The last night of Diana Ross' Las Vegas residency at the Wynn Encore Theater was an evening of surprises, wonderment, songs, sentiment, love and amusement. It was also the end of her amazing, whirlwind tour of Europe, UK and the United States for 2022. As Ms Ross stated during her show, "Mama needs a rest!" And she definitely earned it. I went to six of her shows in the UK and Wales; and nine more in the United States, including all six shows in Las Vegas. Closing night of her residency ranks up there among the best of them.
Diana Ross seems to be in a good place in her life and reflective and thankful of everything that has come her way. Attending her shows, for many fans, is a spiritual experience. We have all grown up with her music whose lyrics seem to calm and fill our lives with purpose. Ms Ross is aware of the power of music which is why her albums of late are filled with songs of empowerment, of love...of family. Her latest album, "Thank You" especially has Ms Ross written all over it because, well, she has co-written many of these songs that comes from her heart.
The Question-and-Answer segment at the end of the show, has for me, become one of my favorite parts of her concerts. If you go to as many shows as I have, many of the questions (and answers) are predictable. What do you like to eat? What makes you look so young? What is your favorite song? And my favorite from Ms Ross, herself: Do you want me to talk about my family? LOL. And there are those who tell Ms Ross their story of how much Ms Ross means to them. Those are the most touching. Sometimes, their sentimental journey can be a little lengthy and lately Ms Ross would ask them with a laugh, "is this going to be a long story?"
From my position, it's hard to hear the questions that is being asked (can't the theater afford another microphone for the audience?) but the answers Ms Ross gives are interesting, informative and/or touching. Not necessarily in that order. Judging from the response that Ms Ross gave, these are the questions that were asked (not word by word):
1. Does she shop for her kids/grandkids?
2. Does she go home between shows? How does she manage to look great?
3. The Gardenia's story (a man who has been giving Diana Ross gardenias for many years was not allowed to bring them into the show)
4. What does she do when she's not singing? What she means to him.
5. Co-writer of Take Me Higher (either Sally Jo Dakota or Nikita Germaine) was in attendance and wanted a selfie with her.
6. Is there anyone that she hasn't worked with that she would like to record with?
7. What's your favorite charity? (Diana Ross Foundation and a plug for her bassist and Music Director, Cecil Thomas Jr organization, Music of the Mind Foundation)
8. More selfies
9. Actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish was in the house and wanted her to sing "Thank You" - something Diana had been wanting to do since the first question was asked! LOL
I must say, during the Q&A, you can see Diana Ross' comedic skills that had been passed on to Tracee Ellis Ross. My question would have been, has she ever thought about doing a Christmas special with her family since that seems to be their favorite holiday. Lots of talent in her family that can entertain for an hour! As fans know, Ms Ross loves to sing Christmas songs, having released several holiday albums over the years. And we must not forget the many Christmas/Thanksgiving photos that they post almost every year! Ms Ross has also stated that she might do a new Christmas album. It seems like a natural way to promote it!