna, and Mariah Carey are three of the most iconic and talented living artists in music. Groundbreaking, inspirational, and ahead of their time, Cher, Madonna, and Carey set the tone for artists today, especially when on tour. However, big talent and celebrity come with big diva moments. After all, no one has a talent quite like these women.

Helping these A-listers is a team of professionals. From hair and makeup to stylists to personal drivers to assistants…. It takes a village to support a diva. Over the years, demands were leaked from these legendary stars, proving that nothing is too out of reach when you’re a diva. Keep reading to learn what the music industry’s top stars allegedly demanded on tour and all about the feud between Madonna and Carey.

Cher, Madonna, And Mariah Carey's Tour Demands Were Allegedly Leaked

While on tour, the stars make a variety of demands to make themselves, their guests, and their team as comfortable as possible. After all, divas can't perform in front of thousands if they're not comfortable. With Cher, Madonna, and Mariah Carey being three of the biggest divas in music, their demands are somewhere in the middle between reasonable and outlandish.

• Cher — also known as the Goddess of Pop — is an icon who got her start in the musical duo Sonny and Cher in the 1960s, according to Biography. Known for her deep voice and artistic ensembles, Cher is known for songs like “If I could turn back time” and “Believe." Quick-witted and a young spirit, Cher is known for her sharp responses to reporters as well as her incredible ensembles on tour and the red carpet. As one of the world's most beloved artists, Cher gives a colorful performance. According to her official website, Cher has been on seven tours. Considering her worldwide fame, Cher's demands on tour aren't as outlandish as one would expect. According to Smoking Gun, Cher's alleged demands on the Do You Believe Tour in 1999 were as follows:
  • Fresh flowers, including Casa Blanca lilies and gardenias,
  • White interior, including white chairs and tablecloths,
  • Wine: one bottle of fine red and white wine,
  • Snacks like mixed nuts and M&Ms,
  • Six separate rooms: one for Cher, one for her male dancers, one for her female dancers, one for her band, one for her wardrobe and stylists, one for her masseuse, and one incredible room for her fabulous wigs.

While other divas' demands are more outlandish, a room dedicated to wigs is as diva-esque as it gets.

• Madonna’s shining moments were in the 1980s and ‘90s. An independent songstress, she shot to stardom for her talent and raw sexuality, which was rarely seen during this time. Music videos were Madonna’s time to shine as she showed off her passion for acting and sense of style. Songs like “Ray of Light” and “Like a Prayer” became massive hits. Like Cher, Madonna is a diva of her generation. Outside of music, Madonna had a few diva moments in interviews where she shaded other artists, per Galore Mag. In 2012, Madonna’s diva behavior was again confirmed when her backstage rider shared a list of alleged demands, as reported by Yahoo! Entertainment.
  • Like Cher, Madonna needed rooms and passes for 200 of her closest friends, colleagues, and staff. This included "30 bodyguards, personal chefs, a yoga instructor, an acupuncturist, and even an on-site dry cleaner,”
  • 20 International phone lines,
  • Fresh flowers like lilies and roses (with stems cut exactly six inches),
  • Hotel furniture must be replaced with her own furniture to get a homey feel.

The Daily Mail noted, “Madonna has probably the longest list of requirements of any of the world's music stars. She expects things to be just right or it puts her off her stage show." If things aren’t as she requests, shows are delayed. Madonna's lateness happens so often that she was sued during her Celebration Tour.

Madonna and Cher have diva demands, but backstage demands are minuscule when they're pulling in thousands of screaming fans to see them on tour. While on tour, the queen of high demands is the only Mariah Carey.

• Mariah Carey was the queen of pop in the '90s and 2000s and is known for her diva behavior. Her incredible vocal range set her apart from just about any other singer in the world. According to Billboard, Songs like "Always Be My Baby" and "All I Want For Christmas Is You" are considered timeless pieces. With vocals that can't be matched, Carey takes her diva status to new heights when it comes to being compared to other singers. According to Vanity Fair, one of her more popular diva moments happened in 2003 when she was asked about Jennifer Lopez. "I don't know her" came out of her mouth, starting an ongoing feud between her and Lopez. According to The Smoking Gun, when it comes to Carey's profession, her diva demands outweigh Madonna and Cher's.
  • Cristal champagne had to be on hand (with bendy straws),
  • Beverages like co*ke, Fiji Water, Diet co*ke, and protein drinks had to be available,
  • Warm fried chicken,
  • Lemons and honey,
  • Two dozen fresh white roses,
  • Vanilla candles throughout the dressing room,
  • Her room must be 75 degrees and patterns must be minimalized,
  • A soft lamp should be in the room so that harsh lighting can be turned off,
  • Sugarless gum.

In 2017, Carey talked about her diva behavior with People.

From champagne to furniture, these divas require the best because they are the best!

Mariah Carey, Cher, And Madonna Are Divas With A Feud

Part of being a diva means knowing the talent you possess and the power you have. This can sometimes bring a sense of entitlement and being protective of your career. Because of this, it's rumored that Mariah Carey and Madonna have an ongoing feud.

Nicki Swift shared that in 1996, Madonna did an interview with Spin where she talked about Carey's stardom and her poorly written movie Glitter. Madonna's words were anything but kind.

When MTV mentioned Madonna's words to Carey, she responded in the most diva way possible. "I really haven't paid attention to Madonna since I was in seventh or eighth grade when she used to be popular," Carey said.

But Carey isn't the only one who has an issue with Madonna. Cher has also had a longstanding feud with the "Vogue" singer. In an interview with CBS, Cher was asked about her feud with Madonna. Similar to Carey, Cher didn't hold back.

Cher had nothing nice to say about Madonna over the years, including calling Madonna a "spoiled brat." It appears in Hollywood, becoming friends with those you're competing with isn't common. It's hard work being a diva, but these three women will forever go down as the best of the best in their industry.