Diana Ross presented with Lifetime Achievement Award at AMAs

over 6 years in NY Daily

Diana Ross still reigns supreme.

The legendary singer was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the AMAs Sunday night after a decades-long career.

“What do you get when you cross a chart-topping singer, trailblazing style icon, record-breaking pioneer, international superstar, and an all-around boss?” son Evan said, introducing the singer. “Everybody, you get my mom. Miss Diana Ross.”

A video montage showed Ross’ most famous roles, mixed in with personal narration from the “Endless Love” singer herself over the years.

Ross made her entrance to “I’m Coming Out” in an elaborate pink tulle shawl, then jumped to “Take Me Higher,” “Ease On Down the Road,” When You Tell Me That You Love Me” and “The Best Years of my Life.”

Her grandchildren joined her on stage for “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Ross, a seven-time American Music Awards winner, attended the first AMAs in 1974 and performed multiple times over the years, including leading “We Are the World” in 1986.

Ross hosted the show in 1986 and 1987 and presented the first Dick Clark Award for Excellence to Taylor Swift in 2014.

After leaving the Supremes in 1970, following garnering 12 No. 1 hit singles, Ross launched a dominant solo career.

“With no apology, and in all of your power, with integrity, grace and generosity, you blazed a way, not just for us, your children, not just for women, not just for black folk, not just for singers and performers and entrepreneurs, but for all of us, we are so proud to present you with the American Music Award for lifetime achievement,” daughter Rhonda said.

After being presented with both the award and her iconic fanny pack, Ross teared up during her thanks.

“This is all about love. All about love. This says it all. This is my family. And I'm sending love out there to all of you, each and every one of you of our global family. And I really, really love being here, and I feel so humbled by this,” she said.

“I love you so very much. And I think you know that. I really love you so much. And I will hold on to that beautiful honor. Thank you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Other performers who have earned the recognition include Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Paul McCartney and Prince.

“When we heard Diana Ross was getting the lifetime achievement award, our first reaction was, ‘She doesn’t have it yet?’” Barack and Michelle Obama said in a prerecorded video.

“Her artistry resonates with everyone, and today her voice is still as pure, her beauty is undeniable and her showmanship is on point as back when she was a Supreme. We still listen to Diana in the house. That’s why I gave her the presidential medal of freedom last year. But this is a big deal too.”

Ross brought her entire family to the show, including daughters Tracee Ellis Ross — who was hosting the show — Chudney and Rhonda, as well as son Evan, longtime friend Smokey Robinson and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Share it on