DIANA ROSS // OVO HYDRO, GLASGOW
Diana Ross Shines in Glasgow: An Evening of Timeless Hits and Heavenly Vocals
★★★★☆ (4/5)
At 81 years old, Diana Ross glided onto the Hydro Arena stage in Glasgow last night with the grace and presence of true royalty. Draped in a breathtaking, swan-like white ball gown that shimmered under the spotlights, she cut a figure both regal and radiant. Her skin glowed with an almost ethereal light, and her trademark luscious curls framed a beaming smile that instantly lit up the vast arena. If age has touched Ross, it has done nothing to dim her star power.
Opening with the infectious “I’m Coming Out,” Ross immediately brought the audience to their feet, setting the celebratory tone for a night steeped in nostalgia and joy. Backed by an incredible orchestra, the sound was lush, rich, and cinematic, transforming her greatest hits into grand, sweeping spectacles. Early in the set, Ross paused to politely request that some microphones be turned up and others turned down—a tiny glimpse of the professionalism and perfectionism that have kept her at the top of her game for more than six decades. The adjustment sharpened the audio mix, ensuring her heavenly voice soared above the instrumentation.
From there, Ross guided the audience on a journey through her storied career. Motown classics like “Baby Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “Come See About Me” transported the crowd back to the golden age of The Supremes. Her voice, still angelic and velvety, caressed each melody with warmth and precision. When she launched into “Stop! In the Name of Love,” the entire arena joined in, palms outstretched in that iconic hand gesture—a moment that underscored her enduring connection with fans across generations.
Solo hits like “Touch Me in the Morning,” “I’m Still Waiting,” and “Chain Reaction” shimmered with fresh vitality, with Ross’s vocals maintaining both power and sweetness. One of the night’s most surprising highlights came with “He Lives in You,” from The Lion King’s stage production, performed with moving sincerity against a backdrop of glowing African imagery. Her rendition of Billie Holiday’s “Don’t Explain” was smoky and intimate, showcasing a jazz sensibility that few pop legends possess.
Later, Ross turned the arena into a dance floor with “Love Hangover,” “Upside Down,” and “The Boss,” each track rippling with irresistible grooves. Her orchestra matched her energy beat for beat, injecting these disco classics with new life. “Endless Love,” originally a duet with Lionel Richie, was delivered solo but no less tender, earning a wave of phone lights from the audience.
Throughout the evening, Ross proved herself a consummate entertainer, radiating warmth and gratitude between songs. She engaged the crowd in call-and-response during “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” making the cavernous venue feel surprisingly intimate.
Her iconic covers, such as “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Theme From Mahogany,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” drew deafening cheers. In the encore, Ross returned with “The Best Years of My Life” and “Thank You,” closing the evening on a note of gratitude and reflective joy.
For two hours, Diana Ross reminded Glasgow why she remains one of the greatest performers of all time. Her voice—still angelic, still commanding—her elegance, and her profound connection with the audience turned a night of greatest hits into something deeply moving and utterly timeless. At 81, she continues not just to perform, but to reign supreme.