Diana Ross performed a medley of hits at Sundayâs 2017 American Music Awards, where she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Watch the video below!
In October, it was announced that Ross would be receiving the distinguished award at this yearâs ceremony. A seven-time AMA winner, Ross attended the very first edition of the awards show in 1974, and even hosted the ceremony in both 1986 and 1987. The beloved artist said in a statement, âI have endless memories of all the years that I have appeared on the American Music Awards. It started with Dick Clark and The Caravan of Stars and American Bandstand. It was Dick Clark who said, âMusic is the soundtrack of our lives.â So true. I am so excited to be receiving this honorable award.â
Tracee Ellis Ross, this yearâs host of the AMAs, recently spoke of her excitement at getting to see her mother take home the prestigious award. âSheâs a bit of an international treasure in my opinion. Iâm excited that a younger generation gets to witness that, even just through the television screen. I think itâs a really extraordinary thing to honor somebody whoâs had such an everlasting career, whose music has touched lives in such a poignant and special way. My momâs voice has been a part of peopleâs lives for a long time,â the younger Ross told People.
Ross, who has been part of a number of show-stopping performances at the AMAs throughout the years, including a star-studded rendition of âWe Are the Worldâ in 1986, took to the stage tonight to perform âIâm Coming Out,â âTake Me Higherâ and more favorites. Adorably, her grandchildren came on stage to dance. In her speech, for which her loved ones surrounded her, the legendary star said, âThis is the family. We love you so much, so very much.â She went on, âThis is all about love. This says it all. This is my family and Iâm sending love out there to all of you, each and every one of you of our global family.â
In 2016, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sting. In previous years, honorees have included Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Annie Lennox, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and Prince. Check out video of Rossâ performance below, as well as her Lifetime Achievement Award speech.
Photo: Getty Images