The word diva is derived from an Italian expression for female deity or goddess.
It was given to prominent opera singers in the 19th century and in more recent times attached to pop icons and Hollywood legends.
An Australian Museum of Performing Arts exhibition will explore the re-definition of the "diva" through 60 costumes and items from stars including Judy Garland, Cher and Billie Eilish.
"We'll celebrate the power and creativity of iconic performers," the museum's head of curatorial Margot Anderson said.
"It looks at how they've used the spotlight to make change and inspire the world around them."
Australia's contribution to pop culture and "diva-dom" will be showcased, including a robe worn by world-renowned soprano Dame Nellie Melba.
Melba, born in 1861, is credited as the first Australian to achieve international recognition as a classical musician.
Olivia Newton-John's rhinestone-encrusted leather jacket worn during her 2014-16 Las Vegas residency features, as does a red number worn by pop icon Kylie Minogue in her music video for Padam Padam.
A dress made of pink whoopee cushions donned in early 2025 by Amy Taylor, the lead of anti-establishment punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers, also gets a run.
"That's a fantastic costume and really inventive and so reflective of her and her personality. There are lots of different faces of the Australian diva," Ms Anderson said.
The Australian diva had gone through phases such as "the girl next door image" and more recent acts of rebellion and had become far more inclusive, she said.
The exhibition, which runs from December 11 to April 26, is the inaugural offering from Melbourne's Australian Museum of Performing Arts.
Eurovision fans can get a close up of Kate Miller-Heidke's silver bodice created by a Melbourne bridal designer.
A fringed black dress worn by Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk in 1959's Some Like it Hot will also be on display.
