“Let’s have fun again.” This joyous declaration lit up the expansive video screen at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on the evening of July 25. Diana Ross truly made good on that promise during the exhilarating first night of her two-night engagement at this renowned Los Angeles venue, leaving the audience captivated and craving more.

Defying the constraints of her 81 years, the legendary diva demonstrated two crucial truths throughout her two-hour performance. Firstly, age is merely a number, as evidenced by her vibrant energy. Secondly, nearly six decades following The Supremes’ groundbreaking No. 1 hit — the unforgettable 1964 classic “Where Did Our Love Go” — the group’s compelling lead vocalist remains “The Boss” when it comes to captivating a full house, proving her timeless appeal and showmanship.

Prior to diving into her iconic 1980 classic “Upside Down,” Ross candidly acknowledged her age, playfully stating, “You know I’m 81, right?” This humorous admission was met with a wave of enthusiastic cheers, showcasing the audience’s admiration and love for the artist who has shaped countless musical careers and genres.

Accompanying Ross throughout the evening was a stellar group of musicians, including a talented violinist. All performers were dressed elegantly in white, which complemented the vibrant atmosphere. The quartet of singers added their harmonious voices to the mix, enhancing the overall experience. Even the piano was pristine in white. Among the audience, Ross’ daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, was spotted greeting friends, adding a familial warmth to the night’s festivities.

Following her Hollywood Bowl engagement, Ross will return on July 26 before continuing her Celebrating Timeless Classics – 2025 Tour. Upcoming stops include Saratoga, California on August 16, San Francisco on August 17, St. Louis on August 28, Atlantic City on October 25, and Newark, New Jersey on October 27. Additional dates are expected to be announced, further extending her reach to fans across the nation.

Here are five standout moments from Ross’ magical opening night at the Hollywood Bowl that captured the hearts of all in attendance.

No Opening Act Needed: There was no opening act for the evening, and it certainly wasn’t missed. Ms. Ross immediately captivated the audience with a captivating video presentation that chronicled her illustrious career and personal life. “It took me a lifetime to get here, and I’m not going anywhere,” she remarked during a voiceover, as a montage of her performances flashed across the screen. This visual journey included family photos and clips featuring her parents and siblings, with her father humorously describing Diana as “wild” during her childhood. Ross passionately shared, “singing became my life,” transitioning through various chapters of her remarkable career, from her time with The Supremes to her solo endeavors, including memorable duets with Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye. The video also highlighted her achievements in film and television, alongside her reflections on motherhood, stating, “Having babies was the most magical for me.” This powerful showcase served as a reminder of Ross’s incredible journey, reinforcing her belief that “through it all, there’s always been music.”

Entrance Fit for a Diva: As audience excitement reached its peak following the video, Ross playfully teased the crowd. Instead of immediately appearing on stage, her voice echoed through the auditorium, reciting the opening lines to her rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”: “If you need me, call me/ No matter where you are, no matter how far.” As the band struck up the familiar chords for “I’m Coming Out,” Ross finally graced the stage in a dazzling yellow gown adorned with a sequined bodice and an elegant matching cape. The audience erupted in applause, standing in reverence to welcome the iconic performer.

A Heartfelt Supremes Tribute: Invoking Spiral Starecase’s 1969 Hot 100 hit “More Today Than Yesterday,” Ross paid homage to her fellow Supremes, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. “Let’s go back to the good old days,” she encouraged before launching into a medley that invited the audience to join in the nostalgic sing-along. As cherished songs such as “Baby Love” and “You Can’t Hurry Love” filled the air, fans joyfully chimed in, creating a magical atmosphere. The tribute seamlessly transitioned into two more timeless classics from the Supremes’ songbook, “Come See About Me” and “Stop! In the Name of Love,” further solidifying Ross’s connection to her roots and the crowd’s enthusiasm.

Dynamic Second Half: Throughout the night, Ross’s warm, angelic vocals resonated, particularly as she transitioned to performing signature songs from her illustrious solo career, including “Touch Me in the Morning” and “Don’t Explain.” The latter, from her Academy Award-nominated portrayal of the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues, showcased her incredible range. Taking a brief intermission one hour into the show, Ross returned wearing a stunning red gown with a matching cape. She performed more memory-evoking songs, including “The Boss” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” the latter prompting a sea of audience members to wave their phone lights in unison. Ross also performed “Endless Love,” after which an enthusiastic fan was overheard expressing a desire to see her perform the song live alongside her longtime duet partner, Lionel Richie.

A Magical Ross Family Affair: In a touching moment, Ross, who also performed “Tomorrow” from her latest album Thank You, introduced a special guest during the latter half of the show: her daughter, Rhonda Ross. Rhonda graced the stage with a couple of her own songs, including the heartfelt “Count on Me,” which she wrote for Thank You. After changing into a dazzling gold lamé gown complemented by a shimmering golden coat, Ross delivered a stunning cover of Frankie Lymon’s “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” followed by the iconic “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” and the captivating “Love Hangover.” Following this memorable performance, her family, including daughters Tracee and Rhonda, along with her grandchildren, joined a grateful Ross on stage. As she expressed at the beginning of the show, “There’s nothing more magical than the energy onstage,” a sentiment that resonated deeply throughout the evening.