Motown Legend Diana Ross Sparkles at the Santa Barbara Bowl

Diana Ross graced the Santa Barbara Bowl stage on Aug. 27 as part of her “Diana in Motion” tour. Ross last performed in Santa Barbara in 2023, making her return highly anticipated for locals who sold out the venue’s 4,500 seats. 

The 82-year-old singer, known as the Queen of Motown, was the lead singer of girl group The Supremes from 1959 to 1970. She went on to have a successful solo career, debuting with single “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand).” After her solo success, she went on to collaborate with Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye, solidifying her impact on the musical industry.

Before the performance began, a video narrated by Ross played on stage, explaining her life until this moment. It opened with her childhood memories accompanied with clips of her family describing her as “wild” and always “fighting to kill.” As the video progressed, it highlighted her early career with Motown in The Supremes until her Academy Award-nominated performance in “Lady Sings the Blues.” The video concluded with Ross thanking the audience for their years of support and wishing the best for every person who joined her that evening.

As the video ended, Ross’ live band entered the stage dressed in tailored white suits and dresses. The musicians began to play as Ross emerged, appropriately singing “I’m Coming Out” as she made her entrance. Ross wore a beautifully grand red dress with an extravagantly large matching shawl — perfect for the high-energy hit. The audience immediately rose to their feet, dancing along to the beloved song.

Ross followed with “More Today Than Yesterday,” encouraging audiences to wave their hands to the song’s catchy beat. Throughout the performance, Ross made eye contact with members of the audience, sparking a personal connection. Iconic music videos also accompanied each song, cultivating nostalgia throughout the concert.

Ross moved on to performing her biggest hits from her years in The Supremes, starting with “Baby Love,” followed by “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” During each “stop” lyric sung in “Stop! In the Name of Love,” the audience raised their hands to make a stop sign, pleasing Ross as she mirrored their movements. The audience matched Ross’ dancing and energy, staying on their feet and dancing to the iconic beats.

“I feel 47, you know I’m 82 right? … It’s use it or lose it!” Ross said, expressing how happy she felt to be able to perform after nearly a 70-year-long career.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Ross finished her hits with The Supremes and moved on to songs from her solo career. She sang her newer song “Thank You,” where she thanked all the people in her life for their love and support. Ross then led the audience into repeating her mantra, encouraging them to keep positivity in their lives: “I am so grateful for all the blessings in my life, for there are many and all is well. Thank you.”

She continued the performance with some of her most popular solo hits, including “Chain Reaction,” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” “Love Hangover,” “Ease on Down the Road” and “Upside Down.” During her “Upside Down” performance, Ross brought out six out of eight of her grandchildren onto the stage to dance. The audience cheered with delight as her grandchildren accomplished their most impressive moves with their grandmother.

She then invited her daughter Rhonda Ross to join her for a duet of “Count On Me.” Their velvety voices blended together, giving a captivating performance that left the audience roaring with applause. Ross left the stage as Rhonda performed some of her own music.

When Ross returned to the stage, she donned a glittering gold dress with a matching shawl. The costume change brought the audience back to their feet as they danced along to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Although this song is originally by Marvin Gaye, her cover was featured in her 1970 debut solo album “Diana Ross,” which made the performance even more special.

Ross appeared to end the concert with a cover of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” The audience sang along enthusiastically as Ross waved goodbye and left the stage. However, the Bowl’s lights did not turn on, leaving the audience anticipating an encore.

Shortly afterwards, Ross returned to stage with an elegantly glittering black gown to perform an unreleased song, “BU.” She explained that she wrote the song for the LGBTQIA+ community and performed it for Brighton and Hove Pride — she encouraged the audience to follow the lyrics of always being who they are.

After the final song concluded, Ross left the stage with a smile, seemingly proud to see the same joy reflected on the smiling faces of her supporters.