The Russian soprano Anna Netrebko is opera’s biggest star. But her career is in disarray because of her ties to Putin, and arts companies around the world are divided on whether to welcome her back.

See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. "Lots of opera singers are just boring. Bo-o-o-ring. C'mon: get a life!

There isn't a musical instrument on earth that can produce sounds as varied, as beautiful, and as heart-rending as the voice of a woman. That's why we worship our great sopranos, and call them divas.