
Legendary singer Diana Ross may have a reputation for being a Supreme diva, but she exuded nothing short of warmth and appreciation Wednesday (11/10) at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.
Ross said very little to the crowd, but her body language and facial expressions made it clear she was having fun.
During her two-hour performance, Ross celebrated her 40-plus-year music career displaying her adept showmanship during "Ease on Down the Road" and ballads such as "Touch Me in the Morning." Unlike those whom she has inspired, Ross showcased her still-pliable vocal range without participating in vocal gymnastics.
Songs such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" were performed with conviction and muscle, while "Where Did Our Love Go?" and "Stop in the Name of Love" were necessarily girlish--a trait that paved the way for acts like En Vogue and Destiny's Child. She rolled a handful of hits into medleys, including "Where Did Our Love Go?" and "Stop in the Name of Love."
With enough sex appeal to rival a woman half her age, Ross at one point teased an older gentleman by slinking up to him, slowly going in for kiss and pulling away before sealing the deal. After taunting him, Ross allowed him to kiss her cheek. Ross walked the perimeter of the in-the-round stage, mimicking the men and women who were acting out her signature dance moves. She had the entire stage to herself as her band, which included three back-up singers, played in the orchestra pit.
She invited audience members on stage to dance during "Upside Down," and, when an uninvited male admirer then joined in on his own accord, Ross playfully made him beg for permission.
As she sang the line "keep on waiting/anticipating" from "Can't Hurry Love," she held out her arm invitingly to the audience.
Fans were over-the-top appreciative. Ross' vocals in "Do You Know Where You're Going To? (Theme from ‘Mahogany')" and "Touch Me in the Morning" were drowned out by incessant screams. Audience members held out their hands, desperately trying to touch Ross. Her multiple costume changes were met with rabid applause and whistles.
She may have a checkered past, but Ross is still a Supreme talent.