Article and Photos by: Michael Flores
Featured Image by: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)

Hollywood, FL – This past Sunday night, the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted the opening night of Diana Ross’ Brand New Day Tour.

The band kicked off the evening playing behind the giant blue curtain before Ross appeared singing an abridged version of her 1980 top five single, “I’m Coming Out.” Ross’ featured opening number for her concert for almost 40 years still gets the crowd dancing and singing along.

Throughout the night, Diana engaged the crowd often asking the audience questions between singalong numbers from her almost 50 years in show business. Ross played a good mix of Supreme and solo hits, including “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Upside Down,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Always the fashionable artist, Diana’s set included six outfit changes including multiple coats and dresses. Each costume change provided members of her band the opportunity to show off with individual solos.  Ross’ band included piano, saxophone, electric guitar, drums and two backup singers.

The approximate 70-minute set wrapped up with a cover of the Gloria Gaynor classic, “I Will Survive.”  The early encore left audiences wanting more; There was a sense of confusion in the air as the crowd eagerly awaited Diana’s return, which sadly never came. Overall, it was a great performance from an iconic artist. Fans of great music will definitely enjoy the show despite its short run time.