Beyoncé is now on the tail end of her history making Renaissance World Tour. This past weekend, the “Cozy” singer performed for three nights in Los Angeles’ So-Fi Stadium—to sold out crowds—and the third night happened to be her birthday. There was much anticipation around the “Bey Day” show, seeing as though dozens of Black celebrities came out all weekend. Many were asking, ‘what can top this already iconic show?’ The answer—the legendary Diana Ross coming out to sing happy birthday to Mrs. Knowles-Carter.
Ross, now 79 and as fierce as ever, came out dressed in a stunning black gown to serenade the freshly turned 42-year-old Beyoncé. As one of her idols, the “I Care” songstress ran on stage to greet and thank Diana Ross—and it was evident that this was a moment that Bey’s inner child needed. Smiling from ear-to-ear, she hugged the “Upside Down” icon tightly, and it was very reminiscent of the moment she met her other idol, the late Tina Turner.
“I am here. I am here tonight to celebrate Beyoncé’s birthday. I want everyone to hold their flashlights and lights high in the air, and sing happy birthday with me,” Diana Ross said before leading the crowd in song to honor the Renaissance Tour headliner.
Bey then uses the moment to give Ross her flowers, something she’s always done for the artists whom she credits for paving the way for her.
“Thank you so much! You are so amazing. There would be no me without you,” the Houston native says tearfully. “Thank you for all your sacrifices, your beauty and your grace. Give it up for the queen!”
The two divas walk hand-in-hand off the stage before Bey goes to change and come back for her next set of her show. Earlier that night, the “Single Ladies” star gave a heartfelt speech to the audience during the opening set. Holding back tears, she thanked her entire family and her fans for their part in making her who she is today.
“I’m thankful to be alive; I’m thankful to be on this stage. I’m thankful to look out and see your faces. I’m thankful to be able to provide a safe space for all of you. I’m thankful for music and the ability to heal myself through music, which then heals all of you.”
See the entire speech below.
