Music icon Diana Ross left a global audience stunned on Wednesday night, not just with her performance, but with her age. The legendary singer, headlining Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, delivered an energetic set that had many fans scrambling to confirm she is indeed 81 years old.
A Timeless Performance in Times Square
Just before the arrival of 2026, Ross commanded the main stage in New York's Times Square, dazzling in a glamorous, monochromatic crimson ensemble. Her sparkling, off-the-shoulder red sequin gown was paired with a floor-length fur coat, while she rocked her natural hair and a sultry smoky eye. Flanked by tuxedo-clad backup dancers, she powered through a hit-filled set including 'The Boss', 'Upside Down', and closed with the anthems 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' and 'Take Me Higher'.
At one point, she told the excited crowd, 'I'm so grateful for all the blessings in my life,' a sentiment echoed by viewers worldwide. The event, co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora from New York, featured a star-studded lineup including Mariah Carey, Pitbull, Post Malone, and KPop Demon Hunters singers, but it was Ross who became the trending topic.
Social Media Erupts in Disbelief and Praise
The revelation of Ross's age triggered a wave of shock and admiration across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Fans expressed utter disbelief at her vitality and commanding stage presence.
One fan tweeted: 'How the hell is Diana Ross 81 years old!?!?!?' while another declared, 'Diana Ross is looking d*** good to be 81.' The sentiment was nearly universal, with comments like 'No way Diana Ross is 81. She looks like she's 50' and 'Diana Ross is 81 years old and giving more stage presence than half the new girls out now.'
Many hailed her as a true queen of music, with one fan writing, 'She ain't done yet and she is a QUEEN. She deserves her flowers, all of it.'
A Career Spanning Decades
The performance was a potent reminder of Ross's unparalleled career. She first rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes at just age 17 in the 1960s, earning the title 'Queen of Motown' and helping to make the group one of the best-selling girl groups in history.
Her New Year's Eve showcase proved that her vocal prowess and star power remain undimmed. The Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve special, which also featured performances from Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Maren Morris, and Chappell Roan, aired live on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu.
