Beyoncé’s Surprise Birthday Guest: Diana Ross Takes Center Stage
On Monday night, Beyoncé, the celebrated “Virgo’s Groove” singer, marked another orbit around the sun during the third leg of her Renaissance World Tour at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The evening was already pulsating with energy as Beyoncé poured her heart into her performance, but the night was about to get even more legendary.
As the crowd roared with anticipation, Diana Ross made a stunning appearance on stage, ready to serenade Beyoncé with her timeless hit, “Love Hangover.” Ross not only graced the stage but also enlisted the star-studded audience to join in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for the now 42-year-old Beyoncé. Overwhelmed with emotion, Beyoncé embraced the iconic singer as tears welled up in her eyes.
In a moment of gratitude and awe, Beyoncé praised Diana Ross, saying, “Thank you so much. You are so amazing. This is the legendary Diana Ross.” The atmosphere was electric as these two powerhouses of music shared the stage.
Beyoncé didn’t stop there; she continued her heartfelt thanks by acknowledging her family, saying, “I’m thankful for every tear, for every year. I’m thankful for my children. I’m thankful for my husband. I’m thankful for all that we’ve been through. I’m thankful for my beautiful father who is here tonight; I thank you for his sacrifice, for his pain. I’m thankful for my mother, my beautiful queen.”
It’s worth noting that Beyoncé’s connection with Diana Ross goes beyond this night. In 2006, Beyoncé portrayed the fictional singer Deena Jones in the movie “Dreamgirls,” a role inspired by Diana Ross during her time with The Supremes.
Diana Ross just sang happy birthday to Beyonce!!! #RENAISANCEWorldTour pic.twitter.com/KMtsFQISQ1
— kelechi (@its_kelechi) September 5, 2023
As her speech continued, Beyoncé expressed her gratitude to Destiny’s Child members, her parents, Mathew Knowles and Tina Knowles, her husband Jay-Z, and everyone who has supported her creative journey. “My soul is full. I’m so thankful, I’m trying not to cry,” Beyoncé shared with the audience before delivering a moving performance of “Flaws and All.” “I’m thankful to be alive. I’m thankful to be on stage. I’m thankful to look out and see your faces. I’m thankful to be able to provide a safe space for all of y’all. I’m thankful for music, for the ability to heal myself through music which then heals all of you.”
She added, “I’m thankful that we all have the ability to make lemonade out of our lemons,” referencing her 2016 album “Lemonade.”
In a touching tribute to her Destiny’s Child days, the Grammy-winning artist extended her appreciation, saying, “I’m thankful for Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Robertson. I’m thankful for all of you guys who have been with me since 1997.”
Closing her speech with deep gratitude, Beyoncé concluded, “I’m thankful for every flaw, for every stretch mark, every FUPA. I thank you that I’m here at 42. I’m grateful for joy and I thank God. I thank you, God.” The night was an unforgettable celebration of both Beyoncé’s incredible journey and the enduring legacy of Diana Ross in the world of music.