"Everyone has gone through hard times in their life, especially nowadays," the Real Housewives of New York City star told PEOPLE of the inspiration behind the song. "I believe the diva in all of us is what gets us through. Strength, courage and the ability to be the captain of your own ship without making excuses for being who we are."
Luann teamed up with Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Desmond Child to create the women empowerment anthem, which features lines including, "Here's to the diva deep in you" and "What I want is what is mine/ I'm not ashamed, I never look back."
"I hope the fans will connect to their inner diva when they hear the lyrics," adds de Lesseps.
The award-winning producer and songwriter also opened up about his collaboration with de Lesseps. "I was taken by surprise that Luann was definitely not a diva in the studio, came totally prepared, in a fantastic mood and ready to work," he told PEOPLE. "It was one of the easiest recording sessions of my career and listening to 'Viva La Diva' you can hear the sheer joy and wicked fun she was having singing a song that was made to order and fit her like a couture Givenchy ball gown."
The music video was shot by Jerry Chia and directed by Evan Hungate. The video holds an extra-special meaning for de Lesseps — as it was filmed at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City, where she got her start in cabaret.
"It’s an homage to NYC and my rise to the cabaret stage," she said, adding that the video was shot with a two-person crew. Watch the music video below!
"Viva La Diva" is de Lesseps' fifth single, following 2010’s "Money Can’t Buy You Class," 2011’s "Chic, C’est la Vie," 2015’s "Girl Code" and last year's "Feelin’ Jovani."
Viva La Diva is now available to stream and purchase on all digital platforms.
Photo/Video Credit: Luann de Lesseps/YouTube
