The 2017 American Music Awards took place Sunday evening (Nov. 19), with the annual awards show doubling as quite the family affair for Diana Ross.
The iconic singer, who took to the stage to perform a medley of her legendary catalog, was the celebration’s guest of honor, receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
To help celebrate, Ross brought along her entire family, with her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, 45, hosting the show while her other children, Evan Ross, 29, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, 46, Chudney Ross, 42, and Ross Naess, 30, as well as her grandchildren, cheered her on from the audience. In addition, the AMA honoree also brought along longtime friends Smokey Robinson and Motown founder and ex Berry Gordy.
“I’m excited that a younger generation gets to witness that, even just through the television screen,” Tracee said in a statement prior to the event. “Also, I think it’s a really extraordinary thing to honor somebody who’s had such an everlasting career, whose music has touched lives in such a poignant and special way. Music reaches into your heart, and my mom’s voice has been a part of people’s lives for a long time.”
Prior to the evening’s most anticipated performance, the Obamas even gave their blessing, sharing a special recorded message congratulating the singer, who last year was awarded by the former POTUS with the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The stunning 73-year-old was introduced by her son, Evan, who echoed his older sister’s sentiments and highlighted many of his mother’s best qualities and unparalleled achievements to kick off the celebration.
A video montage soon began playing, with archive footage highlighting her early days, special commentary about her undeniable cultural influence from Oprah, her career’s evolution, her transition into acting and her infectious, passionate love for singing.
Ross then came out on stage, wearing a stunning floor-length gown complete with silk gloves, breaking into a beautiful medley of some of her timeless hits, including, “I’m Coming Out,” “Take Me Higher” and her Wiz duet with Michael Jackson “Ease On Down The Road.”
“This one is dedicated to each of you with so much love. You are everything to me,” Ross said, addressing the audience before breaking into a rendition of her track, “The Best Years of My Life.”
For her final song of the evening, the singer and proud grandmother brought out her grandbabies, who joined her on stage for “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and later hilariously brought over her recently-lost fanny pack.
“This is the family,” she said, inviting the rest of her loved ones to join her on stage. “We love you so much. So very much.”
Her daughter, Rhonda, then took the microphone, addressing her mother proudly and excitedly to hand her the award alongside the smiling group gathered beside her.
“Mom, with no apology and in all of your power, with integrity, grace and generosity, you blazed a way,” Rhonda said. “Not just for us, your children, not just for women, not just for Black folk, not just for singers and performers or entrepreneurs who want to control their own destiny but for all of us. We are so proud to present you with the American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement.”
Ross happily accepted the honor, saying simply and genuinely, “This is all about love. This says it all. This is my family and I am sending love out there to each of you.. Our global family. I really love being here and I feel so humbled by this.”
Needless to say, the 2017 AMAs truly saved the most incredible moment of the evening for last.
Congratulations to Diana Ross on her Lifetime Achievement Award!