Diana Ross, 81, Stuns Fans With Ageless Appearance on 'New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve'
- - Diana Ross, 81, Stuns Fans With Ageless Appearance on 'New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve'
Victoria MillerJanuary 1, 2026 at 7:51 PM
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Photo by Noam Galai on Getty Images
Diana Ross lit up Times Square on New Yearâs Eve. On Dec. 31, the Motown legend made a dazzling appearance on ABCâs Dick Clarkâs New Yearâs Rockinâ Eve With Ryan Seacrest broadcast â exactly 50 years after she topped the charts with her song âTheme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where Youâre Going To).â
To ring in 2026, Ross, 81, performed a medley of some of the biggest songs from her decades-long career while wearing a glamorous red sequined gown. The legendary Supremes singer performed classics such as "Upside Down," âTake Me Higher,â and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," performing some of her set from a platform above the crowd just before the iconic ball drop in New York City.
As she performed her signature hit, the singer told her fans she was "so grateful for all of the blessings" in her life.
Ross was front and center alongside host Ryan Seacrest as confetti covered the stage to mark the arrival of 2026. She also blew kisses to her fans from the platform.
On social media, fans had a big reaction to Rossâs performanceâand it wasnât just about her music. Many fans couldnât believe how incredible Ross looked at age 81.
âI cannot believe that is an 81-year-old woman. She looks amazing,â one fan wrote on a TikTok clip of Rossâs âAinât No Mountain High Enoughâ performance.
âShe looks amazing. She needs to drop skincare routine asap!â another agreed.
On X, a fan wrote. "Just catching up on Diana Rossâs NYE performance from Times Square. First off has an 81-year-old ever looked better or sounded better, second, she is ABSOLUTELY LEGENDARY.â
"Diana Ross is 81 years old and gave more stage presence than half of the new girls out now. #DianaRoss#NewYears#RockinEve,â another fan wrote.
In June 2025, Ross shared the secrets to her happy and healthy life. âI like staying busy,â she told People magazine. âBecause I love what I do, it keeps me grounded. I'm swimming a lot lately to stay flexible. I must get my sleep, which is important to me. I do my best to eat well, but I do like HĂ€agen-Dazs ice cream.â
âThe love of what I do keeps me grounded, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually,â the music legend added. âI try not to hold any unnecessary stress. I meditate in the mornings, and I pray at night."
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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: âAOL Entertainmentâ