We interrupt this column to bring you a message from a real diva: “It has been an honour to sing and entertain my fans for over 70 years…At this point of time, I’m sorry to say, that due to up-and-coming hand surgery, I will no longer be able to reply to fan mail.  We kindly request for you to avoid sending vinyls, personal items and photographs, as we will be unable to post them back to you.  Your support has been incredible.  Every single letter I have received has been an honour.  All my love, Dame Shirley Bassey.”  Such a cold finger!

Another diva is poised to make a comeback.  Celine Dion is reportedly planning to return to the concert stage this fall.  Prior to the pandemic and her Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis, Celine was scheduled to do a series of concerts at the Paris La Defense Arena as part of her Courage World Tour.  So it’s fitting that she’s planning on fulfilling those engagements as her return.  Last week, the City of Lights was canvassed with posters listing the titles of Dion’s songs.  We expect an announcement for the September and October concerts any time now.

Someone else is leaving the spotlight.  Dionne Warwick claims that her latest release will be her last.  DWuets is made up entirely of Diane Warren songs (Diane and Dionne both share the “DW” initials) and is produced by Warwick’s son, Damon Elliott.  But fear not, Warwick says while she’s bowing out of more recordings, she plans to continue to do intimate live dates.

By the by, Dionne told our pal Sherri Shepherd that Teyana Taylor has been signed to a biopic about the singer’s life.  Warwick said, “After meeting her, I said, ‘Oh, my, that’s my alter ego.’”  She also praised Taylor for speaking her mind and having no filter. 

People have been asking me if Sherri Shepherd has any plans once her talk show wraps.  She’s in the midst of her nationwide comedy tour (the full schedule can be found on SherriShepherd.com).  She’ll also join forces with Robin Roberts’ production company on a Lifetime film called Angel in the Rubble, which is based on Genelle Guzman, who was the last survivor pulled from the 9/11 rubble.  Sherri will not only be an executive producer on the film, she’ll also star as Genelle.  It will air in September to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the attack.