Fresh off the heels of her UK/EU tour and kicking off the U.S. leg, Diana Ross returns to the Hollywood Bowl stage. Her name will once again grace the marquee of the historic venue for a two-night run on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26. She will be performing her hit songs the world has come to know and love, ensuring unforgettable evenings filled with warmth and exuberance. Fans of the music pioneer can find tickets starting at $24. Save 30% on tickets in select sections using promo code WEEKEND30. Or you can enter our giveaway to Win Tickets to Diana Ross at the Hollywood Bowl!
In this life, if we’re lucky, we get to witness artists whose performances feel like history unfolding in real time. Diana Ross is a prime example. Beloved for her timeless catalog, infectious sound, and captivating stage presence, Diana Ross belongs to a rare class of living legends who continue to perform with the same consistency and radiance they first displayed decades ago. As she prepares to light up the stage of the Hollywood Bowl once again, discover five facts you may not have known about the legendary luminary.
1. Drag Queens Inspired Her Hit Song “I’m Coming Out“
For decades, the iconic song has been celebrated as thee gay anthem, played at endless gay bars, Pride events, drag shows, and now, often viral on TikTok. In an interview, Nile Rodgers (of Chic and Sister Sledge) shared he was inspired to write the song after seeing a group of drag queens dressed as Diana Ross in the bathroom of an underground New York City club called The Gilded Grape. It was here where Rodgers shared he was “blown away” and got his “lightbulb idea.” He immediately ran outside to call Bernard Edwards (of Chic), and asked him to write down his idea because he knew he would be “staying up all night and wind up getting drunk and wind up forgetting.” The next day, they met in the studio and Rodgers played the funky, iconic riff while singing the infectious hook, and the gay anthem was built from there.
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2. Diana Ross Has Two Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Ross is among the small group of artists who hold two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was first awarded a star in 1982—making her the first African American woman to receive a star for solo work—and later, in 1994, she was honored for her contributions to Motown’s trailblazing act, The Supremes. With the former being an exciting and pivotal moment in Ross’ career, when she accepted her Star, she adorably stood on top of it and clicked her heels three times because she “wanted to be Dorothy again” (she played Dorothy in the 1978 film adaptation of “The Wiz”).
3. Her Career Charts the Evolution of African American Musical Expression
Diana Ross’ musical trajectory spans well over six decades. Over the course of these years, she has developed, adopted, and spearheaded the popularity of several genres, including Motown, Disco, and R&B—leaving her unequivocal mark on each. Created contemporaneously with the ebbs and flows this country has endured during this time, her expansive work has remained steadfast in its ability to bring forth joy and color to the hearts of its listeners.
4. Diana Ross has a Passion for Fashion
Ross’ love for clothing was first cultivated during her schoolgirl days. It was at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan, where she took part in a clothing design program that propelled her into the fashion sphere—and ultimately led to her involvement in the costume design of her 1975 film, Mahogany. Fast forward to the present, Ross recently returned to the Met Gala for the first time in 22 years, stunning the crowd with two glamorous looks celebrating Black dandyism. Looking ahead, Ross plans to create a gallery showcasing her iconic looks from throughout the years.
5. Family is Everything to Her
Today, most artists’ non-negotiable tour necessities consist of disposable cameras and specialty snacks. For Diana Ross, it’s her children and grandchildren. She will be traveling alongside her entire family on tour this year, and will also share the stage with her daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, performing “Count on Me”—a song written for Diana by her eldest daughter.
Additionally, Ross was recently named the official godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. How did this partnership come about? Through Ross’ familial connection to the maritime shipping industry. Her longtime proximity to this world fostered a deep connection with the ocean and the vessels that sail it. Ross will set sail from Orlando, Florida, in August with her family on board.
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I may be partial as an amphitheater enthusiast—but the thought of experiencing a set as mesmerizing as the one Diana Ross is bound to deliver, amidst the open air of the Hollywood Hills, is tantamount to pure bliss. Not to mention, LA Phil-presented shows at the Bowl grant visitors the opportunity to bring their own food and beverages, allowing you to curate your evening to your personal taste and liking.
Whether you have a friend, partner, or parent in mind—grab your tickets to Diana Ross at the Hollywood Bowl and prepare to indulge in the hits that changed a generation and shaped those that followed. Save 30% on tickets in select sections using promo code WEEKEND30.
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