Before Beyonce, Christina, Madonna, or just about any other Diva, there was Diana Ross. The former Supreme once set the standard with high energy shows, flamboyant costume changes, and legendary performances.
She maintains that diva aspect even today. She refused all media interview requests to promote the show, which is a shame as it would have been great exposure for the charitable organization, It's Me Anabelle INC, an organization dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors and those dealing with the disease. It may have helped move a few more tickets in the half-full Corral. To her credit she did a meet and greet with contest winners without charging $500 so that is an improvement on many "VIP" opportunities today. Those who couldn't meet Ms. Ross in person could instead get the next best thing before the show - the incredible DevaDave in full on Diana drag in the lobby.
You can always count on a Diva to do two things... be late, and make an entrance. Scheduled to start at 8pm, it was nearly 20 minutes later that the lights dimmed and Ross made her entrance surrounded with yellow feathers for the gay anthem I'm Coming Out.
It soon became apparent that Ross at 66 still has incredible pipes. She hit the notes on songs like Stop in the Name of Love, Baby Love, You Can't Hurry Love, Why Do Fools Fall in Love (sensing a theme here) and many others from her 40 year catalogue, as if it was 1970. The crowd ate it up, often standing and dancing in the aisles.
Her skilled band backed her up with precision and skill, showcasing themselves as world class artists. Of course a diva wouldn't have it any other way. Things seemed to grind to a halt and the energy in the room dissipated during a lengthy set of slow numbers, but picked up again with songs like Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
After making bows, she returned to the stage for I Will Survive and the beautiful I Love You (That's All That Really Matters) from her I Love You album. With that, the concert was over.
This is where I found myself in disbelief. She has the pipes, and 40 years of songs to choose from, yet the concert lasted a scant 80 minutes. With ticket prices what they were, I expected more. Sure it was a charity gig, sure she may be 66, but just the night before I saw Aerosmith play for almost twice as long, and that was 5 guys barely younger.
With apologies to Ms. Ross, I have to say that last facet of "diva" behaviour ended the show on a sour note.