The '...Ready for It?' singer helps pay tribute to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the recently concluded American Music Awards.
- Nov 20, 2017
AceShowbiz - Taylor Swift may have skipped this year's American Music Award, but her presence could still be felt on the show. The 27-year-old star made a surprise appearance via a recorded message to help pay tribute to Diana Ross.
"Hey Diana, it's Taylor. I just want to say congratulations on your lifetime achievement award I want to say congratulations. I don't personally know anyone in music who hasn't been inspired by you and influenced by you," Swift said in the video, honoring the singing legend. "You are elegant and fierce and strong and brave, and you have paved the way for everyone who does what we do now including me. So, thank you."
Diana was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to her by her daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick. She said the award was "not just for women, not just for black folk, not just for singers, actors, performers and entrepreneurs who want to forge our own destiny, but for all of us!"
Prior to accepting the award, Diana performed some of her hits, including "I'm Coming Out", "Take Me Higher", "Ease on Down the Road", "The Best Years of My Life" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".
She said as she accepted her speech onstage, joined by other stars on the show, "This is all about love, This is my family and I'm sending love out there to each and everyone one of you-our global family. I'm so humbled. I love you so very much and I think you know that. I really, really love you so very much and I will hold onto this beautiful honor. Thank you."
Ain't No Mountain too high for @DianaRoss & her family! HUGE Congratulations on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award! #MsROSSxAMAs #AMAs pic.twitter.com/I5hve4TmCT
— AMAs (@AMAs) November 20, 2017
Diana's daughter and "Black-ish" star Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the show. "It's extra special. It just feels like sort of a perfect mish mosh of the right things, you know?" Tracee told E! News about honoring her mother at the event, which took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 19. Tracee added, "Like the planets aligned, I couldn't have planned that."
