Live Review: Diana Ross – 2nd July 2025 – O2 Arena, London, UK
5 min read
Summer in the UK is such an exciting time of the year; if not for the warm sunshine that finally visits the country and turns everyone into a much more cheerful version of themselves, then for the plethora of megastars that visit the capital for outdoor shows and arena tours. This week is a full throttle week for us here at Renowned For Sound with gigs almost every night including one that we have been waiting so long for – disco/soul diva, Diana Ross.
Midway through the week and right in the heart of London, the iconic Ms Ross made a warmly welcomed return to the UK with a special seven-date tour titled A Symphonic Celebration. The run included performances in Birmingham, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, and culminated in the capital at The O2. For this orchestral series, Ross was joined by different esteemed ensembles: the Hallé Orchestra for most dates, the Scottish National Orchestra in Glasgow, and for last night’s London show, the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
The evening opened with a sweeping orchestral overture with Ross narrating her self-described ‘rags-to-riches’ story on the overhead screens before making her entrance to I’m Coming Out, glowing in a dazzling white gown which she would later confess to the crowd as being “far too long”.
Early on, she delivered a back-to-back collection of Supremes classics including Baby Love, You Can’t Hurry Love, Come See About Me, and Stop! In the Name of Love. Vintage Supremes footage played behind her on giant video screens, offering a visual tribute to her groundbreaking years with Motown. It was an emotional and reverent moment, connecting the past with the present.
Ahead of I’m Still Waiting, Ross engaged the audience warmly: “For this one, I want you to join in with me. Let’s see if you remember it.” The crowd sang along softly, creating an intimate break in the otherwise grand production.
A clear highlight came with Don’t Explain, a Billie Holiday classic from her Lady Sings the Blues soundtrack. The song was stripped down and jazz-laced, with standout solos from her band’s pianist and saxophonist among many —showcasing not only Ross’s interpretive depth but also the stellar musicianship of her touring ensemble. Later, Ease on Down the Road brought a theatrical burst of energy. Following the performance, Ross exited for a costume change, returning moments later in a regal flowing purple gown—just as elegant as her opening look. Midway through the show, she playfully shed parts of the dress to reveal a body-hugging number adorned with ruffles, drawing audible admiration from the audience.
Chain Reaction was another visual and energetic high point. The iconic video played across massive overhead screens spanning the width of The O2 stage, bringing the crowd to its feet. While the audience danced enthusiastically, Ross appeared slightly challenged by the song’s fast pace – a rare moment where time showed, although it certainly helped get her otherwise sedate audience up on their feet and moving.
Amazing Grace offered a stunning contrast. A cinematic intro led into a spotlight-lit solo where Ross’s voice shone with richness and control. It was among the most moving performances of the night—graceful, spiritual, and vocally strong. Then came Upside Down, exploding with funky bass and disco sparkle. “You know I’m 81, right?” Ross asked with a smile, receiving loud cheers. She then invited her grandchildren onstage to join her for the song’s final chorus—a touching family moment that felt spontaneous and deeply joyful.
Count on Me, a duet with her daughter Rhonda and taken from Ross’s latest album, was performed with a backdrop of family photographs. It felt more like a shared memory than a performance, showcasing not only Ross’s vocal longevity but her legacy in full. Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand) became one of the evening’s most heartfelt singalongs with the superstar encouraging fans to light up the arena with their phones, transforming The O2 into a field of glowing lights.
The final run of songs—including Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To), If the World Just Danced, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and a rousing Ain’t No Mountain High Enough was a joyful sendoff, steeped in nostalgia before Ross took a quick off-stage breather and returned for The Best Years of My Life and Thank You, the latter serving as a humble expression of gratitude to the fans who have followed her for decades.
When Diana Ross takes the stage, she brings with her a lifetime of hits, history, and heart. Now 81, the Motown legend shows no signs of slowing down. A Symphonic Celebration is a career-spanning journey through her greatest moments, reimagined with lush orchestral arrangements that add grandeur to her already glittering catalogue.
Setlist:
Overture
I’m Coming Out
More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Starecase cover)
Baby Love (The Supremes song)
You Can’t Hurry Love (The Supremes song)
Come See About Me (The Supremes song)
Stop! In the Name of Love (The Supremes song)
If We Hold on Together
Touch Me In The Morning
Chain Reaction
He Lives in You (Lebo M cover)
Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday cover)
Love Hangover
Take Me Higher
Home (Charlie Smalls cover)
Ease on Down the Road (Diana Ross and Michael Jackson song)
The Boss
Endless Love (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie song)
Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)
Amazing Grace (John Newton cover)
Upside Down
Count on Me
Just in Case
If the World Just Danced
Why Do Fools Fall in Love (Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers cover)
Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell cover)
Encore:
The Best Years of My Life
Thank You
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
